Acts 1:3-8
Jesus remained on earth 40 days after he arose from the grave. As recorded in the Bible, he appeared to many people during that time. In Acts 1:3- 8 he was eating with his disciples. What was he speaking about to them?
After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”
Awe, the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I wonder if that statement went over their heads in that moment? Did they not ask just what that was? Or did they comprehend it? I don't know, but they went on to ask him.....
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
To which he answered:
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
He also appeared to 500 brethren and also to his brother James.
After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,s at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 1 Corthianians 15:6-7
And also to the Apostle Paul. As you may know, Paul had been persecuting Christians....until the day on the Damascus Road when Jesus appeared and it marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. And not only once did Jesus appear to Paul, but three times. (At the time, his name was Saul which would later be changed to Paul.)
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:1
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” Acts 19:9-10
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage!As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11
So there were many people that saw Jesus after his death and subsequent resurrection.He was not going to just jet on back to heaven, leaving his friends broken with grief and the Jewish leaders (not to mention the devil) dancing with glee that they had gotten rid of their enemy once and for all. No, he wanted people to know without a shadow of a doubt that he was very much alive and for a time, still among them. And I wonder again, how his enemies took that news, as it got around? If you had been there, how do you think you would have reacted to it?
Thought of the day:
Church Bulletin Bloopers (I am glad that I 'm not the only one that makes typo errors. lol.)
The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.
Thanks to all of you for sharing this time with me. I pray for you a peaceful and blessed day! May this be your testimony as it is mine!
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