----( 3 )1------

To show that Christianity was not a threat or a problem to the Roman Empire but it was a legal
religion like others. (Apologetic reason)

Forty Days after Resurrection

Jesus had to stay for forty days before his ascension so that everyone could have evidence that he had truly
resurrected and was alive. He had to appear to the apostles and followers so that they could be witnesses.
But the number forty is also symbolic:
Symbolism of the Number Forty
Stands for a time of trial and testing -for example, when Jesus fated for forty days, this stood for
his time of testing as this is when he was tested physically and spiritually
Stands for a period of waiting (probation) - for example, when Jesus stayed for forty days after his
resurrection, this represented a time of waiting for the apostles as they waited for the promise of
the holy spirit
Stands for the start of another generation -for example, when Jesus stayed for forty days after his
resurrection, this stood for the beginning of another generation, a generation without his physical
presence
The Post-resurrection Teachings (Acts 1: 4-8)
These are the teachings of Jesus after his resurrection where Jesus taught his disciples the following:
He made the promise of the Holy Spirit, saying they should not leave Jerusalem until they have
been baptised with the Holy Spirit. He reminded them that John baptised with water, but they also
needed the baptism of the Holy Spirit before they became his witnesses.
He taught them about the second coming, saying that it was not for them to know the times and
seasons set by God. The disciples thought that it was time for Jesus to take the kingdom of Israel
from the Romans, but Jesus explained that it was not for them to know _the times of restoring the
kingdom.
He gave them the Greatest Commission to spread the message of salvation everywhere. This was
when he told them that after receiving the Holy Spirit, they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem
and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth
Significance of the Post-resurrection Appearance and Forty Days ' Stay

It provided evidence that Jesus had truly resurrected. This would give the disciples hope and strong
belief that they are holding to something that is real. They would then shape their lives and follow
Jesus' teachings truthfully with the hope that they would also rise after death.
It fulfilled the Oid Testament prophecies that Jesus would rise and appear to his disciples before
ascension. This proved that Jesus was truly the messiah.
It gave a chance for Jesus to make the promise of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. It is during his
forty days stay that Jesus tells the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they have received the power
of the Holy Spirit before they become his witnesses.
It enabled Jesus to leave the disciples with the Greatest Commission of being evangelist and spread
the gospel of salvation to the whole world.
 - - (4)

Lessons for Christians

They can learn to be patient. When Jesus told them that it was not for them to know the times and
seasons fixed by God, he was teaching them to wait patiently for God to fulfil his promises. Even
Christians nowadays can learn that patience and wait for his second coming although they do not
know when it will happen. They can copy from the early disciples who had to stay in Jerusalem
and wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit to be fulfilled.
They can learn to be obedient to God's instruction. The Greatest Commission given by Jesus that
they should be witnesses was meant to always remind all Christians that they have a responsibility
and they should show respect to God by fulfilling this commission.
They can learn to seek the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught the disciples that they would
receive power when the Holy Spirit came, and even Christians can learn that they cannot do
anything without the power of the Holy Spirit.
They can learn to be orderly in fulfilling their Christian duties. The Greatest Commission that Jesus
gave them follows a certain order; it says they would begin in Jerusalem, to the whole of Judea, to
Samaria and to the end of the earth. So even Christians can learn that their Christian mission begins
where they are before it can spread anywhere.

