Acts 1:4
Verse
Context
Prologue
3After 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. 4And 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. 5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. ”
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And, being assembled together - Instead of συναλιζομενος, being assembled together, several good MSS. and versions read συναυλιζομενος, living or eating together, which refers the conversation reported here to some particular time, when he sat at meat, with his disciples. See Mar 16:14 : Luk 24:41-44. But probably the common reading is to be preferred; and the meeting on a mountain of Galilee is what is here meant. The promise of the Father - The Holy Spirit, which indeed was the grand promise of the New Testament, as Jesus Christ was of the Old. And as Christ was the grand promise of the Old Testament, during the whole continuance of the old covenant; so is the Holy Ghost, during the whole continuance of the new. As every pious soul that believed in the coming Messiah, through the medium of the sacrifices offered up under the law, was made a partaker of the merit of his death, so every pious soul that believes in Christ crucified is made a partaker of the Holy Spirit. Thus, as the benefit of the death of Christ extended from the foundation of the world till his coming in the flesh, as well as after, so the inspiration of the Holy Spirit has been, and will be continued through the whole lapse of time, till his coming again to judge the world. It is by this Spirit that sin is made known, and by it the blood of the covenant is applied; and indeed, without this, the want of salvation cannot be discovered, nor the value of the blood of the covenant duly estimated. How properly do we still pray, and how necessary is the prayer, "Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen." Communion Service. Ye have heard of me - In his particular conversations with his disciples, such as those related Joh 14:16-26 (note); Joh 15:26 (note); Joh 16:7-15 (note); to which passages, and the notes on them the reader is requested to refer: but it is likely that our Lord alludes more particularly to the conversation he had with them on one of the mountains of Galilee.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
should not depart from Jerusalem--because the Spirit was to glorify the existing economy, by descending on the disciples at its metropolitan seat, and at the next of its great festivals after the ascension of the Church's Head; in order that "out of Zion might go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem" (Isa 2:3; and compare Luk 24:49).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And being assembled together with them,.... At their last meeting at Bethany, or Mount Olivet, which was by appointment: some render the words, as the Vulgate Latin, "and eating with them"; which was one of the proofs he gave of his being alive; and so the Syriac version renders it, "and when he had ate bread with them", and the Ethiopic version, "and dining with them", which he might do more than once; see Joh 21:12 this was the last time, when he commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem; which does not necessarily infer, that they were then at Jerusalem; for they might be, and they seem rather to be at Bethany, or on the Mount of Olives, from whence they afterwards returned to Jerusalem; and from thence they had orders not to depart, where the blood of Christ had been shed, and where were his greatest enemies, and where the disciples might have no inclination to have gone, and much less to abide, but so it must be, partly for the glorifying of Christ by the effusion of his Spirit on the apostles in the place where he had suffered the most reproach; and partly because the Gospel, the word of the Lord, was to go out of this place, according to the prophecy in Isa 2:3 as also because a Gospel church was to be fixed there, and a very large number of souls to be converted, and added to it: wherefore they were bid to go thither, and not stir from thence, but wait for the promise of the Father; that is, the pouring forth of the Spirit, which God the Father of Christ; and of his people, had promised should be in the last days, Joe 2:28 and which Christ had promised his disciples from the Father, Joh 14:16. which, saith he, ye have heard of me; or "by", or "out of my mouth", as the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions, and Beza's most ancient copy read; referring to the above passages, or to what follows: and which he the rather mentions, to assure them of its accomplishment, since it was both a promise of the Father, all whose promises are yea and amen; and he had also told them of it, neither of whose words could possibly fall to the ground.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 until the Father sends you the gift he promised: See 2:1-13; cp. John 14:15-17.
Acts 1:4
Prologue
3After 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. 4And 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. 5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. ”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God's Great Promise to His Church
By A.W. Tozer5.4K43:46Promises Of GodLUK 24:49ACT 1:4In this sermon, the preacher highlights the busyness and lack of focus in the religious world today. He emphasizes that being constantly busy does not necessarily mean pleasing God. He references the moment when Jesus told Peter and the disciples to go and preach the gospel to every creature, and how they eagerly responded. The preacher then discusses the period of preparation and the promise leading up to Pentecost, where the disciples were called, commissioned, and taught by Jesus. He concludes by suggesting that if today's congregations were as spiritual as the disciples before Pentecost, it would be considered a very spiritual church.
