Acts of the Apostles

The book of Acts, also known as the Acts of the Apostles, was written by Luke circa A.D. 63 or later. The Zondervan NIV Study Bible notes the book of Acts bridges the gospels with the apostolic writings. It reveals the potential of the church from the beginning. Acts walks you through the origins of the Christian churches, as well as provides a guide for the spread of the gospel far and wide. The things we learn in Acts teach us that perseverance in the face of persecution is to be an expected part of sharing the gospel message.

My personal synopsis of the book of Acts is the overarching life of discipleship in action. Acts takes us through the success and failures of early disciples. We see the need for One Spirit, one focus, minds set on things above, and the importance of family in the body of Christ. The apostles show us new tactics for spreading the gospel message, through some really high moments to some really low moments. We see the early Christians standing up, standing out, facing fears, and changing lives.

4  Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before.  5  John baptized with  water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

  14  They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

Jesus commanded the apostles to stay and wait for the Holy Spirit before going out to fulfill the mission of sharing the gospel. While they waited, the disciples spent time together “constantly united” in prayer. The Greek word here for united is Homothumadon which means of one accord, melded together, ”constantly united”. As we approach the mission, do we join “constantly united” in prayer? While we are waiting on God in other areas of our life do we join this way, “constantly united” in prayer?

16  “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit,…

20  Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position”…

24  Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 26  Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.

Here, while still waiting, we see Peter reminding the disciples of the scriptures regarding Judas. They must face the process of replacing Judas, as the scriptures had predicted. So not only do we see the disciples “constantly united” in prayer while waiting, but also focusing on scripture and the things they are called to do while they wait. They use their prayers to call on God to seek His will in the decision of who would replace Judas. While we are waiting on God, are we asking him to make decisions clear to us? Are we continuing to see in the scriptures the things we can do as we wait?

26  Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.

Fun tidbit: This is the last time the disciples will need to cast lots to know God’s will. Going forward they will have the Holy Spirit to guide and direct them.

Father, I pray we are a people that are constantly united in prayer to you, as we focus on the mission and as we make decisions in our walk with you. I pray, that our hearts are always reminded of your scriptures and the call to action within them. Let us not be idle, waiting and watching, but rather be diligent praying and doing to your glory. Amen