Acts - The Ministry of the Risen Christ

Tom BorckSun, Feb 1, 2026 · Acts 1:1-5

Summary

The book of Acts is presented as a divine adventure, not a human plan, centered on the Holy Spirit's empowering presence that launches the church into mission. Though the disciples initially longed to act, Jesus commanded them to wait in Jerusalem, emphasizing that true power comes not from human initiative but from the Spirit's arrival. The narrative unfolds as a story of God's faithfulness, where the gospel spreads from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth through the Spirit-empowered witness of ordinary people, including Peter and Paul. Key themes include the centrality of Christ, the inclusive nature of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles, the paradox of persecution fueling growth, and the church's unity in suffering and mission. As the early church waits, obeys, and witnesses, it reflects a pattern of trust in God's leading, where every step forward is guided by the unseen yet ever-present presence of the risen Christ.