Immersion in the Spirit - Part 1
By Derek Prince5.0K28:27MAT 3:11ACT 1:4This sermon delves into the concept of being immersed in two ways: through water baptism and the baptism in the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the total immersion experienced in both. It explores the significance of Jesus baptizing with the Holy Spirit as highlighted in the four Gospels and the fulfillment of this promise on the day of Pentecost. The sermon also discusses the seal and down payment of the Holy Spirit, illustrating how speaking in tongues serves as a visible and audible seal of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Is Coming
By David Wilkerson4.1K59:05Second ComingMAT 6:33MAT 24:36JHN 14:28ACT 1:4ACT 1:111TH 2:22TH 2:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of the coming of the Lord and its significance for Christians. He emphasizes that for those who are not right with God, the idea of the Lord's return can be fearful, but for those who are walking in righteousness, it brings great comfort. The preacher then directs the audience to the book of Acts, specifically chapter 1, where he reads a verse about the disciples being commanded to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. He mentions a book that he disagrees with, stating that it misses the whole point of the coming of the Lord. The preacher shares personal experiences of panic and confusion about the Lord's return, highlighting the need for a proper understanding of this event.
Power for Service - 2
By Jackie Pullinger3.4K34:14ServiceACT 1:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that the power of the Holy Spirit is not a temporary or fleeting experience, but something that is meant to be walked out and lived in daily life. The speaker refers to the events in Acts chapter 2, where the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples with signs such as speaking in tongues, fire, and wind. He highlights that when the Holy Spirit is at work, there will always be a mixed reaction, with some recognizing it as the wonder of God and others dismissing it as drunkenness. The speaker also uses the example of Peter walking on water to illustrate that the power of the Holy Spirit is not about flashy miracles, but about walking in faith and obedience to Jesus.
Holy Spirit and the Crisis of Pentecost - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K56:18PentecostACT 1:4ACT 2:32In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the significance of the Holy Spirit in the new creation. They mention that the movements of progress in the new creation mirror those in the material creation. The central feature discussed is the reproducing of Christ in mankind, bringing many sons to glory. The speaker emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the tremendous change that took place in the early believers after the Holy Spirit came upon them.
(South West Baptist Church 2008) Broken in the Presence of God
By Gerhard Du Toit2.1K55:45Presence of GodACT 1:1ACT 1:4ACT 1:8ACT 2:1ACT 2:4ACT 2:38In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a man named Jonathan Edwards. Edwards was a preacher who had a profound encounter with God during a three-day period of fasting and prayer. After this experience, Edwards went on to deliver a sermon titled "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," which had a tremendous impact on his congregation. The sermon led to the conversion of 437 people who were convicted of their sins and turned to God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of personal encounters with God and the need for the Holy Spirit's power in our lives.
(Spirit-Filled Life) Part 3: A Baptism of Power
By Zac Poonen1.8K1:03:16MAT 4:23MAT 8:16MAT 12:15JHN 7:38ACT 1:4ACT 5:16HEB 8:11In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit in his ministry. He emphasizes the importance of having a connection with the river of God, which is always full of water, to effectively serve in any calling. The speaker initially desired to be an evangelist but realized that God had called him to be a teacher instead. He compares his ministry to pumping water from a hand pump, requiring great effort to obtain a small amount, while desiring to experience the effortless flow of a river. The sermon also references the disciples' encounter with the risen Jesus and the receiving of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the need for believers to continually seek the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
A Powerless Church
By Anton Bosch1.3K47:50ACT 1:4This sermon delves into the concept of the powerless church, emphasizing the need for true power from the Holy Spirit. It contrasts the church's current state with the early church in Acts, highlighting the importance of obedience, repentance, and aligning with God's Word to receive His power. The speaker challenges the notion of settling for a powerless church or resorting to fake displays of power, urging a genuine thirst for God's presence and a willingness to be consumed by His fire.
An Invitation to Follow Him
By K.P. Yohannan1.2K20:29Following JesusIntimacy With GodGEN 1:26PSA 42:7ISA 40:31EZK 22:30MRK 1:17JHN 4:34JHN 5:19JHN 15:4ACT 1:41CO 3:13K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound invitation from Jesus to follow Him, which transcends mere evangelism and calls for a life of obedience and surrender to God's will. He reflects on how Jesus lived in total dependence on the Father, demonstrating that our actions should stem from a deep relationship with God rather than mere duty or need. Yohannan illustrates this with the story of three stonecutters, highlighting the importance of understanding the 'why' behind our actions. He urges believers to prioritize intimacy with God, as true ministry flows from a life that reflects Christ's love and purpose. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live as Jesus did, focusing on eternal values rather than worldly distractions.
