Acts 1:1-3

 Infallible proofs

Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

The former account is the Gospel of Luke. At one time the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts were joined together as one book with two "volumes."

The name Theophilus means "Lover of God", we are not sure who he was, but the title "most excellent" (Luke 1:3) is used for one of high offices.

Acts 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
Acts 1:3 To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Speaking of the things of the kingdom of God. He was giving them a vision of the future hope. Not much is recorded of his words at this time. He was concerned with them, because of their unbelief. They were cowering, being upset by the events of their time, Their leader had been crucified and they didn't remember that Jesus had said to them that he would die and be raised on the third day.. They were lacking in faith.

We can identify with their sorrows in a small way as we witness our country being terrorized on Sept 11, (This study was first shared in 2002.) Some people have withdrawn, some are depressed, some even had their hearts fail them. Do not remove your eyes from the hope that is in Jesus. He has risen. We shall be with him in the Kingdom.

Infallible proofs of his resurrection:

1 Cor 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1 Cor 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
1 Cor 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
1 Cor 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
1 Cor 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
1 Cor 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me (Paul) also, as of one born out of due time.

Doubting Thomas believes.

John 20:26  And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 

John 20:27  Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 

John 20:28  And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 

John 20:29  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.