Acts 1
BSB1 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, 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. “ 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." 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 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 which 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,’ and, ‘May another take his position.’ 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.
Study Notes — Acts 1
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 1
- Themes from Acts 1
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 1
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Acts chapter 1 begins with a bridge from the Gospel of Luke, recalling Jesus' teachings and interactions with the disciples after His resurrection. Jesus gives the disciples a final command to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit, who will give them power to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). After Jesus ascends into heaven, the disciples return to Jerusalem and gather in the upper room, where they devote themselves to prayer and wait for the fulfillment of Jesus' promise. The chapter concludes with the selection of Matthias to replace Judas as one of the twelve apostles. Key events, such as the ascension (Acts 1:9-11) and the appointment of Matthias (Acts 1:21-26), highlight the themes of obedience, unity, and the anticipation of the Holy Spirit's coming.
Context for the Chapter
Acts chapter 1 is situated at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles, which is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke. This chapter provides a link between the life of Jesus and the early Christian church, setting the stage for the missionary journeys of the apostles and the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. The events described in Acts 1 are crucial for understanding the theological and historical context of the early church, including the transition from the era of Jesus' physical presence to the era of the Spirit.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to wait on God's timing and to trust in the promise of the Holy Spirit's power for their witness and ministry. It also emphasizes the importance of unity and obedience among Christians, as they seek to fulfill their mission in the world. By reflecting on the disciples' experience, readers can deepen their understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in their lives and their witness to others.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Acts chapter 1 is about Jesus' last days on earth, His ascension into heaven, and the disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit. The disciples were told to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit, who would give them power to be Jesus' witnesses. They prayed together and chose a new apostle, Matthias, to replace Judas. This chapter shows how the disciples obeyed Jesus and waited for the Holy Spirit, and how they were united in their purpose.
Voices from the Church
“The ascension of Jesus is not the end of His work, but rather the beginning of a new phase, where He works through the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The promise of the Holy Spirit is a comfort to believers, for it reminds them that they are not left as orphans, but are empowered by God for their mission and their walk with Him.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction and Ascension (1:1-11) — The chapter begins with a summary of Jesus' teachings after His resurrection and His ascension into heaven, marking a significant transition in the relationship between Jesus and the disciples.
- The Disciples' Return to Jerusalem (1:12-14) — After Jesus' ascension, the disciples return to Jerusalem, where they gather in the upper room, awaiting the fulfillment of Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit.
- The Selection of Matthias (1:15-26) — The disciples select Matthias to replace Judas as one of the twelve apostles, demonstrating their concern for maintaining the integrity and completeness of their group.
- The Promise of the Holy Spirit (1:4-5, 8) — Jesus promises the disciples that they will receive the Holy Spirit, who will empower them for their mission as witnesses to the ends of the earth.
- Conclusion and Transition (1:26) — The chapter concludes with the selection of Matthias and sets the stage for the events of Acts 2, where the Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples, empowering them for their witness and ministry.
Core Doctrines
- The Ascension of Jesus
- This chapter teaches that Jesus' ascension into heaven is a real, historical event that marks the end of His physical presence on earth and the beginning of the age of the Spirit.
- The Promise of the Holy Spirit
- The promise of the Holy Spirit is a central theme, emphasizing the role of the Spirit in empowering believers for their witness and ministry.
- The Unity of the Church
- The chapter highlights the unity of the disciples, despite the challenges they face, demonstrating their commitment to their mission and to one another.
- The Authority of Scripture
- The selection of Matthias, based on Scripture and prayer, underscores the importance of biblical guidance in the decisions and actions of believers.
Lessons from Acts 1
- The Importance of Waiting on God — The disciples' experience teaches us the value of waiting on God's timing and trusting in His promises, rather than rushing ahead with our own plans.
- The Power of Unity — The unity of the disciples, despite their differences, demonstrates the strength that comes from shared purpose and commitment to one another.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit in Empowerment — Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit emphasizes the Spirit's essential role in empowering believers for their witness and ministry, reminding us of our dependence on God's power.