Encounter With God - Session 4
By Greg Frizzell1.2K1:18:28Experiencing GodMAT 6:33ACT 1:42CO 7:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a commitment to prayer and spending quality time with God. He encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God over other distractions, such as excessive television watching. The preacher also highlights the need for believers to allow God to be the Lord of their hearts and eyes, and to give Him the time and attention He deserves. The sermon references Acts 1:4 and John 15:4 as key passages to support the message.
All Power
By Jim Cymbala1.1K34:25PowerACT 1:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of vital truth in the Bible. He explains that while the Bible is full of truth, there are varying degrees of importance to different truths. He uses the analogy of concentric circles to illustrate this, with the most vital truths being at the center. The speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on these vital truths, such as salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than getting caught up in less vital truths. He also encourages reliance on the power of God rather than human wisdom or psychology.
Acts Chapter 1 Verse 8
By Earle Maxwell1.1K25:22ACT 1:4In this sermon, the speaker highlights the faith and trust of Christians in developing countries who have very little material wealth but are rich in their experience of trusting God's promises. The speaker shares a story of a sergeant major in Nigeria who started a meeting in his new house and had 15 people willing to attend. The sermon emphasizes the importance of waiting on God and claiming His promises, as seen in Luke 24:49 and Acts 1. The potential for discipleship is discussed, with the speaker challenging the audience to reflect on their own response to God's command and their level of dependence on Him.
We Must Be a People Marked by the Presence of God
By Michael L. Brown1.0K31:30EXO 33:12PSA 68:1MAT 6:33LUK 24:48ACT 1:4ACT 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing the power of God rather than relying on human wisdom. He encourages the congregation to hunger for the power of the gospel and to come together with anticipation and expectation of encountering God. The speaker shares a personal experience of being stirred by a worship video and highlights the miracle of the gospel, which allows believers to experience God's presence in their everyday lives. He challenges the listeners to pay the personal price of denying themselves and seeking God's face, as well as making a corporate effort to encourage one another in pursuing God.
(Acts) Waiting for Gods Best
By Brian Brodersen82355:51ACT 1:4In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for God to speak to the listeners through the study of the book of Acts. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord's guidance in making decisions and not relying on our own understanding. Impatience and impulsiveness can lead to disastrous outcomes, while waiting on God's timing can bring blessings. The sermon also highlights the need to trust in God's plan and power, rather than relying on human intellect or finding the "go-to guy" to get things done. The speaker uses the analogy of our impatience with technology to illustrate how our impatience can grow and hinder our relationship with God.
(Clip) Why Doesn't God Use Me Anymore?
By Shane Idleman78206:39PSA 37:7ISA 40:31LUK 5:16ACT 1:4ROM 12:2HEB 12:1JAS 4:8REV 2:4REV 3:2This sermon emphasizes the need for believers to return to a place of surrender and waiting on God, drawing inspiration from the story of Duncan Campbell's revival experience. It highlights the importance of experiencing the power of God in our lives, waiting on Him for direction, and remembering and returning to our first love for God. The message calls for a posture of humility and a longing for God to move in our lives and in the church once again.
Know the Holy Spirit
By Ernest O'Neill74442:31MAT 6:33LUK 1:34JHN 16:13ACT 1:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the popularity of how-to books and their appeal to readers across generations. He points out that while these books provide instructions on various topics, they often fail to produce real results because people do not fully commit to the activities they are trying to learn. The speaker then applies this concept to Christianity, stating that there are two types of believers: those who study how to be a Christian and those who actually obey God's commands. He emphasizes the danger of becoming preoccupied with methods and techniques to make God real in our lives, as it can lead to pride and self-righteousness. The speaker suggests that instead of focusing on how to do things, believers should trust in God's power and seek a genuine relationship with Him.
The Power of God
By Greg Locke74051:47MAT 6:33LUK 1:1ACT 1:4ACT 2:1ACT 13:1PHP 3:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on a higher power to find strength and live for God. He mentions that there is something inside of him that gives him a Christian testimony and allows him to continue on his spiritual journey. The preacher then discusses five ways to know and experience the power of God, emphasizing the need for perseverance and living for God every day. He also references the book of Philippians, where the theme of joy is highlighted, and encourages the audience to have a passion for the power of God.
