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In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set 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, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1: 1-11) Reflection So, who is Theophilus? From the notes in the my Bible I learned the writer of Acts writes to Theophilus, a name that means "friend of God." This may have been a person by that name or the writer's name for all friends of God. Either way, the book was intended for a large audience. It tells the story of God's redeeming and saving love in Jesus Christ. A message for Theophilus. For you! I like to write cards and notes. A lot. To family and to friends. To the people on the card ministry list at church including a secret sister called my LYLAS (Love You Like A Sister). I greet all by name but I could call them all Theophilus - friend of God. Notes of care, encouragement, celebration, thanks, newsy news and sometimes even jokes and puns (to my 9 year old great-nephew). Behind whatever I write I hope they hear it comes from a heart of love that comes from God. That's my story. Love God. Love others. To Theophilus. To all. --Ruth Gates Prayer Dear God, thank you for your redeeming and saving love in Jesus Christ. May all may know your grace. Amen
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