Jesus Rose

“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:1-3). 

Luke, the author of Acts, begins this new book by stating that in his former book he spoke about all that Jesus taught until the day He ascended into heaven. After Jesus’ suffering, He presented Himself before the apostles with many proofs that He was in fact risen from the dead. 

Luke addressed this book to “Theophilus,” which means “Loved by God.” Suggesting that the message was intended for all who seek to find truth about the gospel of Christ. The first thing that Luke mentions in verse 3 is something that can provide encouragement to all Christians. “He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs.” In a world with so much doubt and speculation about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Luke provides his readers without any doubt of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus did not merely appear once but repeatedly over forty days, interacting with people. These encounters were not some vision, but true experiences that left no room for doubt among the disciples. This certainty strengthens our confidence in the resurrection, and consequently in all of Jesus’ promises. 

Verse three also shows us that even after His resurrection, Jesus continued to teach and guide His disciples. This further instruction displays to those who wanted Jesus dead that His death was not the end, it was the beginning. Jesus’ teachings to the disciples after His resurrection remind us that we are part of a greater purpose. 

The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our hope in Christ. It assures us that death is not our end and we can have eternal life if we follow Jesus. This hope is not a wishful thought but is a confident expectation based on the certainty we find in Acts chapter one of Jesus’ victory over death. In times of doubt, fear, or grief, the reality of the resurrection provides strength. 

Jesus Rose!