Acts 1:1-12 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,… 1. A Founder. He "began to do and teach," like an architect who draws the plan of a magnificent cathedral, and lays its foundations, then leaves it for others to finish. The Church of to-day at its best is only carrying out the purpose of its Founder. 2. A Lawgiver. Giving His commandments through the Holy Ghost to His apostles. His laws were not written on tables of stone, like those of Mount Sinai, but on the hearts of His disciples. Whoever becomes a follower of Christ pledges himself to obey His commands. 3. A Sufferer. "His Passion" is not omitted from this summary, brief as the summary is, for the death of Christ is far more important to us than was His life. His Passion brought to us our salvation. 4. A Conqueror. He was dead, He was buried, but He lived again; "He showed Himself alive after His Passion." Bug for the resurrection of Jesus the world would never have heard of His name. 5. A Revealer. "Speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." Notice what was the theme of conversation during those forty days. The same subject is the object of all Christ's interest on the earth now. He cares little for the rise and fall of empires, except as they affect the salvation of men. One soul outweighs all the politics of a continent. Parallel Verses KJV: The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,WEB: The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, |
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