The Letter of Acts
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
1 Theophilus, I first wrote to you about all that Jesus did and taught from the very first 2 until he was taken up to heaven. But before he was taken up, he gave orders to the apostles he had chosen with the help of the Holy Spirit. 3 For 40 days after Jesus had suffered and died, he proved in many ways that he had been raised from death. He appeared to his apostles and spoke to them about God's kingdom. 4 While he was still with them, he said: Don't leave Jerusalem yet. Wait here for the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, just as I told you he has promised to do. 5 John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:1-5
Memory Verse
Acts 28:28
28 Paul said, “You may be sure that God wants to save the Gentiles! And they will listen.”
Have you ever written a letter? Maybe you’ve written to a friend who moved away or your grandparents who live far from you. If not, imagine what it would be like to send one. What would you want to tell them? Maybe you’d fill them in on something important in your life. Whatever you shared with them, you’d want them to know all the details. You’d share these details so they could feel like they were there with you. You’d want them to know how special that moment was.
Now, imagine writing a whole book to someone! That’s what Luke did for his friend Theophilus. Luke is the author of the book of Acts in the Bible. He also wrote another book called Luke, which is also known as the gospel of Luke. Why did Luke write these super-long letters to Theophilus? He wanted Theophilus to know that everything he had learned about Jesus was true. He wanted him to believe that the good news of Jesus was for him.
That’s also why we read the book of Acts today. We need to know that Jesus’ message is for all of us. It doesn’t matter who we are or where we come from. Jesus came to live, die, and rise from the dead for you. He came to forgive your sins. He also promised to give you the Holy Spirit. And now he sends you into the world to share this good news with everyone you meet. When you read the stories about the early church in Acts, remember this: It’s not just a book written to someone long ago. The book of Acts is also for you and me. It helps us see that God’s gift of salvation is for everyone.
Prayer
God, thank you for this letter and all its stories. Thank you for the message that Jesus is for me today. Help me believe! Amen.Related Resources
Bret Lamsma
Bret Lamsma is the Director of Faith Formation at First Christian
Reformed Church in Denver, Colorado. He has also served churches in
California and Michigan. He has a passion for youth ministry and
intergenerational ministry in the local church. When he isn’t working at
church or writing he enjoys hanging out with his wife and 2 children,
hiking, woodworking, and watching movies.