Courageous Disciples

   The full portrayal of what it means to be a disciple for Christ is not contained in the four Gospels. This begs the question -- what book of the Bible would you look to find that completed definition of discipleship?
   We find it in Luke’s second book…the book of “Acts.” This is where these chosen ones went from “student” to “bold proclaimers” of Christ. Here we also find the selection of Christ’s final, chosen disciple…the one who would have the greatest, recorded impact on His church.
   In Acts 1 we find Christ words to these trained students, who are on the threshold of purpose-fulfillment:  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (vs.8).
   Yes, their training would now find fulfillment -- as “witnesses” who would be empowered by the “Holy Spirit.”  The Latter was the One promised (John 14:16) before Christ’s death and resurrection (which would be the main message these disciples would proclaim).
   Christ chose the time for this first proclamation -- at Pentecost following His ascension back to heaven. We find the event in Acts 2, with Peter as the main spokesman for Christ. Empowered…emboldened…effective -- these are words that could r ...