It is widely accepted that Luke, the physician and companion to the Apostle Paul, wrote both Acts and the Gospel that bears his name, Luke. In Acts 1:1, he describes what he wrote in his Gospel as merely what Jesus BEGAN to do and teach. Thus, the title of Acts could more accurately, albeit cumbersomely, be: “The continuing words and deeds of Jesus by his Spirit through his Apostles.”  Since he merely began to speak and act in his earthly ministry, from heaven he is still working now.

Jesus is still at work.

It is also accurate to say that Jesus has accomplished his work, as Jesus himself indicated from the cross when he declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). This is describing his work of making atonement for sin on the cross, once for all. But as the rest of Acts demonstrates, the Holy Spirit is empowering Jesus’ disciples to be witnesses so the entire world will hear of salvation through the cross of Christ.

After 40 days of demonstrating and proving that he was resurrected, Jesus was about to ascend to the Father. The disciples ask him a mis-informed question about restoring the kingdom to Israel right then. In response, Jesus gave one of the most important sentences for missions and evangelism. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses…” (1:8). 

Jesus expects his followers to tell others the Good News they have found through faith in him.    

Taking It Home: Ask God to show you where he is at work around you so you can join in and experience him. Also, support a missionary or church-planter and ask them to share their testimony of when they’ve recently seen God at work.