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Acts of the Apostles Chapter 1 Overview

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Acts of the Apostles Chapter 1 Overview Acts of the Apostles Chapter 1 Overview: Luke writes to Theophilus (“Lover of God”) a sequel of what Jesus continues to do thorough his disciples (1:1-5). He will relate Jesus’ Ascension into heaven (1:6-12). The Apostles return to Jerusalem to pray with Mary and other women (1:12-14). Ascension of Jesus: 1:6 – 12 • Kingdom of David: Political kingdom of Israel (David’s sons on throne); defunct – 6th century o 2 Sam. 7:16: Your house, kingdom, throne shall be firmly established forever o Amos 9:11: I will raise up the fallen hut of David; rebuild as in the days of old o God’s Kingdom: Where Jesus Himself is present; God’s will is loved and obeyed; it will be restored not by military/political conquest, but by witness (Kurz, 31). • Not to know: God’s timetable is mysterious; invitation to trust through daily acts of faith o Key: We want to know the details (for control/security), but only given in heaven • Power: (Gk: dunamis) Sounds like dynamite; receive explosive power via the Holy Spirit o Note: Jesus received the Holy Spirit at baptism; disciples will receive at Pentecost o Note: Resurrection is like lightening, while Pentecost is like thunder (power) o Key: You receive this power in Baptism (ignited) and in confirmation (gasoline) • Witnesses: Major theme in Acts of the Apostles; witness in word (24 speeches) and deeds o Key: Disciples will boldly claim what seen and heard; today, what God has done Jerusalem Acts 2 – 7 Judea and Samaria Acts 8 – 12 Ends of the Earth Peter to Gentiles (Acts 10 – 11) and Paul (Acts 13 – 28) Jesus’ Ascension: 1:9 – 11 • Lifted up: Recalls Elijah’s being taken up into heaven in a flaming chariot (2 Kgs. 2:9-10) o Note: Elisha received a double share of his spirit; Apostles will receive Holy Spirit • Cloud: Represents the presence of God (Exod. 13:21; 16:10) Transfiguration Ascension Cloud overshadowed disciples (Lk 9:34) Cloud takes him from their sight (Acts 1:9) Moses and Elijah conversing with Jesus (Lk 9:30) Two men dressed in white (Acts 1:10) Speaking about Exodus from Jerusalem (Lk 9:31) Exodus to the new Jerusalem (Acts 1:11) • Key: Reference to kingdom and cloud recalls Daniel 7 where after four earthly kingdoms, one like a son of man returns coming on the clouds of heaven to receive everlasting dominion from God (Dan. 7:13-14). The Apostles are given the Spirit to build this kingdom. Presence of Jesus Church Word Eucharist Saints Poor Baptized Holy Orders Family Life 1 The Apostles and Mary: 1:12 – 14 • Olivet: Mount of Olivet is about three-fourths of mile from Jerusalem • Upper Room: It is unclear whether this is the same room where the Last Supper took place • Apostles: Eleven Apostles are named; three most prominent listed first o Note: Luke lists three pairs in the middle, highlighting missionaries in pairs • Devoted: Greek is they “were persisting with one accord in prayer.” (Kurz, 38) • One accord: Where two or three are gathered in my name…midst of them (Matt 18:20). • Some women: Luke’s theme of reverence of women and invaluable gift to the Church. • Mary: As Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit for the birth of Christ, so now we see her interceding and will receive the Holy Spirit for the birth of the Church (Kurz, 39). o Note: In the last sighting of Mary, she is interceding for the Church (Queen Mother). o Key: Mary’s mention by name suggests her role is foundational for the Church. • Brothers: Christians expressed belief in Mary’s perpetual virginity since the 2nd century; Sacred Scripture refers to close relatives as brothers (Gn. 13:8, Gn. 29:15). o Note: Finding Jesus in Temple (Lk. 2:51) and Jesus entrusts mother to John (Jn 19:26) Choosing a Replacement for Judas: 1:15 - 26 • Peter: We begin to see him as the leader over proceedings in the early Church (Acts 15:7) • One Hundred Twenty: Jewish tradition 10 men is quorum; 12 tribes x 10 – restored Israel • Holy Spirit spoke: Scripture is inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16); Scripture God’s letter to us • Fulfilled: See the interplay of God’s foreknowledge (fulfilled) and Judas’ free will • Falling Headlong: Matthew says he hanged himself (27:5); fate of the wicked (Wis. 4:19) Psalm 69:26 Psalm 109:8 Make their camp desolate, with none to dwell May his days be few; may another take his in their camps office • Note: Psalms 69 and 109 written what happens to someone who attacks authority, e.g., King David’s son, Absalom, attacked his father and hung between branches (2 Sam. 18:9) • Office: Greek episkopē – English word “episcopacy”; CCC 860 - office of Apostles (bishops) o Note: We already see Peter strengthening his brothers (Lk 22:32) (Kurz, 42) • Witness: Key criteria is a witness of the Resurrection and united in Christ with Apostles • Matthias: See Christ working through His Church; do not hear about Matthias after this • Hearts of all: An extremely comforting line as we do not see hearts, only outward actions o Key: We see the interplay between prayer, discernment, and discussion in choice Casting Lots Leviticus 16:8 Two goats, which one offered to the Lord and one for Azazel 1 Chronicles 24:3-5 Used to assign duties for Levitical priests in the Temple • Chapter 1: Ascension, time of preparation via prayer, replacing Judas with Matthias • Chapter 2: Pentecost, Peter’s speech, people’s response, and early communal life 2 .
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