Dec 08, 2013
Acts 1:4-14


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Acts 1:4-8, “And being assembled together with them, Jesus commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

As Jesus is sitting with this multitude on the Mount of Olives two topics emerge through this exchange:

(1). The Holy Spirit which seems to be the subject of emphasis for Jesus (we discussed this in great detail last week)....

Then in the middle of His discussion on the Holy Spirit the disciples ask this question that seems to come out of left field about....

(2). The Kingdom of God: “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 

And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.” 

Some Bible scholars are critical that the disciples not only interrupt Jesus, but that the final question they ask before He ascended to heaven is one concerning the kingdom. All throughout Jesus’ ministry, they were constantly asking when He would establish the kingdom (mainly because they were interested in what kind of positions of authority they’d be given), and each time their intrigue would be met with a stern rebuke of some sort. Shouldn’t they have learned their lesson?

I tend to see their question a bit differently.

As we mentioned last week, Luke has already told us that during the 40 days that transpired between the resurrection and the ascension Jesus spoke to them “of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Though they had asked this question numerous times during His ministry, for the first time, the disciples breach the topic of the kingdom when it was relevant. Their question was simply a response to what Jesus had been teaching them for the last month.

I also see quite a bit of spiritual and Scriptural intuition behind their question.

At this point the disciples knew Jesus had instituted a New Covenant. They were also keenly aware the OT taught that the restoration of the kingdom to Israel would be part of this New Covenant (Jeremiah 23:1-8, Ezekiel 36 & 37). This means it was now completely reasonable to wonder when the rest of the Covenant would be fulfilled. (Note: They don’t ask about their role in the kingdom.)

Warren Wiersbe, “Being loyal Jews, they longed for the defeat of their enemies and the final establishment of the glorious kingdom under the rule of the Messiah. They did not realize that there must first be a spiritual change in the hearts of the people.”

It should also be pointed out that Jesus responded differently to their question in this instance than He had in any previous occasion. Note: Though He refuses to answer the question, He didn’t rebuke them for asking.


Two Observations about the Kingdom of God:

Though aspects of the kingdom had already been instituted, Jesus’ response indicates there were other aspects of the kingdom that wouldn’t find there ultimate fulfillment until a later future date. He told them to “wait for the Holy Spirit” and says “it is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.” “Times” - Greek word “chronos” meaning “chronology.” “Seasons” - Greek word “kairos” meaning “a fixed and definitive time.”

This phrase “times or seasons” implies that there is a chronology to the ultimate fulfillment of the kingdom with each aspect of the OT prophecies having a predetermined timeframe appointed by God to be completed.

Jesus doesn’t deny that the kingdom will be restored to Israel.

There are Dispensationalists who claim that following the nation of Israel’s rejection of Jesus as their Messiah God wiped His hands of Israel with the church assuming her place in future history (prophecy and promises). There is today a popular movement within Christianity that goes so far as to claim we’re presently living in what’s referred to as the “Kingdom Age.”

Problem: Contrary to their core assumption that the church replaced Israel as the people of God and thus the future prophecies concerning Israel apply instead to the church, through His silence, Jesus indicates that God still had a plan for restoring the kingdom to a future nation of Israel.

This is not to say the aspects of the Kingdom that have been established do not carry with them significant social implications.

It is not accidental that in response to their question about a physical kingdom that Jesus responds by discussing the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.... a spiritual kingdom.

It is true that regardless of political persuasion, some version of morality is always the aim of human government. Every culture defines their own moral ideals only to then impose those ideals upon the rest of society through the establishment of law. We’ll call it an outside-in approach to morality.

This explains why competing factions within culture blame their perceived issues with society on the injustices they believe exist in the law as presently constituted. Copious amounts of time, energy, and money are then invested by these factions with the intention of changing the law to produce a more moral and just society.

Over the years the “religious right” has been accused by the “progressive left” of trying to use the power of law to force their moral ideals on the masses.

Example: Between 1920 and 1933 Protestants successfully passed the 18th Amendment and then later the Volstead Act establishing a nationwide ban on the sale, production, importation, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.

In his famous “Booze Sermon” one of the most powerful voice in favor of Prohibition evangelist Billy Sunday said, “The saloon is the sum of all villanies. It is worse than war or pestilence. It is the crime of crimes. It is the parent of crimes and the mother of sins. It is the appalling source of misery and crime in the land. And to license such an incarnate fiend of hell is the dirtiest, low-down, damnable business on top of this old earth. There is nothing to be compared to it.”

