week of 12/31

Unit 29 Session 1

THE COMMISSION RECEIVED

ACTS 1

Jesus' disciples were to carry out their mission of telling the world about Him, a mission they could only fulfill through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts picks up where the Gospel of Luke ends. After Jesus' resurrection, He spent forty days with His disciples, teaching them about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). He did this to prepare them for life and ministry in His physical absence. The disciples were nervous and anxious about the next phase of their lives and ministry, but Jesus gathered them, commissioned them, and assured them of the promise of the Holy Spirit and His physical return.

Points to consider:

✞   Jesus' disciples rely on the power of the Spirit.

     * How do you see the Holy Spirit as a promised blessing 

        in the life of the believer?

     * How should the awareness of the Holy Spirit being in 

        your life impact your daily life and relationship with 

        God?

✞   Jesus' disciples fulfill the mission of the Father.

     * Why was it important for Christ to refocus the disciples' 
        attention from the restoration of Israel to the Father's 
        ultimate plan?
     * Do you think the first disciples completed this commission 
        and why?

✞   Jesus' disciples anticipate the return of the Son.

     * In John 14:1-7, the disciples were distraught at the thought 
        of Christ leaving. Why do they now seem composed in Acts 
        as He returned to the Father?
     * How should our anticipation for Christ's return motivate 
        our activity to be His witnesses?