Reach Hither Thy Finger And Behold My Hands - Part 2335

"The former treatise have I made O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach ... 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 1:1-2)

We see a similar declaration set forth in the gospel according to Luke, wherein he writes that it seemed good to him also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus. (Luke 1:1-4)

Indeed, Luke's writings were not just a story written by Luke, but rather, delivered by them unto us which from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word. Why is this important? So that we might know the certainty of those things, wherein we have been instructed. Note that apostle Paul does the same in I Corinthians 15, specifically stating those who were eyewitnesses to Jesus after the resurrection.

You see, the number of witnesses in and of itself should be sufficient evidence to prove that Jesus the Christ had died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures. That Jesus was seen of Cephas, then the twelve, the five hundred brethren at once, then James and all of the apostles, and last of all seen of Paul -- as one born out of due time. (I Corinthians 15:1-8)

In the same context, until the day He -- Jesus -- was taken up ... after that, He -- Jesus -- through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He -- Jesus -- had chosen. Before this Jesus shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to God.

Remember, Jesus appeared to Thomas in John 20 -- the same Thomas who would not believe that Jesus was alive unless he would see in His hands the print of the nails, and was able to thrust his hand into His side. What happened? Eight days later when again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them, came Jesus. Note that the doors were shut. Nevertheless, Jesus stood in the midst, saying, "Peace be unto you."

Then saith He to Thomas, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands, and reach hither thy hand and trust it into My side, and be not faithless but believing." (John 20:27)

As John indicates, there was much more that Jesus did that was not written in this book, but what was written, should be sufficient to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing might have life through His Name. (John 20:24-31)

Stand in the offering plate.