Acts 1: The Beginning of the Church's Journey
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:
To whom also he shewed 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:
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Acts 1 serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the earthly ministry of Jesus, as detailed in the Gospel of Luke, to the birth and expansion of the early church. Luke, the author, addresses his "dear Theophilus" (Acts 1:1), continuing the narrative begun in his Gospel and reaffirming his purpose: to provide an accurate and orderly account of the events surrounding Jesus and the subsequent spread of His message. This chapter sets the stage for the incredible story of how a small band of believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, would transform the world.
Jesus' Final Instructions and the Promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1-5)
Luke begins by briefly summarizing the events of his Gospel, reminding Theophilus of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. He emphasizes the forty days following the resurrection, a period during which Jesus presented Himself alive to His disciples "by many convincing proofs" (Acts 1:3). These appearances weren't mere sightings; they were tangible demonstrations of His resurrected body, solidifying the reality of His victory over death (see Luke 24:36-43).
During these forty days, Jesus focused His teaching on the kingdom of God. This kingdom, a central theme throughout Scripture, represents God's comprehensive rule in every aspect of life. It's not just a future hope, but a present reality that believers are called to participate in. Jesus’ focus on the kingdom highlights that God has an agenda for the world, and that agenda is the advancement of his kingdom in the world. This is the unifying theme of Scripture.
As Jesus prepared to ascend, He instructed His disciples to remain in Jerusalem, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). This promise of the Spirit was not new; it echoed Old Testament prophecies (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Joel 2:28-29) and Jesus' own previous promises (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26-27; 16:13-15). John baptized with water, symbolizing repentance and cleansing, but the disciples would be "baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5), signifying a complete immersion in God's power and presence. This immersion would empower them to obey their King and proclaim his kingdom.
The Ascension and the Great Commission (Acts 1:6-11)
Even after witnessing the resurrected Jesus, the disciples still clung to earthly expectations, asking if He would "at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). Their question reveals a lingering desire for political liberation from Roman rule. However, Jesus redirected their focus, stating that it was not for them to know the times or seasons determined by the Father (Acts 1:7).
Instead, He gave them a new mission, a commission that would define the church's purpose for centuries to come: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This verse serves as a blueprint for the entire book of Acts, outlining the geographical expansion of the gospel message. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they were to proclaim Him and make kingdom disciples.
With these final instructions, Jesus ascended into heaven, a cloud obscuring Him from their sight (Acts 1:9). This event, also recorded in Luke 24:50-53, marked the end of Jesus' physical presence on earth. As the disciples gazed upward, two angels appeared, reassuring them that Jesus would return in the same way He had ascended (Acts 1:10-11). This promise offers hope and anticipation for believers, reminding us that Jesus' departure is not permanent.
Prayerful Waiting and the Selection of Matthias (Acts 1:12-26)
The disciples, filled with a mix of awe and uncertainty, returned to Jerusalem and gathered in an upper room, a place of refuge and fellowship (Acts 1:12-13). They were joined by the women who had faithfully followed Jesus, including Mary, His mother, and His brothers (Acts 1:14). Notably, Jesus' brothers, who had previously been skeptical of Him (John 7:1-5), were now believers.
Together, this group of about 120 people "devoted themselves to prayer" (Acts 1:14). Prayer is the mechanism that God has given to his people so that we may communicate with him. Prayer is our link between earth and heaven. The Holy Spirit uses it to deliver our requests to heaven and to bring heaven’s deliverance to earth. Their unity in prayer was critical for experiencing God’s divine intervention.
During this time of waiting, Peter, ever the leader, addressed the group, highlighting the tragic fate of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-20). Judas' betrayal, driven by greed and ultimately leading to his suicide, fulfilled prophecies found in Psalms 69:25 and 109:8. Peter recognized the need to fill Judas' vacant position among the twelve apostles.
He proposed that they choose a replacement from among those who had been with them throughout Jesus' ministry, from His baptism by John to His ascension (Acts 1:21-22). The qualifications were clear: the new apostle must have witnessed Jesus' entire ministry and, importantly, His resurrection. Two men were nominated: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias (Acts 1:23).
Recognizing the weight of this decision, the believers prayed, asking God to reveal His chosen apostle (Acts 1:24-25). They then cast lots, a method of seeking God's will that was common in that time. The lot fell to Matthias, who was then added to the eleven apostles (Acts 1:26). While the casting of lots was a common practice, it's interesting to note that after the coming of the Holy Spirit to dwell within them, the apostles never again made a decision by casting lots. Instead, they depended on the Holy Spirit through prayer.
This act of replacing Judas marks the final administrative task before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the official birth of the church. The disciples, obedient to Jesus' command, waited in prayer, prepared to receive the power that would transform them into bold witnesses of the risen Christ. Acts 2 will reveal the fulfillment of that promise and the beginning of a movement that would change the course of history.
