Acts 1:1-11
The first 11 verses provide for us a critical foundation for understanding the effectiveness of the early church. There are even some surprises and this little paragraph. But we will focus on one line in verse 3 that needs attention; “by many convincing proofs...” This is a reference to Jesus presented Himself alive to the disciples after his death and burial. Why many convincing proofs? Would not seeing Him alive once the enough? It sounds like the lesson of the literal physical Resurrection is repeated over and over and from several perspectives. Why?
In the years ahead this collection of followers is going to face an almost impossible task while facing opposition that is all but beyond description. The linchpin of their message is the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. That fact had to be firmly imprinted on them so securely that nothing could jar it loose. They needed to be so convinced that nothing could cause them to have self-doubt. Faced with betrayal, torture, and threat of death the disciples would have to hold on to one absolute unquestionable fact; “Jesus was resurrected and in Him I will share that same Resurrection”. Under stress they might give in and believe single evidence was their own runaway imagination or wishful thinking. “Many convincing proofs” secured their faith.
This is also part of our faith. The church is built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets with Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone. The “many convincing proofs” not only secure the faith of those disciples, it also enables them to pass it on to others, even twenty centuries later. We can believe today because during a certain 40 day period the Lord gave “many convincing proofs”.
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