Luke wanted Theophilus (and all other readers) to know Jesus’ story didn’t end in Jerusalem with the cross and the resurrection, or even the ascension. The risen Jesus told his followers that the saving work he had begun would go on through the rest of human history and into eternity. The risen Lord left earth, but two men in white told them this was not the end of Jesus’ story—he would return. His followers devoted themselves to prayer to prepare for the huge task that now lay before them.

• The CEB Study Bible notes that verse 14 is like the opening note of a theme that runs through the story of the early Christians in Acts: “The spirit of unity and the practice of prayer are major features of community life.” Remember, some of this company were arguing about which of them would be the greatest at the Last Supper (cf. Luke 22:24), and they would have disagreements in the years ahead (e.g. Acts 15). What was their spirit of unity based on? That same spirit of unity is as crucial for us to carry out the mission Jesus gave us as it was for them. In what ways can you cultivate a spirit of unity, not of division, in your service to God?