The Sequel

“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven.” Acts 1:1-2

Ever finished a movie or book and wondered what happened next? Some stories simply beg for sequels. Surely Theophilus thought so when he set down the scroll from his friend Luke.

The biggest events in the history of the world had just happened, and Luke had sent him the story: Jesus of Nazareth, the virgin-born/itinerant teacher and preacher who claimed to be God and only did good, had been condemned and crucified—His body then sealed in a tomb of stone. But three days later, as heaven shouted and hell shuddered, Jesus had risen from the grave triumphantly and defiantly—“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”(1 Cor. 15:55). His disciples were shocked and excited. They had thought all hope was lost, but on the first Easter evening, Jesus strode past locked doors and spoke peace into their lives(Lk 24:36). A bit later, “He led them out to Bethany…blessed them…left them and was taken up into heaven”(Lk 24:50-51). The disciples went back to Jerusalem and joyfully hung around the temple praising God(Lk 24:52-53, the last verses in Luke).

What happened next?

We don’t know how long Theophilus had to wait for the sequel, but he wasn’t left hanging. Luke followed up his gospel with the book of Acts—a thrilling account of what God did on earth after Jesus was gone from earth. “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven(Acts 1:1-2), and so the saga continued. The following twenty-eight chapters are packed with adventure, drama, danger, and delight. I must admit that during sermons or seminars too boring to bear (none in recent years, I gladly add), I have been known to read the book of Acts—with occasional glances and smiles up to the speaker, of course, for one wouldn’t want to be discouraging. The accounts of the first disciples, the first church, the first martyrs, and the first missionaries captivate and inspire, and though Acts is full of “firsts,” in its pages we can find ourselves, for we also live in between Christ’s resurrection and His return.

As through the next few weeks we closely consider the people, places, and plots of Acts, keep in mind that though Luke’s book has an ending, God’s story is ongoing. The good news of grace has been passed down to you, and it’s your turn to pick up the pen.

What happened next?