Thursday 29 May 2025
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (v. 8)
Background
Today we celebrate the ascension of Jesus to heaven.
The reading today comes from the book of Acts, which was written by Luke, a Greek physician, and 'the first book' referred to in verse 1 is Luke's own gospel. The book of Acts was written between AD 63 and AD 70 and tells of the life of the disciples and how the good news of Jesus spread out across the Roman Empire. Luke is the only known Gentile (non-Jewish) author in the New Testament and was a close friend and companion of Paul, mentioned in several of Paul’s letters (Colossians 4:14 and 2 Timothy 4:11).
Luke in verse one is addressing Theophilus. The name combines two Greek words: 'theos' meaning ‘God’ and 'philos' meaning ‘friend’ or ‘beloved’. So 'Theophilus' could mean ‘friend of God’, ‘loving God’ or ‘loved by God’. A common personal name, 'Theophilus' was also used as an honorary title for learned men, so Luke could have been writing to a group of non-Jewish believers, not just to an individual.
Luke begins the book of Acts in the manner he finished his gospel, with Jesus’ ascension to heaven and the disciples watching. I wonder if these verses are a quick recap to remind his readers where he left off, or whether it has more significance, emphasising key points: the disciples were to wait in Jerusalem (v 4, Luke 24:49); they would receive the Holy Spirit, promised by God and be clothed in power (v. 4, Luke 24:49); and they were to go out as witnesses to Judea, Samaria and all nations (v. 8, Luke 24:47-48).
Jesus’ ascension into heaven was a liminal moment for the disciples: they stood gazing upwards as Jesus was lifted up and out of their sight. They were at a threshold – an in-between space of leaving the time when Jesus was on earth and moving into a new stage where they would be his witnesses, the ones who would testify to what they had seen, heard and experienced, and would give evidence of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
The two men in white who appeared and asked the disciples why they were standing looking up to heaven also gave a promise that Jesus would return again (v. 11).
To Ponder:
- What has been your experience of waiting for and receiving the Holy Spirit as you moved into a new role in your journey of faith?
- Where and when do you find it easiest to be a witness for Jesus, and when do you find it hardest?
Prayer
Lord God, fill us afresh with the power of your Holy Spirit that we may be your witnesses in our daily lives, within the communities we live and work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Gill Sharp
Gill Sharp is a minister residing in The Peak Circuit. She works part-time as a chaplain at the Methodist Homes (MHA) care home in the Hope Valley.