You Have to Work for It
By Hans R. Waldvogel56524:27Christian LifeACT 1:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of choosing to serve either God or the devil. He urges young people to sow their actions and efforts into the spirit rather than the flesh, as the consequences will be either corruption or eternal life. The preacher uses the analogy of a king who made sacrifices for his bankrupt son, but the son and others made excuses not to come. The sermon also highlights the need for young people to prioritize their soul's salvation and not waste their youthful vigor, but instead use it to redeem the time and serve God. The preacher shares a story about a cornfield that can only be passed through with strength from heaven, symbolizing the need for divine strength in our lives. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to be witnesses for Jesus and not be deterred by opposition or persecution. The preacher shares personal experiences and encourages the audience to seek the fountain of living water, symbolizing the need for a personal relationship with God.
Eternity to Eternity 09 Genesis 1:14
By Joseph Balsan47154:20GenesisACT 1:4ACT 1:6REV 1:10REV 1:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fourth age or present age in which we live, where God is focused on gathering a people for His name. The promise given to Abraham was two-fold, with an earthly seed as numerous as the sands of the seashore and a heavenly seed as numerous as the stars of heaven. The preacher emphasizes that just as the moon goes through different phases but never disappears, the Church has faced challenges throughout history but has never been exterminated. The sermon also references Acts 1:4, where Jesus commands his disciples to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit, and Revelation 1:10, where John sees seven golden candlesticks and the Son of Man in the midst of them.
The Discipline of Delay - 10
By Jack Hibbs47057:20DisciplinePSA 40:1PRO 3:5ISA 40:31MAT 6:33ACT 1:4ROM 8:28EPH 2:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on God and following His blueprint for our lives. He encourages listeners to be patient and obedient even when faced with delays or uncertainty. The speaker urges young people to find a quiet place, free from distractions, and spend time listening to God's voice. He also highlights the significance of Jesus weeping over the pain caused by death and the power of God to bring life even in seemingly impossible situations.
Revival - Part 5
By Doc Greenway2781:00:35RevivalLUK 24:49JHN 4:24ACT 1:42CO 6:16EPH 5:261TH 4:3HEB 10:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of revival as a demonstration of God's power. He highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as the instrument of this power, referencing Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit. The preacher shares a story about two farmers who were unfamiliar with bananas to illustrate the need for understanding and utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon also emphasizes the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of both unbelievers and believers, particularly in cultivating a desire for holiness and deepening fellowship with God.
Holy Spirit Seminar
By A.C. Valdez Sr.411:27:50Empowerment for ServiceHoly SpiritGEN 1:2MAT 3:11ACT 1:4A.C. Valdez Sr. emphasizes the enduring significance of the Holy Spirit in the church, drawing parallels between the past and present experiences of believers. He recounts the historical misunderstandings faced by early Pentecostals, who were often labeled as fanatics, and contrasts this with the current acceptance of the charismatic movement. Valdez highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, illustrating how it empowers individuals for service and witness, and encourages believers to seek a fervent relationship with God. He also addresses the importance of understanding biblical terminology regarding the Holy Spirit and the necessity of being filled with the Spirit for effective ministry.
The Sound of the Spirit
By Shane Idleman1643:03EmpowermentHoly SpiritACT 1:4Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of Pentecost, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church, which coincided with the Jewish celebration of the early harvest. He explains that while the disciples were initially enthusiastic, they lacked the power of the Holy Spirit until they waited for it as instructed by Jesus. Idleman contrasts the 'sound of the Spirit' with unwanted noise, highlighting how the Holy Spirit's presence can be dismissed by those unappreciative of its power. He urges believers to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that true empowerment comes from surrendering to God and living in unity with one another. The sermon concludes with a call to both believers and non-believers to seek a deeper relationship with God and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
By Denny Kenaston0ISA 44:3JHN 4:23JHN 7:37ACT 1:4ACT 2:4ACT 4:31ACT 6:3ACT 8:14Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of seeking God together and being filled with the Holy Spirit. He shares stories of individuals like George Whitfield, John Wesley, and Charles Finney who were transformed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Kenaston emphasizes the need to focus on the reality of being filled with the Holy Spirit rather than getting lost in theological debates. He highlights key Bible verses that speak about being filled with the Holy Spirit and the significance of worshiping God in spirit and truth.
