Peter and John boldly declared that salvation is found in Jesus alone, even when threatened to stay silent. Their courage came from conviction, not pride. The early church shows us that standing firm means holding to truth with boldness and grace—refusing to compromise the gospel no matter the pressure.

As we continue in the book of Acts, we notice brokenness entered the story quickly. The first Christians had been together—sharing their resources and possessions with one another as any had need (Acts 2:42-47). They now moved out into the world, and there they met a man who had been lame from birth. Through this story, we will see how the faith and generosity that marked the people of God in the church spilled over into their care for those on the outside, especially those who were hurting and broken.

The Holy Spirit came to the first followers of Jesus. They then had the power they needed to take the gospel to the nations (Acts 1:8). This work began with Peter, who boldly and clearly proclaimed the good news about Jesus to the people gathered for the Pentecost celebration. God’s power through the Holy Spirit was on display, both in the message Peter proclaimed and in the response of those who believed.

For ten days following Christ’s ascension to heaven, the disciples had been in Jerusalem. They were waiting for the Father’s promise of the Holy Spirit, which would empower them to be Christ’s witnesses to the whole world. During this time, they dedicated themselves to prayer and prepared for the next phase of their ministry by filling Judas’s apostolic vacancy with Matthias. Finally, the day arrived, and they were about to experience the power of the Spirit in their lives.

After Jesus explained to the disciples that they would bear witness from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, Jesus ascended to heaven. As the disciples watched where Jesus had gone, two angels appeared and assured them of Christ’s return. All of this led to today’s text, where we see the disciples obeying Christ’s command to wait as they prepared for the ministry that would follow when the Holy Spirit arrived.

Acts picks up where the Gospel of Luke ends. After Jesus’s resurrection, He spent forty days with His disciples, teaching them about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). He did this to prepare them for life and ministry in His physical absence. The disciples were nervous and anxious about the next phase of their lives and ministry, but Jesus gathered them, commissioned them, and assured them of the promise of the Holy Spirit and His physical return.

Hebrews 10:23-25 calls us to keep meeting together, encouraging one another, and spurring each other on toward love and good works. That’s what happens in life groups and discipleship groups. They give us a place to be real, to share struggles and victories, and to remind each other that we’re not walking this faith journey alone. Every time we invest in one another through community, we’re investing in something that will last forever.

In John 13, Jesus, knowing He had all authority, knelt to wash His disciples’ feet. He showed that true greatness is found in humble service. When we follow His example, serving others in love, we’re not just meeting needs we’re investing in forever with an impact that lasts into eternity.