Torch Bearers
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In this class, Richard Sutton used the memorable image of the 1984 Olympic torch relay as a springboard to discuss the spiritual relay of faith found in Scripture. He recounted his personal experience witnessing the Olympic torch pass through Hayward, California, describing the patriotic excitement and energy of the crowds. Sutton then drew an extended analogy: just as the Olympic torch was carried across lands and seas to Los Angeles, the "flame" of Jesus Christ has been carried through generations of believers. The Old Testament patriarchs and prophets served as the first torchbearers, proclaiming the coming Messiah until Christ himself entered the world as "the light of the world." After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, new torchbearers emerged in the apostles and early Christians, whose story is recorded in the Book of Acts. This spiritual relay has continued from generation to generation until reaching believers today, who now carry the torch of Christ into their own world. Sutton then provided foundational context for studying Acts, explaining that it is the true historical book of the New Testament (distinct from the biographical gospels) and serves as a sequel to Luke's gospel. He highlighted that Acts 1:1-11 uniquely contains all four elements present at the end of each gospel: Christ's resurrection, ascension, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of his second coming. Sutton also introduced Luke as the author—a physician and the only Gentile writer in the New Testament—and his addressee, Theophilus, likely a converted Roman official. The class set the stage for deeper exploration of how believers today can fulfill their role as torchbearers.
Key Scriptures
The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day that he was taken up into heaven after he, by the Holy Spirit, gave orders to the apostles whom he had chosen.