Acts 1:1-11

“I wrote the former account, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after he had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. To the same apostles also, after his suffering, he presented himself alive with many convincing proofs. He was seen by them over a forty-day period and spoke about matters concerning the kingdom of God. While he was with them, he declared, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait there for what my Father promised, which you heard about from me. For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had gathered together, they began to ask him, “Lord, is this the time when you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” He told them, “You are not permitted to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.” After he had said this, while they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud hid him from their sight. As they were still staring into the sky while he was going, suddenly two men in white clothing stood near them and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will come back in the same way you saw him go into heaven.””

— ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭11‬‬

 I’m sure there are arguments against Luke’s writing of both Luke-Acts, but the same style of writing, recipient, continuation of themes and narrative—and tradition—are enough for me. We don’t know much about Theophilus. 

Connections between Acts and Luke: “former account,” Theophilus, Acts 1:4-5 references John the Baptist, ascension in both Luke 24 and Acts 1; Acts 1:2 recounts Jesus’ instruction about the Spirit.

Luke confirms his research efforts to Theophilus. This does not mean Luke acted independently—or that the other gospel writers didn’t do research or acted solely as eyewitnesses. If anything Luke gives insight into how authors did their work. Everyone used sources. Everyone copied from each other and edited as needed to get their point across. This does not affect their veracity or honesty. This is how all gospels in that day were written.

“Former” could mean “first” but this would possibly imply a third volume. Probably too much to put onto a word, so “former” is more appropriate.

“Through the Spirit” in v. 2 probably modifies Jesus’ instruction, not the choosing. There is no mention of the Spirit when Jesus chooses the disciples, but the Spirit is repeatedly part of their mission in Acts. He is the means of their enablement.

Jesus spoke about the kingdom of God for 40 days. NET makes important point that Jesus was not seen throughout the 40 days, just at various locations and situations. Not a continuation of His ministry. He was most likely explaining (again) why things happened the way they did, and showing them how it was “foretold” throughout their history/scriptures. After all, this is the content of their sermons throughout Acts.

They have to wait in Jerusalem for the Spirit, because without Him they can do nothing. But mentioning the Spirit makes them think of the kingdom. Spirit is part of the kingdom according to OT texts: Jer 31:27-34; Ezekiel 34-37; Isa 2; Amos 9: 11-15. One important point for any millennial debate is that Jesus does not deny their request. He simply postpones the answer. He changes the conversation.

There is debate over whether the terms “Israel” and “kingdom” change definitions as Acts progresses, but at least we can say that Acts extends the kingdom to the nations. Israel was supposed to the the means of representing God to the world. The focus is missional/ecclesiological/not eschatological.

Bock’s commentary makes a good point for v. 8 that the disciples probably heard “go to Jews in these regions.” Church wrestled with the Jew/Gentile relationship far beyond ch 10-11 of Acts.

Side note: Another reason Acts is a natural supplement to Luke is the geographical arrangement of the two together. Luke opens with the “whole word.” Jesus’ ministry has other regions (Galilee) then the last half of the book (9:59) he sets his face to Jerusalem. Acts 1 branches back out from Jerusalem to Judea to ends of the world.

Speeches in Luke-Acts always show continuity between OT and NT fulfillments. God’s plan is coming to completion. Luke uses phrase “must be” more than anyone else.

Back to v. 8: “power” —please, do all things holy, stop saying this is “dynamite.” Etymological fallacy. Last thing we need is more chaos from the gospel. Dunamis is the Greek word from where we get our English word dynamite, but we can’t read the meaning of modern English words back into Ancient Greek. That’s silly. Word studies are much more involved than that, but for my purposes here, the basic meaning is ability. We already said, the disciples could not do anything until the Spirit came.

Be witnesses: interesting distinction between noun and verb. Never really told to “witness.” But be “witnesses.” Disciples told of what they had seen and heard.

Ends of earth—of course, there are always more individuals and people groups that need to hear the gospel. But the purpose of Acts, both missionally and literarily, was fulfilled. The gospel went to Rome, and by the end of Paul’s life, he intended to get to Spain. Now apostles’ descendants have gone much much further. It did reach ends of earth.

