PROVEN ALIVE

"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 1:3 (ESV)

SUFFERING: "Pascho", a sensation or impression of pain; same as "patho" or pentho" (seen in empathy, pathetic, sympathy)

PROOFS: A token, or criterion, of certainty

KINGDOM: "Basileia", royalty, rule, or realm; from "basis", a pace (as in walking)

WHAT DO YOU THINK? In what ways does the action of walking support the idea of a kingdom or royalty?

What proofs do we see immediately after the tomb was found empty?

"While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen." Luke 24:4-6 (ESV)

"But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened." Luke 24:12 (ESV)

"That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them." Luke 24:13-15 (ESV)

"When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him." Luke 24:30-31 (ESV)

"He said to them, 'Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.' And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, 'Have you anything here to eat?' They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them." Luke 24:38-43 (ESV)

THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER

"And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, 'You heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.'" Acts 1:4-5

PROMISE: An announcement; "epangelia"; from a word meaning to lead or drive.

This is a reference to the last words of Jesus to His disciples:

"I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:49 (ESV)

The "promise of the Father" was an announcement from God of the Holy Spirit, the "power on high", indwelling believers.

"If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." John 14:23 (ESV)

"The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." John 14:26 (ESV)

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Why the wait? The disciples don't appear to gain any more faith between the giving of this promise and when it is fulfilled, as recorded in Acts 2. Does this forced time of waiting for God's Spirit correlate to our own times of feeling "on hold" with God?

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