What does "all that Jesus began to do and teach" imply for believers? Setting the Scene • Acts 1:1: “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach.” • Luke, inspired by the Holy Spirit, reminds his reader that the Gospel account only covered what Jesus “began.” The verb tense signals continuation—what Jesus started has not ended. Key Phrase Explained • “All that Jesus began” — comprehensive; nothing He initiated was incomplete or abandoned. • “To do and to teach” — action and instruction inseparably linked in Christ’s ministry. Implication 1: Jesus’ Work Continues • The word “began” implies an ongoing mission. • Acts itself records the risen Lord guiding His people (Acts 1:2, Acts 9:4-6). • Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Implication 2: The Church Is His Current Body • Believers collectively extend His ministry—He works through them. • 1 Corinthians 12:27: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.” • Colossians 1:27: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Implication 3: Believers Empowered by the Spirit • Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses.” • What Jesus “began” is carried on by Spirit-filled followers, not by mere human effort. Implication 4: Union of Doing and Teaching • Jesus modeled truth and proclaimed it; believers are called to the same pattern. • John 14:12: “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing.” • Matthew 28:20: “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Practical Takeaways • Expect Jesus to act today—His ministry did not stop at the Ascension. • View every act of obedience and every spoken truth as participation in His ongoing work. • Rely on the Holy Spirit’s power rather than personal strength. • Keep action and doctrine together; doing without teaching or teaching without doing misrepresents Christ. |
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