Jesus Continues His Work — Acts 1:1–5
Sep 10, 2026 74
Jesus continues his work. What does that mean when he is no longer physically here, walking, teaching and speaking with his disciples?
Acts 1:1–5
[1] In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, [2] until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. [3] 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.
[4] 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; [5] for John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (ESV)
Jesus continues his work from heaven
Acts is part two of Luke’s account. Same author, Luke. Same reader, Theophilus. And the same subject, Jesus.
Book one is about what Jesus began to do and teach.
Book two is about what Jesus will continue to do and teach.
Notice that word began. Luke’s Gospel tells us about Jesus’ earthly ministry. Acts shows us his heavenly ministry. The Jesus who died and rose again continues to be at work.
How will Jesus continue to do and teach?
Through his Holy Spirit, working through the apostles he has chosen. They have seen the risen Jesus, and now he is preparing them to make him known.
Before they go anywhere, Jesus tells them to wait.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Jesus supplies the power they need
The apostles are to stay in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. Jesus reminds them that John baptised with water, and assures them that they will soon be baptised with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus has a mission for them, and he will supply the power they need.
In the coming chapters of Acts, we will see that promise fulfilled. The Spirit comes at Pentecost, and the message of Jesus spreads and spreads through ordinary people empowered by an extraordinary God.
This is how Jesus continues his work. His Spirit empowers his people to make known his life, his death and his resurrection.
We are ordinary people too. Every single one of us. We can feel ill-equipped for the mission before us, but Jesus has given his Spirit to his people.
The invitation is to give ourselves afresh to Christ and his mission, depending on the Spirit who continues to work in ordinary people like us.
The Good News is…
Jesus continues his work from heaven through his Spirit in ordinary people like us. The Saviour who died in our place and rose again is still at work, making his good news known across the world. His Spirit still empowers. The gospel still saves. We can depend on him as we give ourselves to the mission he continues today.
Reflection
Bring to God an area where you feel ill-equipped to make King Jesus known. Ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit as you give yourself to his mission.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited