Yes, Acts 1:1 says: “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up ….” His being “taken up” is a reference to his Ascension to Heaven, forty days after His Resurrection.
Note one word here, “of all that Jesus BEGAN both to do and teach!”
The “former Treatise” is a “hint” at some previous Book the author had written, had sent to this man “Theophilus.” Conservative Bible Teachers believe that this is an allusion to the “Gospel of Luke.” This would of course make Luke (the “beloved physician” Paul mentioned in Colossians 4:14) the writer of both the Gospel that now bears his name and the “sequel,” the Book of Acts too. (Here is Luke 1:3-4 … “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent THEOPHILUS, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.”)
“Theophilus” by name means “lover of God!” Or at least “friend of God.” (That’s because the Greek verb “phileo” can indicate either level of familiarity.) This man is not easily identifiable. He might be a Roman Official (bearing such a Greek name) whom Luke is trying to influence for the Lord, to “win” to Christ!
But none of these forgoing little facts constitute the real Lesson today, the Point I want to emphasize! Let me go back to that little word “began.”
It suggests that the “former Treatise,” the “Gospel of Luke,” is merely the “beginning” of the Story of Jesus! (Though Matthew’s Gospel has 28 chapters in comparison to Luke’s 24 chapters … Luke contains more material, in Bulk! In other words, Luke is the longest Gospel.)
And in ALL that vast Lukan Material (every verse Holy Spirit inspired and meticulously researched) is just the “START” of Luke’s Account? Of Jesus’ Work among humankind?
Yes … the implication is clear! The Gospel (Luke) tells us how Jesus BEGAN His earthly Ministry. But the Book of Acts tells us how Jesus IS NOW CONTINUING His earthly Ministry!
Wow!
So, we will be “looking” for JESUS all the way through the Book of Acts! That Day He gloriously ascended back to Heaven … He was just beginning! In fact, as I write these Lines (December 31, 2019) Jesus is not nearly finished yet!
Hallelujah!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Now do not misunderstand me, please. The Work of Jesus on the Cross (His Atoning Blood having been shed) is finished! (Nothing can be added to That!) Jesus Himself said so in John 19:30. (“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, IT IS FINISHED: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”)
But … the application of that Finished Work is an ongoing Project! Souls are still being saved, by (of course) our precious SAVIOUR!
Again, Hallelujah!
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