It’s interesting, but Prohibition would last 13 years until the ratification of the 22nd Amendment during which alcohol sales would decrease, but not before producing several unintended consequences including the American Mafia. It should also be pointed out that the law failed to change behavior. In just a short 7 years following the ratification of the 22nd Amendment the total sale of alcohol grew to eclipse pre-Prohibition levels.

In order to be an equal equality offender, the progressive left is also guilty of the crime they accuse the right of.... forcing morality through law.

Example: Pro-choice, Gay Marriage, Environmentalism, Healthcare, Entitlements are all lobbied for under the guise of morality and social justice.

Ironically, the OT presented the ultimate outside-in approach; and yet, even when God gave the people a perfect law, society still descended into immorality. This is what makes Jesus’ approach to the disciples question so radical. In reaction to their question about a physical kingdom, Jesus’ only response is that they go to Jerusalem to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon them.

You see Jesus knew morality whether it be personal or socially is unachievable in the way things had aways been done (this outside-in approach using the law to curtail behavior). The key would be an inside-out approach to morality. Jesus knew the only way to change society was by first effecting change in the people who make up that society.... but He also knew the only way to effect real change in people would be through an inner transformation that could only be brought on by the power of the Holy Spirit (something that occurs inside a man only to then work its way out) as opposed to a forced moral norm through the law.

Tragically, we have forgotten that the answer to societies ailments is not more laws or legislation, but lives being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is not to say we should live in a lawless society, but.... we should always remember the church most effectively impacts culture when we place our time and energies on seeing individuals transformed by the power of God.

When we loose sight of this the unintended consequences can be profound.

In a speech given in September of 1992 former VP Dan Quayle broadened his attack on rap music by calling on Interscope Records, to withdraw the album "2pacalypse Now" by rap artist Tupac Shakur from stores. Quayle charged that the record was responsible for the death of a Texas state trooper, who was shot to death by a suspect who allegedly was listening to the album when he was stopped by the officer. Quayle said, "Once again we're faced with an irresponsible corporate act. There is absolutely no reason for a record like this to be published by a responsible corporation." He added: "Today I am suggesting that the Time Warner subsidiary Interscope Records withdraw this record. It has no place in our society."

What’s interesting is that you can find no sales records for “2pacalypse Now” prior to the comments made by the VP even though the album was released in the fall of 1991 a year before Quayle’s comments. That said, today the album has sold more than 900,000 units and was recently ranked by Billboard as the #13 Top Hip Hop Albums of all time. The case can be made the comments made by Dan Quayle launched Tupac (an unknown artist at the time) into megastardom. The only death that came from the war on rap music was Dan Quayle’s political career.


Acts 1:9-11] “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”


Set the Scene

Jesus finishes His sermon and “while they watched, He was taken up.” “He was taken up” - Greek work “epairô” meaning “to lift up.” The image presented is that Jesus literally started to levitate upward into the sky.

Luke says they all kept looking even after “a cloud received Him out of their sight.” The Greek word choice indicates this was not a normal “cloud.” Clouds don’t normally “receive” people. Greek word “hypolambanô” literally means “to welcome.”

This word “cloud” is used in Scripture in conjuncture with the presence of God.

In Mark 9 it is the same cloud that overshadowed the disciples during the transfiguration of Christ and spoke to them “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Here Him!” In the OT a cloud was always used in connection with the shekhinah glory of God’s presence. A cloud descended upon Mount Sinai during the giving of the law. This same cloud descended from heaven to fill both the Tabernacle and then later the Temple during their consecrations.

The scene was apparently so radical and amazing that everyone remained looking into heaven long after Jesus had exited their line of sight. It would take two angels appearing to snap them out of this daze.... “He’s gone. Now get moving.”

I love their question.... “Why do you stand gazing up into heaven?”

David Guzik observes that in asking this question “the two angels were telling the disciples to put their attention in the right place (obedience to Jesus’ command to return to Jerusalem), not in wondering where and how Jesus went.”


Unpack the Text

Why did Jesus leave earth in such a dramatic fashion?

1. Jesus wanted them to know He was leaving.

Don’t forget during the last 40 days the disciples had grown accustomed to Jesus appearing and then disappearing. If Jesus had simply vanished to heaven, how would they have known He had really departed?

