For those of you joining in the #LentChallenge, this is the week we cross over from Luke into Acts. No small transition.
Much like the Gospel of Luke, Acts is written by a master storyteller whose dramatic scenes and startling details awaken our hearts to the series of events following Jesus’ ascension.
But something deeper awaits to be discovered in Acts.
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Luke and Acts are handcrafted with intentional artistry. While other followers of Jesus write Gospels and letters, Luke couples the arrival of Christ with the history of the early church. Luke-Acts offers a two volume work.
Alas, our modern table of contents can lead us to believe these are stand alone books, but when we read them side by side we dig one layer deeper. Parallels emerge. Phrases echo. Another facet of the kingdom of God unfolds before our eyes.
Both letters launch with dedications to Theophilus. From Luke 1:1-4, we know Theo was a follower of Jesus and Luke was written to provide an orderly account and confirm his faith. If Luke provided a detailed account of Christ, Acts confirms time and time again that the Good News arrived and people are encountering Him.
Through Acts, our eyes and hearts are opened to the reality that the life of the church is a gift of God, a fulfillment of Scripture, and the genesis through which the news of Jesus spreads.
As we read these first few chapters, we glimpse literary parallels between Luke and Acts.
Introduction to Theophilus — Luke 1:1-4
Introduction to Theophilus — Acts 1:1-5
Evidence of waiting —Luke 1:5-25
Evidence of waiting —Acts 1:4-5
Amazed by events — Luke 1:65
Amazed by events —Acts 2:7
Arrival of Jesus — Luke 2:1-20
Ascension of Jesus — Acts 1:9-11
Spirit descends on Jesus as he prays —Luke 3:31-22
Spirit descends on the apostles as they pray — Luke 2:1-13
As you read through Luke over the upcoming weeks, take note of the parallels, the contrasts, the beauty?
Why?
Because each one serves as a holy exclamation mark the work of God in the past and the present.
Acts helps us answer the question, “How now shall we live?”
Acts challenges our tendencies toward self-sufficiency.
Acts ups the ante on faith in God to do anything.
Acts reveals the call the to lay down our lives—every last fiber—for His glory.
Acts acknowledges we will encounter disagreement and conflict along the way but none are unsurmountable.
Acts calls us to live out a life of loving God and others to the end.
Acts reminds us that this journey will be fraught with pain, loss, joy, and an abundance of everything money can’t buy.
Acts tells us we are not alone. We follow in the footsteps of men and women who have loved Jesus until the end and one day we dance with joy in their midst.
What are you discovering as you move into the Book of Acts?