Ascension is a weird topic still. Obviously, it’s essential to the gospel, because Jesus must be exalted to the Father’s side. This is further proof of His vindication. That’s the most important part—and clouds triggers a reference to Daniel 7 and the son of man. Riding on clouds and approaching the Ancient of Days. I think that’s the key, not Jesus playing hide and seek or floating into space.

Revelation 21:9-27

“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven final plagues came and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb!” So he took me away in the Spirit to a huge, majestic mountain and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. The city possesses the glory of God; its brilliance is like a precious jewel, like a stone of crystal-clear jasper. It has a massive, high wall with twelve gates, with twelve angels at the gates, and the names of the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel are written on the gates. There are three gates on the east side, three gates on the north side, three gates on the south side and three gates on the west side. The wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The angel who spoke to me had a golden measuring rod with which to measure the city and its foundation stones and wall. Now the city is laid out as a square, its length and width the same. He measured the city with the measuring rod at fourteen hundred miles (its length and width and height are equal). He also measured its wall, one hundred forty-four cubits according to human measurement, which is also the angel’s. The city’s wall is made of jasper and the city is pure gold, like transparent glass. The foundations of the city’s wall are decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation is jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates are twelve pearls – each one of the gates is made from just one pearl! The main street of the city is pure gold, like transparent glass. Now I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God – the All-Powerful – and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God lights it up, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light and the kings of the earth will bring their grandeur into it. Its gates will never be closed during the day (and there will be no night there). They will bring the grandeur and the wealth of the nations into it, but nothing ritually unclean will ever enter into it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or practices falsehood, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

— ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭9‬-‭27‬‬

Debating the seven angels and the structure of Revelation for when these seven bowls fall in sequence is best to leave for another day.  This chapter is one of the most encouraging, because it (and chapter 22) provide a glimpse of what we assume to be “heaven.” 

However, as we read, we can see a couple ideas, most notably that John sees New Jerusalem coming down to earth. I hesitate to base my entire view of future realities on one passage, especially one so symbolic, but there are others that emphasize earth being remade. An overall theme of Scripture is what’s old is made new—something like redemption. Furthermore, God is the acting agent, and another repeated theme is His longing to live among His people. So it is not surprise here to see “heaven” coming to earth, and this appears to be the ultimate reconciliation of the two realms (in earth’s glorified state). 

The slightly confusing part is what this vision actually represents. John is known for his double meanings, and this could be a good example. Is this really a city? Is he showing us a location where we will live, a status/situation of existence, or something else entirely?

Here’s the kicker: The angel says, I’m going to show you “the bride, the wife.” I don’t think anyone has any questions on what/who that is. The bride of the Lamb is/has always been the church. That’s pretty universal throughout the NT, among all authors. But John turns to see…not the church. He sees a city coming down from heaven. Did the angel lie, or is this one big chapter of symbols. (It could be both, but there could be clues throughout to show John’s emphasis).

12 gates to represent the tribes of Israel, and 3 on each side—somewhat reflect the tribes position around the tabernacle. 12 foundations as the apostles—so 24 brings us back to what many think represent 24 elders earlier in the book. These represent the entire people of God.

Apparently the city is a cube, 1400 miles tall, wide, and deep. Umm, that’s really tall. And the gate is only 144 cubits, which I don’t have math for that right now, but as others have points out, it’s not exactly proportional to the height of the wall. It’s really short if it’s trying to “protect” a city that massive. A clue these numbers are representing something else.

Isaiah 54 and 60 are a big backdrop for this passage. 54 references wedding of Israel and YHWH, also some jewels, and enlarging the tabernacle area. 

I cannot discuss all the pictures of gold and jewels here. But pure gold is most likely a picture of purity/moral cleanness. God’s people have been cleansed and have righteous status. Various jewels pop up throughout OT, whether the garden of Eden, the temple decorations, or the priest’s vest. All important for worship of God and where He dwells.

The city is pure gold (transparent) and now the main road is the same. We could make a huge deal that only one street is gold and not “streets” as we hear often, but since John is probably not emphasizing real streets anyway, the point is moot. Beale, Revelation, 1089 notes that “the street of the city” is only mentioned one other place in the book—chapter 11 where the prophets are killed and left in the street (of Jerusalem). Whether one takes these prophets as two literal people or representative of the entire church doesn’t matter. It is significant that the street of blood, martyrdom, and persecution has become stainless, pure, and illustrative of the saints’ glory in the New Jerusalem.

