Part 2, The Return of Christ, How should we then live?

After Jesus had risen from the dead, he appeared to Cephas (Peter), then he appeared to the twelve. Next he appeared before more than five hundred at one time, most who were still alive when Paul wrote this evidence. Jesus then appeared to his brother James, who eventually became the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and then Jesus appeared to all of the apostles.

These many appearances solidified the proven fact that Jesus had indeed risen. See 1 Corinthians 15. And finally, “Last of all,” Paul writes of Jesus, “he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles.” (1 Corinthians 15:8-9a ESV).

After Jesus had risen from the dead, he appeared to Peter, and to the twelve. Next he appeared before more than five hundred at one time, most who were still alive when Paul wrote of this evidence. (1 Corinthians 15) #EndTimes Click To Tweet

These earliest weeks of church life describe and establish terms and tasks.

“In the first book [The Gospel of Luke], O Theophilus,” Luke penned, “I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:1-3 ESV).

Apostles were disciples with a unique calling. The Greek word ἀπόστολος apóstolos means “to send.” Used as one sent, apostle, ambassador. The Lord chose the term apóstoloi to indicate the distinctive relation of the Apostles whom He chose to be His witnesses because in Class. Gr. the word was seldom used (Luke 6:13; Acts 1:2, 26). Therefore, it designates the office as instituted by Christ to witness of Him before the world (John 17:18). It also designates the authority which those called to this office possess.”1.

After Jesus had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen, He presented Himself alive to them by many proofs, appearing over 40 days, speaking about the kingdom of God. (Acts 2:2b-3)#bgbg2 Click To Tweet

One of those forty appearances was in Galilee, where Jesus commissioned his followers to reach the world with the Gospel.

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in [into]1. the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20 ESV).

From that day onward, the calling of all believers is to make disciples.

The first disciples who became the eleven designated as “apostles” were the select group who had been taught by Christ, chosen from “the general group of His followers (Matt. 8:21; Luke 6:13; 7:11; John 6:60,66). They were to teach and exercise power in performing miracles in substantiation of His authority transferred to them.”2.

What are disciples? The Greek word is μαθητής mathētḗs, which means to learn, to understand. A disciple is a learner and a pupil, but “mathētḗs means more in the NT than a mere pupil or learner. It is an adherent who accepts the instruction given to him and makes it his rule of conduct“3.

The making of disciples doesn’t merely mean to introduce others to Christ so that they might enter into relationship with him as their Lord and Savior. It also means investment in the lives of those who have come to Christ. We do this through fellowship, teaching, prayer, meeting together, answering questions, loving them, being available to help, and many more actions that solidify family relationships.

Making disciples requires selfless love and patient labor.

Jesus said: "Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the… Click To Tweet The making of disciples doesn't merely mean to introduce others to Christ so that they might enter into relationship with Him as their Lord and Savior. It also means investment in the lives of those who have come to Christ. #bgbg2 Click To Tweet

Having expected Messiah to establish an earthly kingdom immediately, the disciples asked if Jesus was going to restore the kingdom to Israel at that time.

“He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed 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 end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:7-11 ESV).

Angels said to eyewitnesses: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven" #EndTimes #bgbg2 Click To Tweet
Via Wikipedia, Raphael

In light of Christ’s imminent return, how should we then live?

We have been commissioned until the end of the age. Each generation of believers has the responsibility of sharing the Gospel until Christ returns.

In light of Christ's imminent return, how should we then live? We have been commissioned until the end of the age. Each generation of believers has the responsibility of sharing the Gospel until Christ returns. #bgbg2 Click To Tweet

Believers impact others by living lives of charity, compassionate, love, and kindness. These actions are a powerful witness for the truth of the Gospel. Talk about Jesus openly, graciously, and kindly, can powerfully impact friends and family as they detail what he has done in your life.

Believers impact others by living lives of charity, compassionate, love, and kindness. These are a powerful witness for the truth of the Gospel. Talk about Jesus. Let friends & family witness what He has done in your life. #bgbg2 Click To Tweet

As disciples of Jesus, we are commissioned. How are we carrying this out?

  1.  Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
  2. footnote in Matthew 28:19, ESV Study Bible, Crossway Bibles, Wheaton, IL, 2008.
  3. Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
  4. Ibid.