- The Guidance of Scripture — The selection of Matthias, based on Scripture and prayer, highlights the importance of biblical guidance in our decisions and actions.
- The Mission of the Church — Acts 1 sets the stage for the missionary journeys of the apostles, reminding us of the church's mission to be witnesses to the gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Themes from Acts 1
- Transition and New Beginnings — The chapter marks a significant transition from the era of Jesus' physical presence to the era of the Spirit, highlighting the beginning of a new phase in the mission of the church.
- The Promise of the Holy Spirit — The promise of the Holy Spirit is a central theme, emphasizing the role of the Spirit in empowering believers for their witness and ministry.
- Unity and Obedience — The unity and obedience of the disciples demonstrate their commitment to their mission and to one another, underscoring the importance of these qualities in the life of the church.
- The Authority of Scripture — The selection of Matthias, based on Scripture and prayer, highlights the importance of biblical guidance in the decisions and actions of believers.
- Mission and Witness — The chapter sets the stage for the missionary journeys of the apostles, emphasizing the church's mission to be witnesses to the gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus' ascension into heaven signify, and how does it relate to the disciples' mission and the coming of the Holy Spirit?
- How do the disciples demonstrate their obedience to Jesus' commands, and what is the significance of their unity in this context?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering the disciples for their witness and ministry, according to Jesus' promise in Acts 1:8?
- How does the selection of Matthias reflect the disciples' reliance on Scripture and prayer in making decisions?
- What are the implications of Acts 1 for the church today, in terms of our understanding of the Holy Spirit's role and our mission as witnesses to the gospel?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction and Ascension (1:1-11)
| 1:1 | The chapter begins with a summary of Jesus' teachings after His resurrection, providing a link between the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. |
| 1:2 | Jesus gives the disciples a final command to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit, who will give them power to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. |
| 1:3 | Jesus appears to the disciples over a period of forty days, teaching them about the kingdom of God and preparing them for their mission. |
| 1:4-5 | Jesus commands the disciples not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which is the Holy Spirit. |
| 1:6-7 | The disciples ask Jesus if He will restore the kingdom to Israel at this time, demonstrating their ongoing focus on earthly concerns. |
| 1:8 | Jesus promises the disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon them, and they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. |
| 1:9-11 | Jesus ascends into heaven, and the disciples are left staring after Him, until two angels appear and remind them that Jesus will return in the same way He departed. |
2. The Disciples' Return to Jerusalem (1:12-14)
| 1:12 | The disciples return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is a Sabbath day's journey away. |
| 1:13 | The disciples gather in the upper room, where they devote themselves to prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers. |
| 1:14 | The disciples are united in their purpose, awaiting the fulfillment of Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit. |
3. The Selection of Matthias (1:15-26)
| 1:15 | Peter stands up among the brothers, and addresses them, proposing that they select a replacement for Judas. |
| 1:16-20 | Peter explains the necessity of replacing Judas, based on Scripture, and the disciples propose two candidates, Joseph and Matthias. |
| 1:21-22 | The disciples pray, asking God to show them which of the two candidates He has chosen to take the place of Judas. |
| 1:23-26 | The disciples cast lots, and the lot falls to Matthias, who is then numbered with the eleven apostles. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Jesus' ascension into heaven?
Jesus' ascension marks the end of His physical presence on earth and the beginning of the age of the Spirit, where He works through the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers (Acts 1:9-11).
Why did the disciples need to wait for the Holy Spirit?
The disciples needed to wait for the Holy Spirit because Jesus promised that the Spirit would give them power to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
How did the disciples select Matthias to replace Judas?