Revelation 22:2 also mentions the main street (just not in that phrase). The river of life flows either down the middle of it or parallel to it (depending on where a sentence break is. And the tree of life grows along the river (symbolizing eternal life for those who enter God’s kingdom). The point is the main street of a city often carried sewage outside the city. Here it is pure, clean, and gives life. What a contrast between the old and the new.

Ezekiel 40-48 describe a “new temple,” and some see this as fulfilled in the millennium. Perhaps. Maybe that’s another debate for another time, but I can’t see how sacrifices could ever be reinstated after Jesus’ death and reading anything in the book of Hebrews. Revelation 21-22 describes a situation that would come after millennium, and there at least there is not temple. There’s no need for a special place to meet God, because He will be there in His full glory. 

His glory will shine and become so overwhelming, that John says there’s no sun or moon. But if creation is being transformed or repurposed in this new world, then there may be sun/moon. I don’t know. They’re purpose may be different. I like sunsets/sunrises. The point here is that God’s glory fills His new creation with majesty and splendor.

Gates never close. I thought all the “bad people” were taken care of by this point. And…if everyone who worships God is in the city, then where would we go? Who would want to leave the city where God is dwelling? I would think this is also a picture of what the perfect city would look like. (And again, John may be describing both the bride and the living situation at the same time. It gets confusing). This is asking the reader to picture a city in the ancient world that didn’t have to worry about attack, siege, war, invasion, etc. Guests, travelers, or embassies could approach without anyone having any fear. These verses are a summary of perfect safety and security. 

Furthermore, the mention of Gentiles is fulfillment of prophecy where nations will enter Israel and share in her wealth (Isa 60). So a bunch to dig deeper into here, but after the final resurrection, our eternal state with God will be absolutely glorious. 

Glorified bodies, living in a world with no fear or chaos. Vindicated from our enemies through faith in Jesus. And best of all, Jesus is reigning.

Revelation 20:1-10

“Then I saw an angel descending from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a huge chain. He seized the dragon – the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan – and tied him up for a thousand years. The angel then threw him into the abyss and locked and sealed it so that he could not deceive the nations until the one thousand years were finished. (After these things he must be released for a brief period of time.) Then I saw thrones and seated on them were those who had been given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. These had not worshiped the beast or his image and had refused to receive his mark on their forehead or hand. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were finished.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who takes part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Now when the thousand years are finished, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to bring them together for the battle. They are as numerous as the grains of sand in the sea. They went up on the broad plain of the earth and encircled the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and devoured them completely. And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are too, and they will be tormented there day and night forever and ever.”

— ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭20‬:‭1‬-‭10‬‬

This passage seems to be the key lens by which someone understands Revelation, though starting at the beginning and taking the book as a whole may be the better starting point. Nevertheless here are bullet point arguments for each of the main views:

Premillennialism:

No indication in 20:1-10 that “1000” should be taken any way but literally. In fact, author says “little while,” so he knows how to speak of indefinite time periods

19:11-21:18 gives no indication of a break in sequence. Recapitulation is unlikely in this case, since it doesn’t appear we have traveled back in time

Some strands of 2nd Temple Judaism expected an intermediate Messianic kingdom. Other early Christian interpreters understood this passage as teaching premillennialism (Justin Martyr, Papias, Tertullian)

Binding of Satan seems like stronger language than what we see today

Resurrection in 20:4 seems to be literal, not spiritual

An earthly kingdom for the millennium allows for several OT prophecies to be fulfilled in a more “literal” way

Postmillennialism:

Many arguments for this overlap with amillennialism, so look there for more support. This view is the least supported by scholars today. They focus on the millennium only being mentioned in one book, and it happens to be the book filled with the most symbols and imagery. The main difference between post and a-mils is the progressive nature of the kingdom’s building. 

Amillennialism: 

Symbolic nature of Revelation. Yes, John saw visions, but we have to understand what the vision represented. The specific things that John saw had referents, and then those referents are symbolic of a person, time, or entity in reality.

We have more clear passages that discuss the return of Christ. Those take precedence.

