of teaching. “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,” he observed. Those present were initially impressed, and marveled that one raised in their midst could be so gifted. From this point, the situation rapidly deteriorated. With the result that they were determined to do away with him. He, however, walked through their midst, and continued on his way. If this constituted a miracle, it was decidedly not the kind for which they had hoped.
Jesus’ public ministry was of relatively brief duration. Initially, the populace was impressed by the fact that he taught with authority (cf. Matt. 7:28–29). As noted above, they applauded his teaching. Until or unless it conflicted with some invested interest. Miracles served to validate his ministry and reflect his compassion.
Jesus gathered disciples around him, and taught them by word and deed. He singled out the apostles to act on his behalf. Recalling the Talmudic observation, “The one sent is as the one who sends.” He was both commended and criticized for befriending sinners, those who were religiously non-observant. He defended this practice on the grounds that he had come to seek and save that which was lost.
Opposition continued to build. He alerted the Twelve of his impending demise, and subsequent resurrection (cf. Luke 18:31–33). While they did not grasp his meaning at the time, they would recall his words. God works in mysterious ways, which often become increasingly clear with the passing of time. This proved to be no exception.
The passion accounts consist of Jesus’ resolve to pursue God’s will in the face of adversity and suffering. In this regard, he prayed: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). If it were possible to achieve God’s redemptive purpose in some other way, he would welcome the reprieve.
This proved not to be the case. “The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” And they said many other insulting things to him.” Thus adding insult to injury.
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him. “Father, forgive them,” Jesus petitioned, “for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Thus exhibiting remarkable consideration for others under excruciating conditions. He subsequently cried out, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” His trust had triumphed.
The centurion, having witnessed what had transpired, praised God and allowed: “Surely this was a righteous man.” Those who were standing by expressed their remorse. Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, having not consented to its decision, meant to give Jesus’ remains a proper burial. Pilate granted his request.
The perpetrators must have heaved a collective sigh of relief, but their euphoria was short lived. On the first day of the week, women intent on anointing the deceased arrived at the tomb. They found the stone rolled away, and Jesus’ body missing. While they were wondering what had happened, two figures in radiant clothing appeared. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” they inquired. “He is not here, he is risen!” (Luke 24:5–6).
“For what I received I passed on to you as first importance, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.” Paul allows. “After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of who are still living. Then he appeared to James, and then to all the apostles, and last of all to me also” (1 Cor. 15:3–7). Recalling the liturgical response, “He is risen indeed!”
Jesus initially instructed his disciples to wait until endued with power from on high. In greater detail, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This should be understood in terms of “cause and effect. Effective witness can only be borne where the Spirit is, and where the Spirit is, effective witness will always follow.”31 Whether by way of guidance, enablement, or favorable response.
Then, too, witness first to those close at hand. As concerned family and friends. Once the pattern is established, reach out to others. Resulting in a succession of witnesses.
“After Jesus said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” In biblical imagery, this appears to be a symbol of divine glory (cf. Exod. 16:10). No less visible for that reason.
The ascension thus provides an important addition to the gospel narrative. It may be likened to the return of a victorious military leader to the acclaim of the populace. After which, he is able to intercede on behalf of his followers.
Accordingly, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb 4:15–16). More expressly, Jesus promises to dispatch the Holy Spirit (cf. John 15:26).
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in the same lace. As a reminder that the role of discipleship eventuates in community. To experience life together. Available to others, and for their ministry in return.
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them” (Acts 2:2–3). Like and seemed to be suggest that his resembled but was not identical to natural occurrences.
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.” It is not clear whether all or some spoke in other tongues. The reference could be to ecstatic utterance, an actual language, or a combination of the two. Since some heard them speak in their language. It would seem to rule out the first of these options.
Studies have shown that one may express sounds of a foreign language during times of ecstasy. Although not necessarily knowing its meaning. Which would provide a plausible solution. In any case, this appears to symbolize the reversal of the diffusion of tongues at the Tower of Babel. Thus a coming together for righteous purposes.
So it was that Peter reminded those observing the event that the Lord had promised to pour out his Spirit on all people. “With many other words he warned them, and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” This constituted a remarkable response.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” “This teaching was authoritative because it was the teaching of the Lord communicated through the apostles in the power of the Spirit. For believers of other generations the New Testament scriptures form the written deposit of the apostolic teaching.”32
The apostolic fellowship found expression in a number of practical ways, such as the breaking of bread and prayer. As for the former, this may have included both a common meal and communion. As for the latter, both private and public prayer. “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
When approached by a crippled beggar, Peter responded: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). Taking him by his hand, the apostle helped him to his feet. “When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” Prompting Peter again to share the good news.
Not all were pleased with this turn of events. Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, which ordered them to desist from their labors.