Note: Jesus wanted them to know He was leaving for an important reason. In John 16:7 He told them that it would be to “your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”

After seeing Jesus ascend to heaven with their own eyes they could not only be confident He had departed, but they could now effectively turn their attention to anticipate the coming of the promised Spirit.

2. Jesus wanted them to know He had been accepted by His Father.

The idea of a “cloud receiving Jesus” was a symbolic way (and maybe even a literal way) of telling His disciples that God had once again found Him pleasing. Jesus’ ministry began in the Jordan with God declaring His pleasure in Him.... “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Though on the cross Jesus had been forsaken by His Father, the cloud receiving Him into heaven served to indicate God once again found pleasure in His Son Jesus. They could be certain Jesus had completed His mission.

3. Jesus wanted to assure them He would be returning.

These two angels who appeared to them provided an incredible prophecy that possessed an amazing assurance.... “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Though Jesus had left earth, Scripture is clear He will come again “in like manner!” This tells us there will come a day in which “this same Jesus” will physically and visibly return to earth on the Mount of Olives. No matter how bad things will get on earth we have an assurance God is not done with humanity. Jesus will come back. It’s a promise. A guarantee.


Discover the Meaning of the Ascension:

What are the social implications?

Believe what you may, but Jesus is coming back and His second coming will be much different than His first! The Savior will return a Warrior. The Servant will return a King. The Lamb of God will return as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. The Great Intercessor will return as a Holy Judge.

What is God saying to our church?

In 2 Corinthians 5:20 Paul says, “we are ambassadors for Christ.” In a very literal way we are representing our King and His Kingdom here on earth. Paul continues by saying that as ambassadors “God is making His appeal to the world through us. Therefore, we implore you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.”

As the church, since we know Jesus is returning and we know why He’ll return, our job as ambassadors is to let the world know a day of reckoning is on the horizon.... a day that can be avoided if a person will simply surrender to Jesus and be reconciled with God. The brutal reality is that the coming King presents only one of two options for humanity: advanced surrender or assured destruction.

What is the personal application?

1. Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for you.

John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

2. Jesus is in heaven interceding on our behalf as High Priest.

Hebrews 7:22-28, “Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.... Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us.... who does not need daily.... to offer up sacrifices.... for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath.... appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.” The idea presented is that Jesus as High Priest is constantly interceding for sinners paving the way by which salvation might be granted on our behalf.

3. Jesus is in heaven being our Advocate with the Father.

1 John 2:1-2, “If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”

“Advocate” - Greek word “paraklêtos” - “one who pleads another’s cause.”

It’s interesting to note this is the same word used by Jesus in John 16:7 when He describes as the Holy Spirit as our “Helper.”


Acts 1:12-14, “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.


Set the Scene

Following the ascension and the directive of these two angels, this multitude heads from the Mount of Olives back to the Upper Room. (History says this was the room Jesus shared Passover with His disciples and was the home of Mary the mother of Mark.) Though we’ll see 120 gathered, Luke notes that Jesus’ closest disciples were present: the remaining 11 apostles, the women (Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene, Salome), Mary His mother, and His brothers (James, Jude, Joseph, and Simon) were all in attendance.

Note: This is the last time we see Mary the mother of Christ mentioned in Scripture. How is she being left? She is included as a disciple of Jesus waiting for the baptism of the Holy Spirit just like everyone else. She is numbered with the disciples, not exalted to a place above them. No one is praying to her!

Between the ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost we can estimate these men and women hung out in Jerusalem for about a week. Pentecost was exactly 50 days following Passover: If you added the 3 days from crucifixion which occurred on Passover to the resurrection with the 40 days that existed between the resurrection and the ascension you’re left with a total of seven days.

Luke tells us “these all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” “Prayer” indicates they were communicating to God. “Supplication” was a type of prayer centered on making a request. No doubt they were asking God to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

We’re told they were in “one accord” - “Homothymadon” is the compound of two Greek words meaning to "rush along" and to be "in unison." In other places in Greek literature the word is used to describe the unique musical result when different notes are combined together to harmonize in both pitch and tone. Of the 12 times the word is used in the NT there are 10 occasions when the word is used by Luke in Acts to describe the first century Christian community.

One scholar, “As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ's church.”

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