Recapitulation is appropriate since the general flow of thought between Rev 19 and 20 are similar. (All nations gathering before Christ for battle)

1:18; 3:7-8 support other NT passages (cf Matt 12:29; Mark 3:27; John 12:31-33; Col 2:11-15; Heb 2:14) where Satan is limited and cannot hinder the mission of Jesus

20:1-10 parallels 12:7-11 and mutually interpret one another

Scripture only references one resurrection, so we need to reinterpret first and second so there aren’t two bodily resurrections. Resurrection and “living” and physical/spiritual life are used interchangeably in other passages (Rom 6; John 5:24-29)

As mentioned elsewhere, “Then I saw” is repeated throughout this section (19:11-21:18), but it’s also in other places earlier in the book where events are not necessarily in sequence. This doesn’t prove any eschatological position, but it’s important to remember John is putting visions in order, not always events. (Events could be in order, but the visions could be repeating the same event).

This may be a bit silly, but to prove the point, “Then I saw” is used twice in this passage, v. 1 and 4. Anybody can clearly see that John is talking about the same 1000 years. There are not two separate 1000 years, one with Satan bound and one with saints’ ruling. So we have to interpret this phrase as giving two visions talking about same time period (this is obviously small scale, but it works on much larger, too)

One simply must ask how are the following things true now, and how are they not yet fulfilled: Satan bound (see previous verses listed), Satan unable to deceive nations (Eph 2:1-4; Col 1:13), Witnesses reigning with Jesus (1 Pet 2:9; Rev 5:10; 6:9-11).

I love the description of Satan in the passage, it combines all his titles throughout Scripture. Our greatest enemy—finally cast down. 

Currently, I have no problem with seeing a spiritual resurrection and a final physical resurrection. I agree that seeing Satan as bound is difficult, but it depends on what John was envisioning. The death and resurrection of Jesus bound the strong man, even if we don’t see the full effects of that, yet.

For premillennials, once Satan is released, he deceives enough people to have one final battle. Where did these people come from, since everyone was destroyed in the last battle? It’s been 1000 years, which is enough time for rebellious offspring to arise from faithful followers of Jesus. My question to this is how are these people so vulnerable to Satan’s attacks, and what happened to Jesus’ rod of iron? We go from saints’ ruling with Jesus, to multitudes willing to overthrow the entire kingdom. I know humans, so sounds definitely possible, but if Jesus is ruling, I hope that’s not likely.

Everyone gets a throne who did not worship the beast or receive his mark. So many conspiracy theories on the mark of the beast. One thing I’m pretty sure—it won’t be taken by accident. Don’t be afraid of the mark. Revelation makes it simple that the world is divided between God’s kingdom and Satan’s counterfeit kingdom. God seals His people and Satan uses the mark of the beast. Any marking in the ancient world showed ownership. We can debate what/who the beast is, but as long as we are worshipping Jesus, probably don’t need to worry about microchips.

The prophecies against Gog and Magog come in Ezekiel 38-39. They were planning on attacking Israel, and God promised to defend His people. John equates “saints” with “beloved city,” so Jerusalem is a final fulfillment of the prophecy. 

Amillennialism simply says Satan will be allowed at the end to begin his deception of people in full force. It’s his favorite activity and has been since the beginning. Whatever is referenced in v. 3 is referenced here. 

God’s people will be surrounded by their enemies, and He will deliver them. It doesn’t really matter whether everyone is scorched or not. 

Devil and false prophets and beast (we can argue over who those are later) thrown into lake of fire. Lots of views on this place or state of being, too. For now, I do think it’s a real place. Where—I don’t know. The physical characteristics of the place don’t really matter. Lake and fire are obviously oxymoronic, just like darkness and fire, but we hear and read (even in biblical passages) all sorts of descriptions. Some of that is informed from pagan imagery throughout history. Some of it is fear based. Some of it is well intentioned and solid biblical teaching, but we need to still be careful of initial contexts. All of my conclusions land heaviest on the emotional/psychological/spiritual separation from God more than physical. Not being able to fulfill the one purpose for which we were made will be absolute torment.

Thousands of books on this topic/book, but I like to read it as a whole. Not focus on topics or particular visions/symbols. It’s a fascinating apocalyptic letter, and it is remarkably encouraging.