The Basic Gospel of the Apostles
Preamble
This is the simple core of the Gospel proclaimed by the Apostles.
Main Section
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The Gospel begins and ends with Jesus.
Content – Pentecost – 50 days after the resurrection.
Acts 2:22,23 Jesus suffered and was crucified
v 24 But God raised him from the dead
2. The Evidence
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Human witnesses: Acts 2:32 – They had been speaking to Jesus only 10 days before
1 Cor 15: (3-4), 5-8 – List of witnesses (number, close friends, enemies, family)
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The empty tomb: Acts 2:29 – David’s tomb: a contrast with Jesus’ tomb
Other evidence: the authorities couldn’t find the body
Matt 28: 11-15 – Silly excuse if the tomb wasn’t empty!
& Trypho and Celsus later on.
3. Jesus is exalted to Heaven
Acts 2:36 – God has made him both Lord and Christ. Explain Lord and God 1 Peter 3:6
Explain Christ = Messiah = anointed.
Rom 1:1-4 – Jesus is declared to be Son of God by the resurrection. He said he was Son of God – God raised him.
Psalm 2:1-3 – The LORD = God. His anointed = Christ = Messiah.
v 6 – God speaks : His king has been set on Mt Zion = Jerusalem
vv 7,8 – The Son of God! To rule all the nations.
This requires that Jesus must come back. We don’t know – can’t know when.
4.The return of Jesus
Acts 2:34,35 – Note Until Jesus is only in Heaven for a period of time
The return of Jesus brings the Kingdom of God & the day of judgement.
5. The Kingdom of God
Isaiah 65:17-25
This is our hope for the future.
Summary
Jesus died and rose again
He is now in Heaven
He will return and rule a kingdom – at the day of judgement.