Prologue
(Luke 1:1–4)
1 In my first book, O Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach, 2 until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. 3 After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
4 And while they were gathered together,a He commanded them: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.b ”
The Ascension
(Mark 16:19–20; Luke 24:50–53)
6 So when they came together, they asked Him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”
Matthias Replaces Judas
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away.c 13 When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (a gathering of about a hundred and twenty) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”
18 (Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. 19 This became known to all who lived in Jerusalem, so they called that field in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms:
‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,’d
and,
‘May another take his position.’e
21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen 25 to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.”
26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.
Verses 1–5 – Prologue and Promise of the Spirit
Luke reminds Theophilus of his earlier Gospel, reviewing Jesus’ life and resurrection appearances. Over forty days the risen Lord teaches “about the kingdom of God” and commands the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they receive “the promise of the Father,” the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
Verses 6–11 – The Ascension and Commission
The disciples ask if the kingdom will be restored to Israel right then. Jesus redirects them: timing is the Father’s business, but power is coming so they can be His witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” He ascends from the Mount of Olives as a cloud hides Him, and two angels promise He will return “in the same way.”
Verses 12–14 – Waiting in Prayer
The Eleven walk the short distance back to the city, gather in an upper room with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers. About 120 followers devote themselves to unified, persistent prayer.
Verses 15–26 – The Replacement of Judas
Peter stands up, citing Psalms to explain Judas’s fall and the need to fill his office. After prayer and casting lots, Matthias is chosen to join the Eleven as a witness of the resurrection.
Authorship and Date
• Luke, a physician and coworker of Paul (Colossians 4:14), pens both the Gospel of Luke and Acts as a two-part history.
• Internal “we” sections (Acts 16:10 ff.) show he traveled with Paul.
• The book likely ends in A.D. 62 because Paul’s house arrest in Rome (Acts 28) is current, so Acts was probably finished soon after.
Theophilus and Purpose
• “Theophilus” means “lover of God.” Whether a single patron or a broader audience, Luke wants readers to “know the certainty” (Luke 1:4) of what they believe.
• Acts 1 bridges Jesus’ earthly ministry and the Spirit-powered mission of the church.
Historical Setting
• Rome rules Judea through governors like Pontius Pilate.
• Jerusalem’s population swells during feasts; Pentecost is fifty days after Passover.
• The small gathering of 120 shows the movement’s humble start before it sweeps the Roman world.
Geography: Mount of Olives to the Upper Room
• The Mount of Olives sits east of the Temple, separated by the Kidron Valley. The return walk (“a Sabbath day’s journey,” about 0.6 miles) fits known topography.
• Early church tradition places the upper room on Mount Zion, perhaps the home of John Mark’s family (Acts 12:12).
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
• Luke 24:49: “I am sending upon you what My Father promised.”
• Joel 2:28 foretold God pouring out His Spirit on all flesh; Peter will quote it in Acts 2.
• The Spirit gives power (Greek dynamis), turning frightened disciples into bold witnesses (compare 2 Timothy 1:7).
Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth
Acts 1:8 sketches the book’s outline:
1. Jerusalem (Acts 1–7)
2. Judea and Samaria (Acts 8–12)
3. The Gentile world, ending in Rome (Acts 13–28)
The Ascension in Context
• Daniel 7:13 pictures “one like a son of man” coming with clouds; Jesus’ ascension echoes this royal scene.
• Hebrews 4:14 notes that Jesus, our great High Priest, has “passed through the heavens,” interceding for believers.
• Two angels’ promise of a return “in the same way” links to Zechariah 14:4, which places Messiah’s feet again on the Mount of Olives.
Waiting and Unified Prayer
• Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the LORD; be strong.” The disciples obey by waiting, not rushing ahead.
• Their unity contrasts with pre-resurrection disputes (Luke 22:24). Shared prayer prepares them for the Spirit.
Peter’s Leadership and Use of Scripture
• Peter stands on Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8 to address Judas’s betrayal and replacement.
• This shows early believers already reading the Psalms as prophetic pointers to Jesus.
Casting Lots
• Proverbs 16:33: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”
• After Pentecost, decisions are guided directly by the Spirit (Acts 13:2), so lots disappear from the record.
Archaeological Notes
• The “Field of Blood” (Akeldama) lies south of the ancient city, a patch of clay-rich soil once used by potters, matching Matthew 27:7.
• First-century ossuaries unearthed around Jerusalem confirm common burial practices described in Acts 1:18–19.
Connections with the Old Testament
• Forty days of post-resurrection teaching mirror Moses’ forty days on Sinai (Exodus 24:18), highlighting a new covenant era.
• The number twelve echoes the twelve tribes, signaling that the church carries forward God’s plans for Israel (James 1:1).
Practical Takeaways
• God’s timing often calls for waiting, but waiting is active when filled with prayer.
• Power for witness comes from the Spirit, not personal ability.
• Scripture remains the guide for decisions; Peter’s example shows believers can lean on God’s Word for clarity today.
Looking Ahead to Acts 2
Chapter 1 ends with expectancy: the team is complete, the promise is near, and Jerusalem—soon the birthplace of a worldwide movement—waits quietly for the sound of rushing wind.
1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit
In Acts 1, Jesus instructs His disciples to wait for the gift promised by the Father, the Holy Spirit. This promise is a reminder that God equips us with what we need to fulfill His purposes. As Acts 1:8 states, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses." This power is not just for the early church but for all believers, enabling us to live out our faith boldly and effectively.
2. The Importance of Obedience
The disciples' obedience to Jesus' command to stay in Jerusalem is a powerful lesson. They didn't rush ahead with their own plans but waited as instructed. This teaches us the value of patience and trust in God's timing. Obedience to God's Word is foundational, as it aligns us with His will and opens the door for His blessings.
3. The Ascension of Jesus
Acts 1:9 describes Jesus being taken up into heaven, a pivotal moment that confirms His divine authority and the completion of His earthly mission. The ascension assures us that Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. It also reminds us that our ultimate hope is not in this world but in the eternal kingdom of God.
4. The Role of Witnesses
Jesus commissions His followers to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This call to witness is not just for the apostles but for every believer. Sharing the gospel is a privilege and responsibility, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out this mission.
5. The Unity of Believers
After Jesus' ascension, the disciples returned to Jerusalem and "joined together constantly in prayer" (Acts 1:14). This unity in prayer highlights the strength found in community and collective faith. As believers, we are called to support one another, pray together, and work in harmony to advance God's kingdom.
6. The Importance of Scripture
Peter's use of Scripture to explain the need to replace Judas (Acts 1:16-20) underscores the importance of grounding our decisions in God's Word. Scripture provides guidance, wisdom, and clarity for our lives. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, helping us navigate the complexities of life with divine insight.
7. The Selection of Leaders
The process of choosing Matthias to replace Judas (Acts 1:23-26) teaches us about seeking God's guidance in leadership decisions. The disciples prayed and cast lots, trusting God to reveal His choice. This reminds us to seek divine direction in all our decisions, especially when it comes to leadership and service in the church.
8. The Power of Prayer
The early church's commitment to prayer is evident throughout Acts 1. They prayed constantly, demonstrating their dependence on God. Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with the Creator, aligns our hearts with His will, and unleashes His power in our lives. It is essential for personal growth and effective ministry.
9. The Assurance of Jesus' Return
The angels' message in Acts 1:11 assures us that "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven." This promise of Jesus' return gives us hope and motivation to live faithfully, knowing that our Savior will one day return to establish His eternal kingdom.
10. The Call to Action
Acts 1 concludes with the disciples preparing for the coming of the Holy Spirit and the mission ahead. This call to action is a reminder that our faith is not passive. We are called to be active participants in God's plan, using our gifts and resources to spread the gospel and serve others. Let us be diligent and ready, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Ask God to help you be a bold and faithful witness for Christ in your daily interactions.
Seek unity and a spirit of cooperation within your church community, fostering an environment of love and support.
Trust in God's timing and wisdom for the plans He has for your life, asking for patience and discernment.
Pray for guidance in decision-making, that you may seek and follow God's will in all areas of life.
1. How does Jesus' command to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit demonstrate the importance of God's timing?
2. What does the apostles' question about restoring the kingdom to Israel reveal about their understanding of Jesus' mission? How does Jesus respond, and what does it tell us about our call as Christians?
3. How does the ascension of Jesus connect to His promise of the coming Holy Spirit? What implications does this have for your understanding of the Trinity?
4. How did the disciples respond to the departure of Jesus? What can we learn from their actions?
5. Why do you think the apostles felt it was necessary to replace Judas? How does this apply to leadership roles in the church today?
6. What role did prayer play in the early Church as seen in this chapter? How does it challenge your personal prayer life?
7. What does the unity among the disciples teach us about community in the church?
8. How does the selection process of Matthias demonstrate the combination of human decision and divine guidance?
9. The disciples were called to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. How does this mandate apply to you in your current context?
10. How can we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Holy Spirit, as the apostles did?
11. How does the description of Jesus' ascension impact your understanding of His divine nature?
12. What steps can you take to ensure that you are listening and obedient to God's call on your life, just like the early disciples?
13. How does the disciples' continual prayer inspire you to incorporate prayer into your daily routine?
14. How can you promote unity in your local church or Christian community, following the example of the early believers?
15. How does Jesus' assurance of the Holy Spirit's power inspire you to share the Gospel?
16. Why is it important to seek God's guidance when making decisions, as seen in the selection of Matthias?
17. What are the practical implications of being a witness for Christ in your daily life?
18. How can you remain expectant of Jesus' return, as promised by the two men in white?
19. In what ways can we bear witness to Jesus in our contemporary society, just like the apostles did in their time?
20. How does the anticipation of the Holy Spirit's arrival in this chapter challenge your understanding of His role in your life?