An Upper Room - Acts 1:13

Luke the physician wrote how Jesus' disciples, “returned unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey”, and in chapter one and verse thirteen of the book of Acts Luke wrote how the disciples of Jesus, “went up into an upper room” where we read:

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

The verse begins, “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, ...” Luke began with the words, “and when they were come in” which means “and at the time and moment they, Jesus' disciples, had arisen and arrived in Jerusalem”, “they went up” or “they, Jesus' disciples, ascended” “into an upper room” which means “into a room that was in the upper part of a house which was sometimes built upon the flat roof of the house”, “where abode both Peter” or “in what place or location dwelled, inhabited and remained Peter whose name means a little rock or stone”, “and James” which means “and James whose name means supplanter and was a son of Zebedee and the brother of the apostle John”, “and John” or “and John whose name means Jehovah is a gracious giver and was the son of Zebedee and the brother of James”, “and Andrew” whose name means “manly” and was “a native of Bethsaida in Galilee, brother of Simon Peter and a disciple of John the Baptist”. Luke shared when the disciples returned to Jerusalem, they went to a house that had a room that was in the upper part, and Jesus' disciples “Peter, James, John and Andrew” remained there.

The verse goes on to say, “... Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.” Luke continued with the word, “Philip” which refers to “Jesus' disciple whose name means lover of horses”, “and Thomas” which means “a twin and was one of Jesus' disciples”, “Bartholomew” or “the disciple of Jesus whose name means son of Tolmai”, “and Matthew” which refers to “the disciple of Jesus whose name means gift of Jehovah and was the son of Alphaeus”, “James the son of Alphaeus” which refers to “the disciple of Jesus whose name means supplanter and was the male progeny and offspring of Alphaeus which means changing”, “and Simon Zelotes” or “and Simon which means a rock or stone, Zelotes which means one burning with zeal and eagerly desirous”, “and Judas the brother of James” which refers to “the disciple of Jesus whose name means he shall be praised, was also named Lebbaeus and Thaddaeus and was the male sibling of James”. Luke shared how Jesus' disciples named, “Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, Simon Zelotes and Judas who was the brother of James were also gathered in the upper room within the dwelling place in Jerusalem.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we see how Luke thought it necessary to name the other disciples of Jesus who gathered in the upper room. Jesus instructed His disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they received the promise He gave them concerning the outpouring of the power of the Holy Spirit. All of the disciples of Jesus were in attendance other than “Judas Iscariot” who betrayed Him, and now they were to “wait” for God's promise to be fulfilled. God had a plan through His Son Jesus to provide salvation and forgiveness of sins for every person who believes and trusts in Him, and those who are wise will be in attendance , like these disciples, for any event to which Jesus directs them.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus' disciples, “continued with one accord in prayer and supplication”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Disciples Return to Jerusalem - Acts 1:12

Luke the physician wrote how Jesus' disciples watched Jesus as, “he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel. Which also said, You men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven”, and in chapter one and verse twelve of the book of Acts Luke wrote how Jesus' disciples, “returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet” where we read:

Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet,

which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

The verse begins, “Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, ...” Luke began with the words, “then returned they” which means “at that time they, Jesus' disciples, went and turned back” “unto Jerusalem” or “to the city of Jerusalem which means set you double peace and is the capital of Palestine” “from the mount called Olivet” which means “apart and separate from the rising above the plain known as Olivet which means olive press and was known as the Mount of Olives”. Luke shared how Jesus' disciples went back to “Jerusalem” from the “Mount of Olives” where they watched Jesus ascend into the sky.

The verse continues, “... which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.” Luke added the words, “which is from Jerusalem” or “that is apart, separate and a distance from Jerusalem which means set you double peace and is the capital of Palestine of about” “a sabbath day's journey” which means “the distance one could travel upon seventh day of each week which was a sacred festival on which the Israelites were required to abstain from all work”. Luke shared how the “Mount of Olives” was the distance from Jerusalem of about a “Sabbath day's” travel which was about “a thousand paces, two thousand cubits or seven or eight furlongs away”.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the disciples of Jesus obeyed His instruction to remain in Jerusalem until they received power on high. Jesus had ascended into Heaven, and now His disciples were to go back to their starting point and wait. Because the distance between the “Mount of Olives” was near to Jerusalem, Jesus' disciples went back that day. God desires this type of relationship with every person. He wants them to yield their life to His Son Jesus to receive forgiveness of sins and everlasting life with Him, and He desires to lead them through their obedience to His words. Those who are wise will see the wisdom in Jesus' disciples to obey Him, and in the coming verses observe the blessings that come from following His commands.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus' disciples, “went up into an upper room”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Why Stand You Gazing Up? - Acts 1:11

Luke the physician wrote how Jesus' disciples watched Him as, “he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel”, and in chapter one and verse eleven of the book of Acts Luke wrote how the two men in white apparel asked Jesus' disciples, “why stand you gazing up into heaven?” where we read:

Which also said, You men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven.

The verse begins, “Which also said, You men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven?” Luke began with the words, “which also said” which means “who even so and indeed uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “you men of Galilee” or “you, disciples of Jesus, male and female human beings belonging to the area known as Galilee which refers to the natives of the area of Galilee in Israel”, “why stand you gazing up” which means “for what reason and cause are you, disciples of Jesus, standing upon your feet and looking, considering and fixing your eyes upwardly” “into heaven” or “into the aerial heavens or sky, the region where the clouds and the tempests gather, and where thunder and lightning are produced”? Luke shared how the “two men” or “angels” asked the disciples of Jesus to give a reason for why they were “earnestly looking” toward the sky.