The Importance and Role of the Holy Spirit

It comforts believers. Jesus left the disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit because he would
no longer be with them physically, and they would have no one to look up to. So the Holy Spirit
would be the one to comfort them in his absence. Even nowadays Christians believe that they have
the Holy Spirit to comfort them as they await the second coming of Jesus.
It gives them power and courage. Even Jesus told the disciples that when the Holy Spirit comes,
they would receive power, and it is this power that would enable them to carry out the Greatest
Commission of being his witnesses throughout the world. While Jesus was with them, he was the
one who went around teaching the crowds, so in his absence, Christians need power of the Holy
Spirit to continue with the Christian work.
It gives guidance/direction. Without the physical presence of Jesus on earth, Christians believe that
they cannot always know what to do to please God and what decisions to make in controversial
circumstances or situations. So the Holy Spirit is .there to guide them in decision making. The
Bible is there for them, but they need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to read it and apply its
teachings in daily living appropriately. They even need the Holy Spirit as they carry out the
Greatest Commission of spreading the gospel, as they would not know where to start and where to
go.
The Holy Spirit comes with spiritual gifts such as speaking of tongues, the ability to heal,
prophesying and even to preach. When Jesus was still on earth, he was the one who healed the
sick, but the disciples would need the Holy Spirit to do that after Jesus left. Jesus was God himself,
so he knew what would happen in future, but Christians nowadays need the Holy Spirit to prophesy.
As they carry out the Greatest Commission, they would have to go to non-Jews so they would need
to be understood by people of different languages, so the Holy Spirit comes with the gift of speaking
in tongues.
The Holy Spirit also protects believers. Even the early disciples would need protection as they
carried out the greatest commission of spreading the message of salvation to all parts of the world.
It would not be an easy task as they would meet persecution, so the Holy Spirit would be their
protector. So even nowadays Christians depend on the Holy Spirit for protection in times of trouble
as they do God's work.
----( 5 )----

The Ascension and Promised Return

After his teaching on Mount Olivet, a cloud lifted Jesus up as the disciples were looking on. Two men
appeared in white clothes and asked the disciples why they stood looking into heaven because Jesus
would return in the same way he disappeared. The disciples then returned to Jerusalem and went to the
Upper room.
Importance ofthe Ascension
The ascension was a fulfilment of the Old Testament prophes�es. The prophets Zechariah
prophesied that "his feet shall stand oh the Mount of Olives ...and the Mount of Olives shall be split
in two ..." This shows that Jesus was truly the long awaited Messiah.
Firstly, the ascension gives Christians evidence that they believe in someone who lives, so their
faith lives. Being taken up showed that Jesus would continue to live in heaven.
The ascension also gives Christians hope for eternal life. Because Christ ascended to heaven, they
believe that they will ascend too and unite with him. And this makes their faith grow even stronger
as they have a direction in life.
Christ's ascension also shows God's power over death and makes Christians to face death without
fear; They now take death as a necessary step that takes them to eternal life of joy and glory with
Jesus. This is why during the funeral of a Christian, some rejoice - they believe that the deceased
has gone to be with Christ.
The ascension of Christ also makes Christians to shape their behaviour. They know that they
cannot [Link] if they fail to live like Christ; so they always try to model their life after the life of
Jesus so that they can be raised too when they die and ascend to heaven.
Because of the resurrection and ascension, Christians are reminded that they do not permanently
belong to this present world. Therefore, in all they do, they prepare for the next world with their
actions.

The Appointment of Matthias (Acts 1: 15-26)

