Adult
• 3 Sessions of Learner’s Materials
• 3 Sessions of Teaching Materials
• 1 Handouts
1. Luke 24:1-12
2. Acts 5:27-32
3. Acts 9:1-6
This Easter season, Good News Theater is featuring something of a whirlwind tour through Luke’s two-part Gospel drama. Those familiar with Luke’s work will remember that it has been incorporated into the traditional Canon of Christian Scripture as two separate books: “The Gospel According to Luke” and “The Acts of the Apostles.” Then again, a fitting Trinitarian title for the entire play might be “The Triumph of God through the Son and the Spirit.”
Act I of Luke’s drama, which many of you have already seen, depicts the redemptive work of God through Jesus. Just before intermission, the play takes a curious turn as the main character seemingly meets his demise. The breathless audience is relieved to discover that he is not dead at all, but risen from death and more victorious than ever. Then, just when the experienced playgoer has predicted the plot and expects to return for a grand second act in which the exalted champion conquers the world, Jesus exits stage up, not to return until a previously announced but as yet un-produced sequel. Frankly, the entire episode is a bit unsettling and leaves the audience more than a little confused.
Fortunately, Luke’s drama does not leave us hanging. Act II resolves the plot by portraying the continuation of God’s redemption of humanity through a spiritual presence, the Holy Spirit. The more astute observers might have remembered Jesus’ promise of just such a presence in Act I, but who could have predicted the play might take this strange twist? Act II is titled "The Acts of the Apostles" and presents the growth of the church from its beginnings in Jerusalem to its expansion throughout the known world. Of particular importance to Luke’s plot development, here is the emergence of Saul of Tarsus, alias Paul the Apostle. It is his work more than any other that illustrates the expansion of God’s redemptive activity beyond the boundaries of Jewish heritage.
But Act II might be more aptly titled “The Acts of the Holy Spirit,” for the same power of God that appeared in the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus in Act I makes a grand reentrance as the Holy Spirit in Act II. The surprising conclusion to the entire drama leads the viewer to the shocking realization that God is the play’s only star and each member of the audience has a supporting role. If you plan to acquire a ticket to this presentation, admission is free at the Calvary Box Office (please note that there are no other outlets). Be forewarned, however, that those who enter to observe might soon find themselves cast members in a thrilling but challenging drama that has no end.
by James E. Baucom, Jr.
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