My first book, O Theophilus, covered all that Jesus began to do and teach, until he was taken up, after he had issued instructions to the apostles chosen through the Holy Spirit. He presented himself to them after his passion, giving proofs by his appearances over a forty day period, speaking to them about God's Kingdom. He stayed as long as he needed to make his charge clear; they were not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard me talk about when I said that John baptised with water, but before many days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit."
In a Nutshell
John
the Baptist is still a part of Luke's story. Jesus' apostles were to wait until
the preparation for their service in God's Kingdom was completed by the coming
of God's Spirit. Luke's story tells us what Jesus did after He left - He took
His place at God's right hand and from there He would send His Sprit.
Questions
Do you think Luke was planning
to write Acts when he first began to write his Gospel? Or did Theophilus, or
some other reader, suggest he write a sequel?
Try to imagine what it would be like for Jesus' disciples, His friends and family? They had journeyed with Him to Jerusalem from Galilee for the Passover celebration. As they travelled together, Jesus had continued teaching them about the work His Father had sent Him to do. On the final leg the crowds came to meet Him and there was a great procession. The disciples could now sing King David's psalms with new understanding (Mark 11:1-10).
Jesus caused a stir by cleaning out the temple. Remember? He taught His disciples about the fig-tree and forgiveness and during that same week He also taught in the Temple, face to face with the opposition of the religious leaders. There was a formal examination but He was found to be teaching God's Law truly (Mark 12:28-34). This did not however quell the opposition. The tension must have been great for the disciples. It continued at the Passover meal and during the quiet departure for a night of prayer on the Mount of Olives. But then and there He was betrayed and arrested. His crucifixion followed a hasty trial.
The group who experienced all of these things then were faced with His resurrection. This they hadn't expected at all. But during a 7 week period, Jesus came to them and proved He really had been raised. So what were they to do now? How would any one feel who had been through all those events? Who could concentrate on what the Rabbi was teaching after all that? How could anyone take it in? Two years would not be long enough. Still, that two month period was a most important time for the history of the world.
Jesus cared for His disciples and after His resurrection, He spent time with them, encouraging them, telling them about their place in God's Kingdom. He had suffered, died and been raised and His work among them was complete. Soon, He would leave them but He reminded them of how it had all begun. Just as John had prepared the way for Him with water baptism so His work had been to prepare them for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This, He said, was part of God's plan for them. That was why they had to wait in Jerusalem.