Good men, below are some insights into the second and third verse of Acts 1. Let us read and re-read. Let us dig deep!
Verse 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
Verse 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
He: In verse two the word he is used three times. In verse three the words he and his are used. These verses, and the chapter, and the whole book are about Jesus. Jesus is always the central focus of the New Testament. “Let us keep our eyes on Jesus.” Hebrews 12:2
He was taken up: This is what is a called his ascension. It will take place in verse nine.
Given commands: His commands are truth, and we desperately need truth. We are not big on Jesus commands. We prefer his promises and blessings. But, his commands are about how to wisely live, how to successfully go about life as a Christian, and how to have the healthiest perspective possible.
Through the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is at work guiding, directing, empowering, to fulfill the purposes of God. The Holy Spirit is active throughout the book. This is true in our life too. We must (MUST!) be careful not quench and grieve the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).
The apostles whom he had chosen: This is the twelve disciples, minus Judas. What Jesus began with these men he will continue with. Jesus is sending them out to speak for Him, to go out, into the world, and make disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them. What God begins in us he will also complete. (Philippians 1:6)
He presented himself alive to them: We often take these five words for granted. But at the time these were mouth-dropping words. These words changed people, and in time changed the world. Let us be careful. Jesus is very much alive. He was dead, killed by sinners. But he did not stay dead. He died for us. He came back to life for us. He is very much alive!
after his suffering: Suffering is part of life. No one is exempt. Jesus is God, but Jesus is a wounded God. He understands suffering, not only in his crucifixion, but also the years they chased after him confronting him, accusing him, threatening to kill him. He knew disappointment, discouragement, personal conflict, etc.. He can relate to us more than we realize.
by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days: This is a gap of time, between the resurrection and book of Acts, that is often forgotten. But for the disciples this is an immediate continuance of the men walking with and being taught by Jesus. When Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, he picked up where he left off on Friday.
speaking about the kingdom of God: This! Notice THIS! Life is always about perspective. Jesus wanted their minds filled with good and great and future things. He wanted to give them their marching orders, how they will do the work of God, and that this work is as big and as important as the very kingdom of God. This is the same work we are to be deeply involved in.
The first chapter of Acts is the hinge between the resurrection and Jesus establishing His church. It’s full of little things (and big things) that help us see God at work. He is always at work. Every single day in all of our lives.
One of the best books on suffering
The Men's Bible Reading Idea 