Luke tells us in the verses below that his former book told of all tat Jesus did before he ascended into heaven. In effect this second book of Luke’s tells us of the work that Jesus did after he ascended. It is the kind of work that Jesus engages in now. The absolute fact of Jesus’ life and death and the proofs of those times, if accepted, can still change the world.
Luke 1:1-8
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 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.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 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.”
Questions
- To whom is this book addressed?
- What did Jesus do after his suffering?
- Where should the disciples wait?
- Do you view this book as addressed to you? For what purpose?
- How might the Gospel of Luke motivate a person to become a missionary?
Plymothian 