Consider the following points:
- Both books are addressed to the same reader/audience (Luke 1:3 & Acts 1:1)
- Both books center around the concept of fulfillment.
- Luke 1:1 speaks of things “fulfilled among us”
- Acts 1:3 speaks of “things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (the fulfillment of God’s kingdom).
- Acts 1:1 references the “former account”
- This implies a latter account that coincides with the former.
- Acts 1:1 states that the former account concerned the things Jesus “began to both do and teach”
- This implies that the latter account (Acts) is a continuation of the things Jesus both did and taught through His disciples.
- It is no coincidence that a recurring theme of Acts is the phrase “in the name of Jesus”
- This phrase indicates that the apostles and disciples were acting under the authority and direction of Jesus as He reigned in heaven.
- Luke-Acts shares a common theme of Christ establishing His reign and kingdom, and then ruling through His apostles over the church.
- In Luke 22:38-39 Jesus stated that the twelve apostles would sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
- This verse comes into focus in the latter half of Acts 1 when the apostles fill the vacated seat of Judas with the appointment of Mathias.
- Judas’ place must be filled so that Jesus’ words in Luke 22:38-39 can be fulfilled.
- The twelve now fill a similar role to the judges in the book of Judges: they lead God’s people into battle and serve as the Heavenly King’s earthly representatives and judges.
- In Luke 22:38-39 Jesus stated that the twelve apostles would sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
- Jesus provided training for the twelve and other disciples while He was on earth so that His reign could be established and successful once He ascended back to heaven to begin His reign seated at the right hand of God (Acts 2:33).
2. It is not coincidental that the structure and flow of the apostle’s ministry mimics the structure and flow of the Lord’s earthly ministry. The following outline is provided from Charles H. Talbert’s book “Reading Acts:
Luke-Acts PDF by Nathan Battey.docx |