This week closes out the gospel of John and moves us into Acts as the gospel begins to spread throughout Jerusalem and (because of persecution) into Judea and Samaria.
In chapter 17, we have the conclusion of the ‘Farewell Discourse’ which took place after the Lord’s Supper. Jesus concludes with a beautiful prayer for his followers, which includes those with him and those who will believe in him (including you and me). His prayer is that we would be one so that the world would believe that Jesus was sent by the Father. Our unity as believers is an apologetic! In chapter 18, Jesus and the disciples leave the Upper Room and go to the garden where Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and taken to trial. John’s account of these events is detailed, theological, and thematic. He’s tying together many of the themes he’s been weaving since chapter 1. In this chapter, pay particular attention to “I am” (v. 5), “the kingdom” (v. 36), and “the truth” (v. 37).
Like we noticed yesterday, John’s account of these events is detailed, theological, and thematic. He’s tying together many of the themes he’s been weaving since chapter 1. In these chapters, pay particular attention to “guilt” (v. 6), “authority” (v. 10), “King” (v. vv. 3, 14), and Nicodemas (v. 39). In chapter 20, John gives us a very detailed account of the resurrection, which is full of Temple imagery (remember how Jesus ‘tabernacled’ among us?). Mary sees angels sitting where Jesus head and feet would’ve been (this could allude to the winged cherubim covering the mercy seat where sacrificial blood was thrown on the ark of the covenant). The whole resurrection scene takes place in a garden, which is prominent in the imagery of the Temple). The end of John 20 tells us very clearly his purpose in writing the gospel: to help people believe that Jesus is the Christ. To that end, pay attention to all the “belief” language in these chapters.
John’s final chapter concludes with Jesus appearing to seven of the disciples near the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). As the disciples wonder what to do after Jesus’ death, they go back to fishing – with no success. They catch nothing all night. But in the morning, Jesus calls to them from the shore and instructs them to cast on the other side of the boat – with great success. When they meet Jesus at the shore, they find a charcoal fire with fish already prepared. Around this charcoal fire Jesus restored Peter and calls Peter to follow Jesus’– no matter what happens to anyone else, including John. Are you committed to following Jesus, no matter the cost?
Luke covered all that happened up to Jesus’ ascension. The book of Acts covers the next thirty years from about the mid-30s to the mid-60s. During this time, there’s great suspicion about the church even Jewish leaders in Rome know “everywhere this sect is spoken against.” What we see in Acts 1-2 is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send another Comforter – the Holy Spirit. The events of Acts 2 have lasting impact for us because the only hope for you, for me, for the survival of the Church in the West is a determined devotion to Jesus and a fresh movement of the same Spirit who stirred renewal and revival in Acts 1-2.
After Acts 2, there is renewed boldness and gospel-driven courage amongst the disciples. Though ordinary men, the Lord was using them to expand the kingdom. Peter and John give away what they have received from Jesus – both in word and in deed. We see both in these chapters as Peter heals a lame beggar and speaks in Solomon’s portico. If you’re curious what Jesus taught his disciples in Luke 24, you can see an example of it in Acts 4 as Peter “interprets everything in the Scriptures concerning Jesus.”
As the church grows, it is not without problems. How believers live honestly with one another is an important aspect of our witness, illustrated by the dishonesty of Ananias and Sapphira who lie to God the Holy Spirit. On the other end of the spectrum, Acts 6 gives us a vision of a productive solution to a growing problem in the church as deacons are appointed to serve tables. Among those appointed was Stephen, full of grace and power, doing many mighty works and signs among the people.
Stephen’s speech is a beautiful summary of how the Old Testament leads us right to Christ. Don’t skim over this. Read with a discerning eye toward why Stephen included the things he did. There’s much to learn about evangelism here. If you notice who was he talking to, how he addressed them, and his particular angle, you can pickup some notes on knowing your audience and tailoring your re-telling of the gospel to your audience. Even still, Acts 8 shows us that sometimes it takes trials and suffering to push the gospel forward in the world.