Heart Talk on the Second Work of Grace
By Charles William Butler0JHN 3:3JHN 17:19ACT 1:4EPH 5:25COL 1:28Charles William Butler emphasizes the distinction between the first epochal work of grace, the new birth, and the second work of grace, sanctification, as essential for every true student of the Word of God to understand. The new birth signifies a spiritual rebirth, transitioning from death to life, enabling individuals to become God-conscious and know God personally. On the other hand, sanctification, symbolized by fire and associated with being baptized with the Holy Ghost, is a deep, personal, and Spirit-wrought purification process that leads to true holiness. Butler stresses the importance of embracing both aspects of salvation, the double cure for sin, through faith in Christ's redemptive work and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And, being assembled together - Instead of συναλιζομενος, being assembled together, several good MSS. and versions read συναυλιζομενος, living or eating together, which refers the conversation reported here to some particular time, when he sat at meat, with his disciples. See Mar 16:14 : Luk 24:41-44. But probably the common reading is to be preferred; and the meeting on a mountain of Galilee is what is here meant. The promise of the Father - The Holy Spirit, which indeed was the grand promise of the New Testament, as Jesus Christ was of the Old. And as Christ was the grand promise of the Old Testament, during the whole continuance of the old covenant; so is the Holy Ghost, during the whole continuance of the new. As every pious soul that believed in the coming Messiah, through the medium of the sacrifices offered up under the law, was made a partaker of the merit of his death, so every pious soul that believes in Christ crucified is made a partaker of the Holy Spirit. Thus, as the benefit of the death of Christ extended from the foundation of the world till his coming in the flesh, as well as after, so the inspiration of the Holy Spirit has been, and will be continued through the whole lapse of time, till his coming again to judge the world. It is by this Spirit that sin is made known, and by it the blood of the covenant is applied; and indeed, without this, the want of salvation cannot be discovered, nor the value of the blood of the covenant duly estimated. How properly do we still pray, and how necessary is the prayer, "Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen." Communion Service. Ye have heard of me - In his particular conversations with his disciples, such as those related Joh 14:16-26 (note); Joh 15:26 (note); Joh 16:7-15 (note); to which passages, and the notes on them the reader is requested to refer: but it is likely that our Lord alludes more particularly to the conversation he had with them on one of the mountains of Galilee.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
should not depart from Jerusalem--because the Spirit was to glorify the existing economy, by descending on the disciples at its metropolitan seat, and at the next of its great festivals after the ascension of the Church's Head; in order that "out of Zion might go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem" (Isa 2:3; and compare Luk 24:49).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And being assembled together with them,.... At their last meeting at Bethany, or Mount Olivet, which was by appointment: some render the words, as the Vulgate Latin, "and eating with them"; which was one of the proofs he gave of his being alive; and so the Syriac version renders it, "and when he had ate bread with them", and the Ethiopic version, "and dining with them", which he might do more than once; see Joh 21:12 this was the last time, when he commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem; which does not necessarily infer, that they were then at Jerusalem; for they might be, and they seem rather to be at Bethany, or on the Mount of Olives, from whence they afterwards returned to Jerusalem; and from thence they had orders not to depart, where the blood of Christ had been shed, and where were his greatest enemies, and where the disciples might have no inclination to have gone, and much less to abide, but so it must be, partly for the glorifying of Christ by the effusion of his Spirit on the apostles in the place where he had suffered the most reproach; and partly because the Gospel, the word of the Lord, was to go out of this place, according to the prophecy in Isa 2:3 as also because a Gospel church was to be fixed there, and a very large number of souls to be converted, and added to it: wherefore they were bid to go thither, and not stir from thence, but wait for the promise of the Father; that is, the pouring forth of the Spirit, which God the Father of Christ; and of his people, had promised should be in the last days, Joe 2:28 and which Christ had promised his disciples from the Father, Joh 14:16. which, saith he, ye have heard of me; or "by", or "out of my mouth", as the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions, and Beza's most ancient copy read; referring to the above passages, or to what follows: and which he the rather mentions, to assure them of its accomplishment, since it was both a promise of the Father, all whose promises are yea and amen; and he had also told them of it, neither of whose words could possibly fall to the ground.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 until the Father sends you the gift he promised: See 2:1-13; cp. John 14:15-17.