Acts 1:12-14

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

So, I decided that since in the Easter season we use the book of Acts rather than a passage from the Hebrew scriptures for the lectionary, that it might be good to look at some of the Acts history, as well as some of its colorful characters and stories. 

Now, I have to own up to the fact that Acts has never been my favorite book in the Bible, so in some ways this is a good test for me!

I won't go through the entire book, but some key passages I think that will give a good flavor or summary of what it all means - or at least what I think it all means.

And to begin, we meet the disciples (now apostles) immediately following the Ascension of Jesus.

Some interesting things for me in this passage that will lead to themes to explore in Acts:

- what does it mean that they are a "sabbath's day" journey away from Jerusalem? What does this say about sabbath in general?

- This is before Pentecost, so upon arriving back in Jerusalem they go back to their upper room. This is the room where they hid out after Jesus died.

- Waiting with them, however? Jesus' family. And women. Luke, who wrote Acts as well as the Gospel, doesn't shy away from telling the story of women. It will be good to see how they plays out and what it means for us.

Lord, we have a precious history. Inspire us to learn from those who came before us how to serve you and your people. Amen.