Acts 1

¹ The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

² 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:

³ 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:

⁴ 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.

⁵ For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

⁶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

⁷ 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.

⁸ 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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

⁹ And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

¹⁰ And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

¹¹ 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.

¹² Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.

¹³ 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 Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

¹⁴ These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

¹⁵ 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,)

¹⁶ 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.

¹⁷ For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

¹⁸ 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.

¹⁹ 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.

²⁰ 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.

²¹ Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

²² 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.

²³ And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

²⁴ And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all [men], shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

²⁶ And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Overview of Acts Chapter 1

Acts Chapter 1 serves as a pivotal introduction to the early Christian church following the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It sets the stage for the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the church through the work of the apostles, particularly emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit.

Key Themes

• The Ascension of Jesus: The chapter recounts the final moments of Jesus on Earth, highlighting His ascension into heaven.
• The Promise of the Holy Spirit: Jesus instructs His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, which signifies the empowerment of the church.
• The Importance of Community: The early disciples gather together, showcasing the importance of unity and fellowship in the early church.
• Leadership and Succession: The selection of Matthias as an apostle emphasizes the need for leadership continuity and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

Detailed Analysis

1. The Ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:1-11)

In the opening verses, Luke addresses Theophilus, reminding him of the teachings and actions of Jesus during His earthly ministry. The ascension is a significant event, marking the transition from Jesus’ physical presence to His spiritual reign. Key points include:

1. Instructions to the Disciples: Jesus commands the apostles to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit.
2. Witnesses of the Resurrection: The apostles are reminded of their role as witnesses to the resurrection, emphasizing their mission to spread the Gospel.
3. Heavenly Assurance: Angels assure the disciples that Jesus will return, providing hope and a future expectation for believers.

2. The Promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5)

Jesus’ instruction to wait for the Holy Spirit is crucial. This promise indicates:

• The empowerment of the apostles for their mission.
• The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming of the Spirit.
• The establishment of a new covenant relationship between God and His people.

3. The Gathering of the Disciples (Acts 1:12-14)

After the ascension, the disciples return to Jerusalem and gather in prayer. This highlights:

• The significance of communal prayer and unity among the believers.
• The role of women in the early church, as Mary the mother of Jesus and other women are mentioned among the disciples.
• The necessity of spiritual preparation before embarking on their mission.

4. The Selection of Matthias (Acts 1:15-26)

Peter addresses the need to replace Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. This section illustrates:

1. Leadership Structure: The apostles recognize the importance of maintaining the number of the twelve, symbolizing completeness and continuity.
2. Scriptural Fulfillment: Peter references the Psalms to justify the need for a replacement, showing the apostles’ reliance on Scripture.
3. Divine Guidance in Decision-Making: The casting of lots to choose Matthias indicates their dependence on God’s will in leadership decisions.

Conclusion

Acts Chapter 1 lays the foundational groundwork for the early church, emphasizing the importance of the Holy Spirit, community, and leadership. It serves as a reminder of the continuity of Jesus’ mission through His apostles and the promise of His return, encouraging believers to remain faithful and united in their purpose.