I've been reading through the book of Acts the past couple of weeks and I was struck by the fact that Luke states his purpose for writing right at the beginning. But you will receive power, says Jesus, when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will receive my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Did Luke have good news to report? Acts is full of good news:
So the Word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 8:7
Then the church...enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers.... Acts 12:24
But the Word of God continued to increase and spread. Acts 16:5
In this way the Word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. Acts 19:20
Luke tells a powerful and exciting story of how the church grew through the power of the Holy Spirit working through the Word of God. The church grew despite of terrible persecution from the enemies of the cross; it grew by bringing Jews and Gentiles together to share a common faith in Christ; it grew in ever-widening circles, just as the Lord had taught.
It is even fair to say that the book of Acts is still being written today. The Holy Spirit is strengthening the Church through Word and sacraments. We have the great privilege of being witnesses who can tell the story of how Christ saved us through the Gospel of forgiveness and life. May the Holy Spirit encourage us to tell the good news of Jesus to our communities and world!
