April 30
Lesson 9 (KJV)
Jesus Makes a Promise
Devotional Reading: Psalm 24
Background Scripture: Acts 1:1–11
Acts 1:1–11
1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
3 To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things about the kingdom of God:
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they came together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel again?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost comes upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Jesus Calls Us
Unit 3: The Birth of the Church
Lessons 9–13
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. State the initial sequence of the geographical progression of the gospel message.
2. Analyze what the disciples meant when they asked Jesus about the restoration of Israel.
3. Recommit to the work Jesus has given him or her in accomplishing the gospel mandate.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. Flashbacks
B. Lesson Context
I. Promise Number 1 (Acts 1:1–5)
A. Looking Back (vv. 1–3)
B. Looking Forward (vv. 4–5)
II. Promise Number 2 (Acts 1:6–8)
A. Lingering Question (v. 6)
B. Exasperated Response (v. 7)
C. Worldwide Ministry (v. 8)
Be One of Support One?
III. Promise Number 3 (Acts 1:9–11)
A. Dramatic Departure (v. 9)
B. Angelic Urging (vv. 10–11)
Why Not Right Now?
Conclusion
A. Luke’s Great Commission
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
How to Say It
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Bethany |
Beth-uh-nee. |
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Galilee |
Gal-uh-lee. |
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JudasIscariot |
Joo-dus Iss-care-ee-ut. |
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Pentecost |
Pent-ih-kost. |
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oligarchs (Greek) |
pawl-ih-tar-case. |
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Samaria |
Suh-mare-ee-uh. |
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Theophilus |
Thee-ahf-ih-luss (th as in thin). |
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Thessalonica |
Thess-uh-lo-nye-kuh (th as in thin). |
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What Do You Think? How substantial is the evidence of history (“proofs”) to your being a Christian? Digging Deeper How do passages such as John 14:11 and 20:30–31 establish that evidence is more important than personal testimony and personal experience? |
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What Do You Think? How do you discern God’s will regarding whether to wait or act? Digging Deeper How will you be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2) so that you can be attentive to God’s will? |
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What Do You Think? How would you respond to someone fascinated with speculating about Christ’s return? Digging Deeper How do texts such as Matthew 24:27–31; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–16; and 2 Peter 3:3–15 inform your response? |
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What Do You Think? How will you order your life so that you might be a witness to your own “Jerusalems,” “Judaeas,” and “Samarias”? Digging Deeper What evidence do you see that God has brought people from all nations to your neighborhood? |
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What Do You Think? How can believers be ready for Christ’s return without disregarding what He has called His followers to do? Digging Deeper How do Matthew 24:36–51 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15–5:23 apply? |
Conclusion
A. Luke’s Great Commission
When discussing the Great Commission given by Jesus, most Christians will think of Matthew 28:19–20, where Jesus said,
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Luke’s version of this is found in Acts 1:8, which could be summarized as, “Go to the ends of the earth and be my witnesses.” There is no conflict between these versions. They are different ways of commanding the same thing. In both cases, the message is not confined to a small group of men who were physically present at Jesus’ ascension, men who died some 2,000 years ago. Rather, these commands also apply to Christians today.
If we are truly Christ’s disciples, we will be involved in spreading the saving testimony about Jesus to all the people of the earth. For some Christians, this involves strategic relocation to interact with people groups in countries that have no Christian witness. For other Christians, it means funding and supporting such cross-cultural evangelism. For all Christians, it involves ensuring that talk matches walk (Colossians 4:5; 1 Timothy 3:7; etc.).
The New Testament teaches that all Christians are to be involved in making disciples. This is to be motivated by our love for those who do not know Jesus, as well the need to obey His commands as our Lord (John 14:15). Jesus went to the cross out of His love for the world and His obedience to His Father’s will. We should do no less.
B. Prayer
Heavenly Father, may we be the generation that finally fulfills Your desire to share our witness about Your Son with all the people of the earth. May Your Holy Spirit give us strength and courage to work toward this goal. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
The gospel must be spread now.
Involvement Learning
Enhance your lesson with KJV Bible Student (from your curriculum supplier) and the reproducible activity page (at www.standardlesson.com or in the back of the KJV Standard Lesson Commentary Deluxe Edition).
Krause, Mark S. et al. “Jesus Makes a Promise.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2022–2023. Ed. Jane Ann Kenney, Ronald L. Nickelson, and Taylor Z. Stamps. Vol. 70. Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2023. 303–304. Print. The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary.
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