The verse goes on to say, “this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven.” Luke continued with the words, “this same Jesus” or “the selfsame Jesus whose name means Jehovah is Salvation and is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate”, “which is taken up from you” which means “who is raised and received apart from you, disciples of Jesus” “into heaven” or “to the aerial heavens or sky, the region where the clouds and the tempests gather, and where thunder and lightning are produced and to the region above the sidereal heavens which is the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings”, “shall so come in like manner” which means “will even so and indeed arise, appear and show Himself in the same way, fashion and deportment” “as you have seen him go into heaven” or “like you, disciples of Jesus, have observed, noticed and beheld him, Jesus, depart and leave into the aerial heavens or sky, the region where the clouds and the tempests gather, and where thunder and lightning are produced and to the region above the sidereal heavens which is the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings”. Luke shared how the “two men” or “angels” told His disciples that He would return in the same way that they “saw” Him go into the sky and Heavenly region.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn about the promise of Jesus' return. The “two men” or “angels” who appeared alongside Jesus' disciples, questioned them about their reason for continuing their “gaze” into the sky because Jesus was going to come back in the same manner that He left. Jesus will return to the earth, and those who are looking for Him will see His appearance. Jesus returned to Heaven for a season, but He is coming again and He will receive everyone who has put their faith and trust in Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”. Let all who read these words receive Jesus and be looking steadfastly for His return even as the “two men” promised He would.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus' disciples, “returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Looking Steadfastly Toward Heaven - Acts 1:10

Luke the physician wrote how Jesus' disciples watched Him as, “he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight”, and in chapter one and verse ten of the book of Acts Luke wrote how the disciples of Jesus, “looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up” where we read:

And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up,

behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

The verse begins, “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, ...” Luke began with the words, “and while they looked steadfastly” which means “and during the time they, Jesus' disciples, fixed, gazed and earnestly set their eyes” “toward heaven” or “to the aerial heavens or sky and the region where the clouds and the tempests gather and where thunder and lightning are produced” “as he went up” which means “during the time he, Jesus, rose, departed and was removed” the following occurred. Luke shared how the “disciples” of Jesus were earnestly gazing toward the sky as Jesus rose, and the following event happened.

The verse continues, “... behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;” Luke added the word, “behold” or “lo, look and consider”, “two men stood by them” which means “two male figures were standing present, near and close to Jesus' disciples” “in white apparel” or “in white colored clothing, raiment and robes”. Luke shared how “two men” or “angels and messengers from God” were standing with the disciples of Jesus while they watched Him rise into the sky.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “two men” or “angels” suddenly appeared near to where Jesus' disciples were standing as they watch Jesus ascend into the sky. These “angels” have a message for His disciples in our next verse, but for now let this be yet another reminder that there is a spiritual world, and the Kingdom of God is “spiritual” in nature. God desires to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and when they yield their lives to Him as their “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive their sins, grant them everlasting life and be waiting to receive them into Heaven some day. Let all who read these words not only consider the “ascension” of Jesus back to Heaven, but also how the spiritual beings know His purposes for all mankind.

Next time Luke shares how the two men in white apparel ask Jesus' disciples, “why stand you gazing up into heaven?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Jesus Rises in a Cloud - Acts 1:9

Luke the physician wrote how the disciples of Jesus asked Him, “Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in his own power. But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”, and in chapter one and verse nine of the book of Acts Luke wrote when Jesus, “had spoken these things … a cloud received him out of their sight” where we read:

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up;

and a cloud received him out of their sight.

The verse begins, “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up;” Luke began with the words, “and when he had spoken these things” which means “and at the time and moment he, Jesus, uttered, declared and proclaimed the idea of the Holy Ghost coming upon His disciples and them being witnesses of Him”, “while they beheld” or “during the time they, Jesus' disciples, observed, notice, gazed and saw”, “he was taken up” which means “he, Jesus, was lifted, raised and exalted”. Luke shared how Jesus' disciples saw Him began to rise into the sky after He told them about the Holy Spirit coming upon them to be His witnesses in the world.

The verse goes on to say, “and a cloud received him out of their sight.” Luke continued with the words, “and a cloud” or “and a cloud in the sky” “received him” which means “carried him, Jesus, upward” “out of their sight” or “separate and apart from their, Jesus' disciples' vision”. Luke shared how Jesus was engulfed with a cloud from the sky which carried Him out of the eyesight of His disciples.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn about the ascension of Jesus back to Heaven with God. Jesus told His disciples He would be physically leaving them, and after He said the “Holy Spirit” would come upon them and empower them to be His witnesses throughout the world, He returned to His Father God above. We will discover more about this event in our next verse, but for now let us keep in mind that Jesus fulfilled His words about physically leaving His disciples, and the responsibility for the Kingdom of God was now being transferred to them. God through His Holy Spirit would give them the ability to carry out their mission, but Jesus was no longer to be physically with them. God desires a loving personal relationship with every person, and when they submit their lives to Him, He will forgive their sins, grant them everlasting life and empower them to be “witnesses” of Him to promote the Kingdom of God. Let all who read these words understand the ascension of Jesus and be willing to be His agents in the world.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus' disciples, “looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".