2018-2020 Local Groups Study

The book of Acts tells the story of the early church.  It begins with the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven and the disciples waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit.  Shortly before His departure, Jesus told His disciples “… but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).”

The first part of this statement emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of the church.  You will notice many references to the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts – more than any other book in the Bible.  Over half of the biblical references to the “Holy Spirit” are contained in Luke’s writings – 13 in his gospel and 40 in his book of Acts.  This strong emphasis has led some commentators to suggest that “The Acts of the Apostles” should be more appropriately named “The Acts of the Holy Spirit”.  His ministry was to exalt Jesus Christ and ensure the success of the gospel ministry.  Clearly, the church was established and is sustained and protected by the mighty power of the Spirit of God.

The second part of the above Acts 1:8 statement reveals the progression of the church. The disciples were called to be the authoritative “witnesses” of Jesus Christ.  This ministry began  with the church in Jerusalem (Acts 2-7), continued with the church in Judea and Samaria (Acts 8-12), and then concluded with the church in all the world (Acts 13-21).  Finally, the last part of Paul’s ministry (Acts 21-28) followed the same pattern of Jerusalem, Judea, and the ends of the earth, namely Rome.  The establishment of the church will continue until the gospel ministry is completed through the many faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ.

The book of Acts describes only the early stages of the church, but the work of the ministry has continued throughout church history – and will continue in our day until the gospel ministry is completed.  Our challenge is to follow the example of the early church in being faithful to the truth of God’s Word and dependent upon the mighty power of God.  Jesus Christ promised, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).  Let us pray that the work of the church will continue to prosper to the glory of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.