Read through the passages - Acts 1:6-11, Acts 28:23-31
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” - (Acts 1:6-11 ESV)
When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
“‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’
Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. - (Acts 28:23-31 ESV)
Think Through the Text
- What exactly is Jesus asking the twelve disciples to do in Acts 1:8? What do you think is going through their minds? In what ways or places is Jesus calling you to live on mission?
- As you turn to Acts 28:23-31, the very end of the book, what do you learn about the mission of God? What does it look like? How far did it expand?
- Do you ever feel too old to be used by God? Too young? Jesus sends the disciples out on a radically global mission. Roughly thirty years later, the gospel has spread all across the known world. What does that tell you about what God could do in and through you in the next thirty years?
Write it Out
Capture, chart, outline your thoughts - whatever works best for you: