He Ascended—Yet Still Works: Acts as Story of Jesus, Part 2
Nov 22, 2025
What if the title “Acts of the Apostles” is a little misleading? What if the fifth book of the New Testament isn’t really about what they did for Jesus—but what Jesus continued to do through them?
Luke gives away his interpretive key in the opening line:
“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach.” (Acts 1:1)
If the Gospel of Luke records what Jesus began to do, then Acts must show what He continued to do—after His ascension. The story hasn’t shifted from the Son of God to the apostles; it has expanded from one incarnate body to a Spirit-filled body: the Church.
Jesus Still Acts—Through His Name
Early in the story, Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate, declaring:
“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)
When the crowds marvel, Peter insists that it wasn’t by their own power or piety—but “by His name and by faith in His name” that the man was made whole. Luke’s point is unmistakable: Jesus may have ascended, but He has not retired.
The risen Christ still acts through His name, the authority bestowed on Him by the Father when He ascended to rule (Daniel 7; Philippians 2).
Jesus Still Acts—Through His Spirit
Pentecost isn’t merely the Spirit’s debut—it’s Jesus’ coronation gift. The same Lord who received all authority now pours out the Spirit to lead His church.
It is the Spirit who sends Philip to the Ethiopian, directs Peter to Cornelius, commissions Paul and Barnabas, and reroutes the gospel from Asia to Macedonia. Luke calls Him “the Spirit of Jesus,” because the risen Jesus Himself is orchestrating every turning point in the mission.
Jesus Still Acts—Through His Word
Again and again, Luke measures the church’s growth not in numbers or territory, but in this phrase:
“The word of God increased and multiplied.”
The word in Acts is almost treated as a living thing—an unstoppable force claiming new ground. Through the apostles’ preaching, Jesus continues to speak, reconciling sinners to Himself and expanding His presence through His people.
The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus
The Book of Acts isn’t a postscript to the Gospels—it’s their continuation. The same Jesus who once walked the streets of Galilee now rules from heaven and still walks through His church.
He works in His name to heal and save,
by His Spirit to guide and empower, and
through His word to multiply His kingdom.
So perhaps it’s time we retitle the book:
Not “The Acts of the Apostles”… but “The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus.”