In Jerusalem, in the Upper Room
Peter with 120 disciples
To replace Judas Iscariot
Peter tells them the requirements of the person to be chosen: must have accompanied them from
the baptism to the ascension
Two men suggested: Joseph Barsabbas Justus and Matthias
They prayed then cast lots
One lot fell on Matthias and he was chosen
Why the Appointment ofMatthias was Important
The appointment of Matthias filled the gap that had been left by Judas Iscariot who committed
suicide. This ensured that the number of the apostles remained twelve and God's governance over
his people was still complete. As a result, the mission that Jesus had given to the apostles would
be complete and perfect.
The appointment of Matthias also fulfilled the Old Testament. It was written in the book of Psalms
that the place of Judas should be taken by another: "His office let another take". So Matthias was
to take that office or role of Judas.
The appointment of Matthias also shows the importance and power of prayer for believers. The
disciples prayed before they cast lots for the appointment of Matthias, and Christians believe that
 6 )�--------------
-------ii(
it was God who made the lot to fall on Matthias after they had prayed. In other words, it was the
prayer that led to the appointment.
Matthias' appointment shows that anyone has a chance to be chosen for God's work: appointment
into God's kingdom is not selective. Matthias is not known among the disciples, but he is chosen
to be part of the twelve.
Lessons for Christians
The story of Matthias' selection teaches Christians to depend on prayer in every decision they
make. Although it was customary to cast lots when important decisions were to be made in
Judaism, but the disciples decided to pray first. It was their prayer, they believe, that made the lot
to fall on Matthias as the right choice to replace Judas.
Christians can also learn that selection by God does not depend on who you are and where you
come from. Rather, anyone stands a chance to play a role in God's mission. Nothing is said about
Matthias in the Gospels, but he is chosen to be an apostle. This teaches Christians that people are
chosen by God's grace.
The story teaches that if Christians fail to be truthful in God's work, they will be replaced. Judas
fell into the sin of greed and betrayed Jesus, and he was replaced by Matthias. Christians reading
the story of Matthias will always be on toes and serve God truthfully so that they are not replaced.
The story further teaches Christians to be patient for God's timing. Matthias had followed Jesus
from the beginning, but he
The Symbolism of the Number 12
The number twelve represented the twelve tribes of Israel. The nation of God was made of the
twelve tribes that were a result of the twelve sons of Jacob, so by choosing twelve apostles, Jesus
was showing that he wanted to rebuild the kingdom of Israel.
The number twelve is also a symbol ofcomplete governance in the Bible. God governed his people
through the twelve tribes oflsrael, so even Jesus wanted to continue with this complete governance
of God.
.. The number twelve also stands for God's perfection and authority over his people. It shows God's
ruling over the earth as it was over the twelve tribes of Israel.
By choosing the twelve apostles, Jesus wanted to create a relationship between the Old and New
kingdom of God. The old Israel was made from the twelve tribes of Israel, and even the new
Israel would start with the twelve apostles, and in this way, there was a relationship between the
Old and New Testaments. Jesus wanted to show that he was not destroying the old ways, but he
was continuing.
The Birth of the Church
The Pentecost Experience (The Coming of the Holy Spirit) (Acts 2: 1-13)

Background of Pentecost
. .
I A Jewish festival for celebrating the delivery of the Jewish laws to Moses on Mount Sinai
Also celebrates the first fruits of the year
Jews from all parts of the world go to Jerusalem to make offerings of fruits to God.
An Account of the Pentecost Experience for Christians
During the Pentecost festival in Jerusalem, about 50 days after the ascension
the disciples were gathered in one place
A sound from heaven came
 ---,-{
7
)1-----
There appeared to the disciples tongues like fire
Disciples began to speak in other tongues
Jews were amazed or bewildered as they heard the disciples speaking in their languages
Others mocked them or made fun of them, saying they were drunk

J The Importance of the Pentecost Experience in the History of the Christian Church

The Pentecost experience shows God fulfilling his promises to Christian believers. Through the
prophet Joel (2:28) in the Old Testament, God had promised that he would pour out his spirit over
all flesh which would make believers to prophesy. Even Jesus had charged his disciples not to
leave Jerusalem until they had received the Holy Spirit. So the coming of the Holy Spirit during
the Pentecost fulfilled the promises and it makes Christians even nowadays to have strong faith that
God will fulfil his promises with them.
The Pentecost marks the beginning of the Christian Church - it is the birthday of Christianity. This
is because the Holy Spirit that the early disciples received on this day baptised them and they began
to be able to start speaking about the news of salvation brought by Jesus.
The Pentecost experience gave the early disciples courage to start spreading the message of God's
salvation. It is after this experience that they started to teach about the resurrection because the
Holy Spirit had given them strength.
The Pentecost experience enabled the early disciples to preach the message of salvation even to
non-Jews. The Holy Spirit they received on this day gave them the ability to speak in other tongues.
For example, the crowd that was gathered there included people from different nations, and they
were amazed that they could hear the disciples speaking in their own languages. This meant that
the disciples would be able to be witnesses of the resurrection to all parts of the world, as Jesus had
commanded them before he left.

Symbolism
The wind that came during the Pentecost symbolised the power of the Holy Spirit) It came in a
loud sound which means it was powerful, and this means that the Holy Spirit was to bring power
to the disciples. It was this power that would enable them to perform great wonders as they carried
out the commission of being witnesses that Jesus had given them.
The fire that rested on them was a symbol of purification or cleansing. This meant that the Holy
Spirit they received was coming to purify them and make them clean; it was to make them pure
and ready to start working for God. They needed to be pure before they started carrying out the
mission of being witnesses for Jesus, and the fire stood for this purification.
The tongues that they spoke was a symbol of oneness/unity. From the day of the Pentecost, the
disciples would be one with all the nations of the world. They would be able to communicate with
1 people of different languages and pass the message of salvation to the whole world as Jesus had
commanded them before he left.

Peter's First Sermon (Acts 2: 14-41)

Peter first convinced the people that the disciples were not drunk. He proved this by saying it was
only the third hour (9am), which was too early for anyone to be drunk. Most importantly, the third
hour was an hour of prayer, so by reminding them this he wanted to make them aware that it was
-impossible for anyone to be drunk.
- -Peter then proved that the coming of the Holy Spirit was a fulfilment of the Old Testament
prophecies. He reminded them that the prophet Joel had prophesied that in the last days, God would
you_! out hi�spirit upon all flesh (people) and sons and daughters would prophesy, young men see
visions, and old men dream dreams.
 ( } 8

He then testified that Jesus is the Christ; lived and did mighty works (miracles), was killed (by
the Jews), and was raised.
Peter reminded the Jews that even David prophesied about the resurrection of the Christ.
He then made a call to repentance. When he saw that they had understood the message, he called
�them to repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins so that they received
the Holy Spirit.
The Character of Peter and Lessons for Christians
Peter shows wisdom in his first sermon. He knew that he was speaking to Jews who believed in
the Old Testament prophecies, so he made sure that he wins them by reminding them the old
prophecies. For example, he reminded them how Joel prophesied about the coming of the Holy
Spirit, and how David prophesied about the resurrection of Jesus. By doing so, Peter knew that the
Jews would easily [Link] these people were famous in their history.
Peter shows to be bold or brave in his first sermon. As he was preaching, he was not afraid to
remind the Jews that they were corrupt and evil by killing Jesus. Even his tone is accusatory as he
reminds them many times that they are the ones who killed Jesus. He knew that the Jews hated
Jesus but he was not afraid to accuse them for the death of Jesus.
Peter is knowledgeable about the scriptures. In his sermon, he knew which scriptures to use. He
simply reminded them about Joel's prophecy and David in the book of Psalm which means he had
knowledge of the scriptures.
Lessons for Christians
Christians can learn to depend on the scriptures in their ministry like Peter who relied on the Old
Testament prophecies during his sermon. He reminded the crowd how Joel prophesied about the
coming of the Holy Spirit and how David prophesied about the resurrection.
Christians can learn to be bold and not be shaken as they work for God. They should stand for the
truth and not be shaken like Peter who was bold when he testified about the death and resurrection
of Jesus. He knew that the Jews hated Jesus and he could also be hated, but he was never scared
of accusing them.
Christians can learn the steps needed for a person to earn salvation. Peter outlined these steps when
he said that anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. He then asked the Jews to
repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins so that they receive the Holy
Spirit. So even Christians can know that for one to be saved, they need to believe, to repent and to
be baptised.
Importance of Peter's First Sermon
The sermon was the first chance or platform for the disciples to be witnesses of the life, death and
resurrection of Jesus. It was the first time the disciples preached to the crowd that Jesus was truly
the Messiah, and in this way, the commission of Jesus that they should be witnesses beginning in
Jerusalem started to be carried out.
The sermon also connected the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Old Testament which was important
because it proved that God was establishing his church upon the foundations of the Old Testament.
This is because in this sermon, Peter reminded the Jews that the coming of the Holy Spirit was
prophesied by the prophet Joel, and the resurrection was prophesied by David in the Old Testament.
This showed that there was a relationship between the Old Testament and the new Christian church.
The sermon also led to the growth of the early church. This is because from the sermon, Jews
repented and were baptised. As a result, the number of the disciples was added from about 120 to
about 3000. This proved that the disciples were fulfilling the greatest commission of spreading the
message of salvation, starting from Jerusalem.