Thursday, May 29 – John 21, Acts 1

1. The disciples returned to Galilee and their old trade. They arrived at the shore at dawn, exhausted and frustrated from catching nothing. In the distance, they noticed a stranger signaling, asking if they had any breakfast. What command did the stranger give them while they were still in the boat, and what was the result? (John 21:6)

2. Who was the disciple that Jesus loved? What did he say to Peter, and how did Peter respond? (John 21:7)

3. What did Jesus serve for breakfast? (John 21:9)

4. When Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep, was He assigning this duty exclusively to Peter? Did this make Peter superior to the others, such as the first pope?

5. After gathering His disciples at the Mount of Olives to witness His ascension, what command did Jesus give them? (Acts 1:4, 5)

6. What does Luke document that indicates the disciples had not yet fully grasped Jesus’ mission? (Acts 1:6–8)

7. As Jesus ascended before His amazed disciples, what message did they receive from two heavenly messengers? (Acts 1:11)

8. When Peter proposed selecting someone to fill the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot among the apostles, what were the requirements for the candidates? (Acts 1:21, 22)

We are concluding our study of Jesus’ life as recorded in the Gospels. What rich and inspiring details we’ve learned! After John chapter 21, we will begin exploring the early Christian church, the acts of the apostles, and the experiences of the first believers. We’ll journey alongside Paul on his missionary travels, and an exciting new phase awaits.

Some suggest that a more fitting title for the book could be “The Acts of the Holy Spirit,” as it recounts the actions of the apostles guided by the Spirit. Acts begins right where the Gospels end.

The consensus is that Luke wrote this book. It clearly serves as the second volume addressed to Theophilus, with the first being the Gospel of Luke. Luke, a Greek physician by profession who converted under Paul’s ministry, is also referred to by Paul as “the beloved physician.” In Acts, the repeated use of “we” indicates that Luke personally witnessed many of the events, which could not be said in his first account since he had neither known Jesus nor walked with Him.

In Luke’s Gospel, he refers to Theophilus as ‘most excellent,” suggesting that Theophilus was not yet a believer and held a high social rank. In Acts, Luke addresses him more casually as a fellow believer, apparently convinced by the first volume and now strengthened in his faith in Jesus, thanks to Luke’s dedicated ministry.

Acts covers a lengthy historical period, from Emperor Tiberius to the tyrannical Nero. Tradition holds that Luke died as a martyr in Thebes, Greece, about 60 miles northwest of Athens. Although the exact date isn’t known, it is believed that Nero ordered his death. He was reportedly imprisoned, dismembered, and thrown into the sea with weights to prevent his body from surfacing. Perhaps this sudden death explains why Acts ends abruptly, leaving Paul in “his own rented house.” Luke never had the chance to complete the narrative. The final chapters of Paul’s life and martyrdom are conveyed to us through his letters and church tradition. Ellen White’s mention of his beheading suggests that this tradition is reliable.

God’s guidance of His fledgling church is clear, even before the Holy Spirit’s outpouring at Pentecost. The Lord has never abandoned His people, fulfilling His faithful promise: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Just as the church’s beginning was glorious, its end-time history will be even more magnificent. Let us prepare to welcome Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords at His glorious return, whether we are alive or resting in hope.

Let us draw inspiration from the missionary spirit of the early Christians as we commit ourselves to evangelizing the world!