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

The contrast between our words and deeds is often quite notorious, with many excusing their refusal to consider Christianity or church attendance with the claim that many Christians are hypocrites. This all-too-true charge has likewise been the theme of many cynical clichés. "Why don't you practice what you preach?" "He talks a good game." "Do as I say-not as I do." Whatever truth there may be in these clichés, they certainly did not apply to the Lord Jesus Christ. As Luke began to write the book of Acts, he recalled that his gospel had recorded what "Jesus began both to do and teach." In the last chapter of his gospel, he had recorded the common recognition of the disciples that "Jesus of Nazareth . . . was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people" (Luke 24:19).

As far as His words are concerned, "He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Matthew 7:29). "And they were astonished at His doctrine: for His word was with power" (Luke 4:32). Even His enemies said: "Never man spake like this man" (John 7:46).

But His actions spoke even louder than His words! He "went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him" (Acts 10:38). Those who observed His deeds "were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well" (Mark 7:37).

In all these attributes of His human life, He was, of course, "leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth" (I Peter 2:21-22). May we, indeed, continue what He "began both to do and teach." "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him" (Colossians 3:17). HMM