Faith without religion.
The Ascension and Replacement of Judas: Acts Chapter One
In a recent discussion, Shawn and Delaney delved into the opening chapter of the Book of Acts, exploring the transition from the Gospel of Luke to Acts. They began by clarifying that Luke, the author, addresses Theophilus and recounts the events following Jesus’ resurrection. Shawn explained that while Matthew’s Gospel ends with the Great Commission, Luke provides additional details about Jesus’ activities over 40 days, including his teachings about the Kingdom of God.
The conversation highlighted the differences between the Gospels, with Luke offering a timeline that Matthew does not. Shawn noted that Jesus appeared to his followers in a physical form, emphasizing the significance of his bodily resurrection. During these 40 days, Jesus instructed his disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit, which would arrive after his ascension.
Shawn and Delaney discussed the confusion surrounding the timeline of events, particularly the ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which occurs 50 days after Passover. They also touched on the translation nuances of terms like “earth” and “world” in the context of Jesus’ instructions to his disciples.
The discussion then shifted to the ascension itself, where two men in white, likely angels, appeared to the disciples, urging them to stop gazing at the sky and to focus on their mission. This led to a humorous moment when Delaney misinterpreted the text, thinking the men were from Galilee, prompting laughter and a light-hearted exchange.
The conversation concluded with a focus on Peter’s actions following the ascension. Peter, eager to fill the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot, led the apostles in selecting Matthias as the new twelfth apostle. Shawn argued that this decision was premature and not divinely inspired, contrasting it with the later calling of Paul, who played a significant role in the early church.
Overall, the discussion provided a detailed examination of Acts chapter one, highlighting the complexities and nuances of the biblical narrative while offering insights into the early days of the Christian church.