Acts 1. Today we pick up reading in volume two of Luke’s narrative of Jesus and the kingdom of God, the book of Acts. “In the first book… I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day he was taken up…” (1:1) Notice the word “began” – what Jesus began to do and teach while he was on earth, Jesus will continue to do through the power of the Holy Spirit working in all who follow Jesus, the church. The mission of the church is the continuation of the ministry of Jesus, extended through his followers into new regions.

How in the world will Jesus followers be able to continue doing all the things he started? As part of his final instructions Jesus told them, “Stay in the city [Jerusalem] until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49) He promised them, “… you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (1:5) and “… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (1:8).

So, the disciples waited obediently for something to happen. They gathered together daily – the disciples, the women, and sometimes up to 120 of them – and they devoted themselves to prayer (1:14). I am sure they wondered what was going to happen next. In the meantime, they practiced leadership decision-making (for the first time without Jesus physically present). By prayer and consultation, they chose a new disciple to replace Judas.

Knowing the disciples, I imagine they focused on the fact that they were going to receive some new power. But what was the power for – to overthrow Rome finally (1:6)? No. It was so they could continue the work of Jesus by being witnesses. A witness is someone who testifies, based on experience, what they have seen, heard, and understand to be true. To witness is to tell of our experience with Jesus, to tell others about Jesus, and to live a life that witnesses to Jesus.

We have the whole outline of the book of Acts right here at the beginning: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (1:8) In ever expanding geographic circles, the mission of Jesus’ followers is to continue to work Jesus began by witnessing to others all the way to the ends of the earth, until he returns to earth again. You might need a map as we follow the expansion of Jesus’ ministry through Acts!

Have you ever thought of the church as a continuation of the ministry that Jesus began? What does it mean for you to be on mission? What great deeds can you bear witness to? And to whom?

What stood out to you in Acts 1?