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:
To whom also he shewed 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:
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Acts 1 serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the earthly ministry of Jesus, as detailed in the Gospel of Luke, to the birth and expansion of the early church. Luke, the author, addresses his "dear Theophilus" (Acts 1:1), continuing the narrative begun in his Gospel and reaffirming his purpose: to provide an accurate and orderly account of the events surrounding Jesus and the subsequent spread of His message. This chapter sets the stage for the incredible story of how a small band of believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, would transform the world.
Jesus' Final Instructions and the Promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1-5)
Luke begins by briefly summarizing the events of his Gospel, reminding Theophilus of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. He emphasizes the forty days following the resurrection, a period during which Jesus presented Himself alive to His disciples "by many convincing proofs" (Acts 1:3). These appearances weren't mere sightings; they were tangible demonstrations of His resurrected body, solidifying the reality of His victory over death (see Luke 24:36-43).
During these forty days, Jesus focused His teaching on the kingdom of God. This kingdom, a central theme throughout Scripture, represents God's comprehensive rule in every aspect of life. It's not just a future hope, but a present reality that believers are called to participate in. Jesus’ focus on the kingdom highlights that God has an agenda for the world, and that agenda is the advancement of his kingdom in the world. This is the unifying theme of Scripture.
As Jesus prepared to ascend, He instructed His disciples to remain in Jerusalem, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). This promise of the Spirit was not new; it echoed Old Testament prophecies (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Joel 2:28-29) and Jesus' own previous promises (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26-27; 16:13-15). John baptized with water, symbolizing repentance and cleansing, but the disciples would be "baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5), signifying a complete immersion in God's power and presence. This immersion would empower them to obey their King and proclaim his kingdom.
The Ascension and the Great Commission (Acts 1:6-11)
Even after witnessing the resurrected Jesus, the disciples still clung to earthly expectations, asking if He would "at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). Their question reveals a lingering desire for political liberation from Roman rule. However, Jesus redirected their focus, stating that it was not for them to know the times or seasons determined by the Father (Acts 1:7).
Instead, He gave them a new mission, a commission that would define the church's purpose for centuries to come: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This verse serves as a blueprint for the entire book of Acts, outlining the geographical expansion of the gospel message. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they were to proclaim Him and make kingdom disciples.
With these final instructions, Jesus ascended into heaven, a cloud obscuring Him from their sight (Acts 1:9). This event, also recorded in Luke 24:50-53, marked the end of Jesus' physical presence on earth. As the disciples gazed upward, two angels appeared, reassuring them that Jesus would return in the same way He had ascended (Acts 1:10-11). This promise offers hope and anticipation for believers, reminding us that Jesus' departure is not permanent.
Prayerful Waiting and the Selection of Matthias (Acts 1:12-26)
The disciples, filled with a mix of awe and uncertainty, returned to Jerusalem and gathered in an upper room, a place of refuge and fellowship (Acts 1:12-13). They were joined by the women who had faithfully followed Jesus, including Mary, His mother, and His brothers (Acts 1:14). Notably, Jesus' brothers, who had previously been skeptical of Him (John 7:1-5), were now believers.
Together, this group of about 120 people "devoted themselves to prayer" (Acts 1:14). Prayer is the mechanism that God has given to his people so that we may communicate with him. Prayer is our link between earth and heaven. The Holy Spirit uses it to deliver our requests to heaven and to bring heaven’s deliverance to earth. Their unity in prayer was critical for experiencing God’s divine intervention.
During this time of waiting, Peter, ever the leader, addressed the group, highlighting the tragic fate of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-20). Judas' betrayal, driven by greed and ultimately leading to his suicide, fulfilled prophecies found in Psalms 69:25 and 109:8. Peter recognized the need to fill Judas' vacant position among the twelve apostles.
He proposed that they choose a replacement from among those who had been with them throughout Jesus' ministry, from His baptism by John to His ascension (Acts 1:21-22). The qualifications were clear: the new apostle must have witnessed Jesus' entire ministry and, importantly, His resurrection. Two men were nominated: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias (Acts 1:23).
Recognizing the weight of this decision, the believers prayed, asking God to reveal His chosen apostle (Acts 1:24-25). They then cast lots, a method of seeking God's will that was common in that time. The lot fell to Matthias, who was then added to the eleven apostles (Acts 1:26). While the casting of lots was a common practice, it's interesting to note that after the coming of the Holy Spirit to dwell within them, the apostles never again made a decision by casting lots. Instead, they depended on the Holy Spirit through prayer.
This act of replacing Judas marks the final administrative task before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the official birth of the church. The disciples, obedient to Jesus' command, waited in prayer, prepared to receive the power that would transform them into bold witnesses of the risen Christ. Acts 2 will reveal the fulfillment of that promise and the beginning of a movement that would change the course of history.