# Acts Chapter 1
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## Summarrium
The author of acts[^1] sets the scene pointing out how Jesus appeared to, and taught, his disciples post resurrection. He explains that Jesus warns them not to depart Jerusalem until they are baptized in the Holy Spirit. The disciples ask if Jesus will now take a political role and Jesus tells them it is not for them to know. He points out they will receive power from the spirit before ascending to heaven.

Peter recalls the fate that befell Judas after betraying Jesus which involved swelling until he burst. Making links to the Psalms[^2] to point out that there is need to replace and appoint an alternative given he is no longer amongst the disciples. Two hopefuls are selected; Barsabbas, and Matthias. The disciples cast lots and Matthias becomes the new twelfth apostle.

## Meditatio
It struck me how at this point the Disciples are still awaiting the arrival of the spirit. They all abandoned Christ following his betrayal and execution, yet are reunited by him following the resurrection. Acts here tells us that Jesus presents himself alive to them, offers proofs of himself and speaks of the kingdom of God. Through Jesus the scattered sheep are regathered for the purpose of being a witness.

It's interesting here to take a moment to contrast this with [Matthew 28](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A16-20&version=ESV) whereby Jesus instructs his disciples in the task of disciple making. In Acts Jesus gives the office of *witness*. So there are two contrasting views here. Matthew who tasks us to make Disiples and Luke who offers an office defined by our relationship to Christ.

There is a real difference between *doing* [Disciple making] and *being* [Witnessing] which Jesus himself has previously discussed[^3]. So is this something Jesus tasks us with, or is this just who we are given who Jesus is? This question fleshed out has defined my own difficulties with the evangelical industrial complex; where viral replication is often prioritised at the expense of relationship. 

I am by trade a social worker so functionally witnessing is a more natural fit as a relational approach that stems from who we are. I don't doubt some are sent, nor that we all have a responsibility. I do question the wisdom of making this our primary focus, unless of course our intent is empire building in which I have no interest. Kingdom building I can get on board with not empire building. 

One is for Christ the other for the pastor. Indeed I've begun to sense an insidious form of neo-colonialism that is emerging within protestant Christianity that see's its role in '*educating the savages*' or to '*make others like us*'. This seems inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus and I have no interest in this aspect of Christianity.

The Acts 1 perspective seems to be a far more developed idea that goes beyond a function, to that of an identity defined by our relationship to Christ. Nevertheless we cannot ignore Matthew. Perhaps then in someway we are provided with  contrasting perspective again as part of our responsibility to work out this gift of salvation[^4].

A parting thought...they cast lots? (See [1:26](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1%3A26&version=ESV)). So even after the resurrection and ascension it is not until the spirit arrives that we can escape observation of the old forms.

[^1]: Whilst this is not explicitly declared it is traditionally accepted to be Luke a companion of the Apostle Paul, and believed also to be the author of the Gospel of Luke. For this reason I use 'he' with 50% confidence :)
[^2]: Specifically [Psalm 69:25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+69%3A22-28&version=ESV), and [Psalm 109:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+69%3A22-28&version=ESV)
[^3]: Mary and Martha discussed in [Luke 10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A38-42&version=ESV) would be one example.
[^4]: See [Philippians 2:12-13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A12-13&version=ESV)