The disciples selected Matthias through a process of prayer, proposal of candidates, and the casting of lots, seeking to maintain the integrity and completeness of their group (Acts 1:21-26).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 1:1 → Luke 1:1-4 | The opening verse of Acts references the earlier account of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. |
| 2 | Acts 1:3 → Luke 24:44-49 | Jesus' teachings about the kingdom of God during the forty days after His resurrection are also mentioned in Luke 24:44-49. |
| 3 | Acts 1:8 → John 14:16-17 | The promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8 is reminiscent of Jesus' earlier promise of the Spirit in John 14:16-17. |
| 4 | Acts 1:9 → Luke 24:51 | The ascension of Jesus into heaven is also described in Luke 24:51, marking the end of Jesus' physical presence on earth. |
| 5 | Acts 1:20 → Psalm 69:25 | The reference to Judas' replacement, based on Psalm 69:25, demonstrates the disciples' reliance on Scripture in making decisions. |
| 6 | Acts 1:22 → Acts 2:32 | The requirement that the new apostle be a witness to Jesus' resurrection is also emphasized in Acts 2:32, highlighting the importance of this criterion for leadership in the early church. |
| 7 | Acts 1:24-25 → Proverbs 16:33 | The casting of lots to select Matthias reflects the biblical principle that God guides human decisions, as expressed in Proverbs 16:33. |
| 8 | Acts 1:26 → Matthew 19:28 | The selection of Matthias completes the number of the twelve apostles, who will judge the twelve tribes of Israel, as mentioned in Matthew 19:28. |
Sermons on Acts 1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Authority Over Demons by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, Corey Ten Boom shares her personal experiences of preaching the gospel and casting out demons. She recounts a time when she was in a concentration camp and witnesse |
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A Grain of Wheat by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to Jesus Christ. He tells a story about an artist who becomes so engrossed in his work that he is |
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Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, Miss Coleman shares a powerful testimony of a father who had a revelation that Jesus is the true Messiah. The father struggled with the idea of admitting his previo |
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A Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on a 70-year journey of faith, witnessing various church tragedies and worldly events, yet remaining steadfast by looking up to Jesus, reading the Word, and fo |
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A Three-Fold Vision by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of vision and obedience to God's will. He emphasizes the need for a cleansing wave of revival in a nation plagued by immoralit |
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Laws of Spiritual Progress - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses two lessons they have learned about making spiritual progress. The first principle they emphasize is the importance of taking a step of faith |
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Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Part 2 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the limitations of our physical bodies in experiencing the power of God. He explains that no man can look upon the face of God and live becau |
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No Stopping the Holy Spirit by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the word of God to understand the future and not being uncertain about it. He believes that the power of the Ho |
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Christ's Call Follow in My Footsteps by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-denial and sacrificing our own desires for the sake of the cross and Calvary. He shares a personal story of his wife' |
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(Costa Rica) Another Gospel by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning false teachings and being cautious of preachers who mix the gospel with harmful messages. He shares a story abo |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 1
Matthew Henry's commentary on Acts 1 emphasizes the significance of Jesus' ascension into heaven, marking the end of His physical presence on earth and the beginning of the age of the Spirit. Henry highlights the importance of the disciples' obedience to Jesus' commands, particularly their waiting in Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit. The selection of Matthias, based on Scripture and prayer, demonstrates the disciples' reliance on biblical guidance in their decisions. Henry also notes the connection between Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit and the events of Acts 2, where the Spirit is poured out on the disciples, empowering them for their witness and ministry. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the theological significance of these events, highlighting God's character, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the mission of the church. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Obedience
The disciples' obedience to Jesus' command to wait in Jerusalem is a notable aspect of this chapter, demonstrating their trust in Jesus' promises and their willingness to wait on God's timing.
The Unity of the Disciples
Despite the departure of Jesus, the disciples remain united in their purpose and their devotion to prayer, awaiting the fulfillment of Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit.
The Replacement of Judas
The selection of Matthias to replace Judas as an apostle highlights the disciples' concern for maintaining the integrity and completeness of their group, as well as their reliance on prayer and the casting of lots to make this decision.