We now enter the time in which the New Israel, the kingdom of heaven, comes into being and spreads across the world. The apostles were active in this time. This period covers about 70 years from the death of Jesus until the end of the first century.

Summary of Eleventh Period

THE DAWNING OF NEW ISRAEL
Jesus arose from the dead, and, after 40 days in which he appeared many times to his disciples, he ascended into heaven. His apostles carried on the preaching, and Christ’s kingdom was established across the world with churches formed in many towns and cities. God gave amazing miraculous powers to many Christians. The apostle Paul and others wrote the scriptures we call the New Testament. About the middle of this period, in AD70, the Roman armies destroyed Jerusalem and its temple, as Jesus himself had foretold.

Following the resurrection of Christ, the kingdom of God was established, based on his personal ministry, and made possible by his death on the cross. The beginning was in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Kingdom Spreads to All the World

After that, the kingdom spread outward into the whole world, just as the vision in Daniel 2 had predicted when the stone that struck the feet of the image then turned into a great mountain that filled the whole world. Jesus also had said to his apostles, "You shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

This lesson covers the seven weeks of the "beginning in Jerusalem" from Christ’s burial to the day of Pentecost. We will look especially at what happened on the day of Pentecost, as being a key day in the establishment of God’s new kingdom.

The Main Point

Before he died, Jesus said, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Lke 24:47). Within fifty days of his death he had risen from the dead, ascended into heaven, and established his kingdom in Jerusalem. This was the beginning of the New Israel, God’s worldwide kingdom.

Bible Summary (Gospels and Acts)

The Throne of David

From the point of view of our study of the "Times of Israel", a most important statement is made by Peter about Jesus Christ.

"Because he was a prophet, and knew that God had sworn with an oath to seat one of his descendants upon his throne, David looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of Christ" (Acts 2:30-31).

In past lessons, we have learned about this seed promise and the oath which confirmed it. Now we see it come to pass in the resurrection and ascension of Christ and his outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost signifying that he is now Lord and Christ on David’s throne (Acts 2:31-36).

This means that David’s throne is in heaven, no more an earthly throne, but one and the same as the throne of God on high. So his kingdom is now, and always will remain, a spiritual kingdom whose throne is in heaven.

Analysis of Peter’s Sermon on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)

 
TWO GREAT PROBLEMS (verses 14-15)

Peter begins by cutting down the barriers to his message:

  • SENSATIONALISM:
    Peter’s audience is drawn by the sensational event . He directs their attention to the important thing: "Heed my words".
  • PREJUDICE & SKEPTICISM:
    Others mocked the apostles, saying they were drunk. Peter counters this prejudice.
 
TWO GREAT EVIDENCES (verses 16-22)

Peter lays these foundations of proof for his message:

  • PROPHECY:
    The testimony of the prophets makes up half the transcript of the sermon (v17-21; 25-28; 34-35).
  • MIRACLES:
    Jesus was accredited by his miracles.
 
TWO GREAT TRUTHS (verses 23-36)

Peter proclaims two of the most basic truths of the gospel. He then powerfully restates them in verse 36.

  • THE CROSS:
    Jesus' death on the cross was not a victory for his enemies, but the plan of God"
  • THE RESURRECTION:
    "God raised him up from the dead". He has been exalted to the right hand of God"
 
TWO GREAT ESSENTIALS (verses 37-38)

Obviously they would have to believe in Jesus Christ, but their faith ought to be obedient.

  • REPENTANCE:
    Peter said to them, when they asked what they must do, "Repent..."
  • BAPTISM:
    "...and let each of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ..."
 
TWO GREAT REWARDS (verses 38-39)

These promises were to "all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call" (v39).

  • FORGIVENESS:
    "...for the forgiveness of sins..."
  • GIFT OF THE SPIRIT:
    "...and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit"
 

Home | Topics | List | Next