Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

1:1-3 Here Luke summarizes his first book, the Gospel of Luke, which Luke had previously written to Theophilus (Luke 1:3). Theophilus is elsewhere called “most honorable” (Luke 1:3)—the title indicates that he was a person of very high social standing (cp. Acts 23:26; 24:2; 26:25). He was probably a benefactor or patron who assisted Luke with the expenses of publication or distribution of his work (see study note on Luke 1:3).

Verse 3

1:3 he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive: The Gospels describe the evidence for Christ’s resurrection: Jesus’ tomb was empty (Luke 24:3-4), his grave clothes were undisturbed (John 20:3-9), and many people saw him (see Matt 28; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:11–21:23; 1 Cor 15:3-8). Jesus appeared to the apostles in part to overcome their doubt (Matt 28:17; Luke 24:17-24, 38, 41; John 20:27; see Mark 16:14) • The Kingdom of God was the central theme of Jesus’ teaching (see Acts 1:6-8; Matt 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:43).

Verse 4

1:4 until the Father sends you the gift he promised: See 2:1-13; cp. John 14:15-17.

Verse 5

1:5 baptized: See “Baptism” Theme Note.

Verse 6

1:6-11 Jesus’ ascent into heaven (see also Luke 24:50-53) took place on the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:12; Luke 24:50). It was Jesus’ last physical appearance—he was taken into heaven, where he will remain “until the time for the final restoration of all things” (Acts 3:21).

Verse 8

1:8 This key verse outlines the geographical extension of the Good News from its Jewish starting point in Jerusalem and Judea (1:6–8:1), out to Samaria (8:4-25), Antioch in Syria (11:19-30), and eventually throughout the Mediterranean world to Rome (13:1–28:31). Christ later gave a similar call to be his witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth to Saul of Tarsus (9:15), who had persecuted the Jewish Christians and then became the primary instrument for taking the Good News to the Gentiles. • The Holy Spirit was the source of power for all this evangelistic and missionary effort.

Verse 10

1:10 Christ’s rising into heaven indicates his elevation to a place of ultimate authority (see Eph 1:19-23; Phil 2:9-11).

Verse 11

1:11 Jesus promised to return from heaven in the same way (see Matt 24:30; Mark 13:26; John 14:3). Jesus has gone to heaven to prepare the place for his followers (John 12:26; 14:1-4; 2 Cor 5:4; Phil 3:21; Heb 6:20).

Verse 12

1:12 The witnesses of the ascension returned to Jerusalem with joy, worship, exhilaration, and praise to God (Luke 24:52), and with their doubts assuaged (see study note on Acts 1:3).

Verse 13

1:13-26 While the apostles waited for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit (1:4-5), the whole company of 120 disciples in Jerusalem engaged in earnest prayer (1:13-14) and then appointed an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot (1:15-26).

1:13 All eleven of the remaining apostles were present (cp. Matt 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16). Judas Iscariot is omitted from this list on account of his betrayal and death (Acts 1:18-19).

Verse 14

1:14 The first disciples were united in worship, fellowship, and prayer (see also 2:42, 46-47; 4:24-31; 5:12; 12:5; 13:1-3). The faithful women who had been witnesses of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection were present (Luke 23:49, 54-56; 24:1-10, 22). • The brothers of Jesus had not believed in him during his ministry (John 7:3-5; cp. Matt 12:46-49), but became his disciples after his resurrection.

Verse 16

1:16-17 the Scriptures had to be fulfilled: See 1:20.

Verse 18

1:18-19 Matthew’s account (Matt 27:3-10) is somewhat different; the two can be harmonized by considering the priests’ purchase of the “Field of Blood” as acting in Judas’s name. In addition, Judas may have committed suicide by hanging, but he subsequently fell headfirst and his body split open, perhaps when the rope broke.

Verse 20

1:20-21 ‘Let someone else take his position’: It was imperative that a replacement be found for Judas so that his position as the twelfth apostle would not remain empty. The new people of God, like Israel, were to have twelve designated and appointed leaders (see Matt 19:28; Luke 22:29-30).

Verse 21

1:21-22 To qualify for nomination as an apostle, a man had to have been with the other apostles the entire time of Jesus’ public ministry, from the time he was baptized by John until his ascension.

Verse 23

1:23-26 With prayer (1:14, 24) and humble dependence on God to reveal his will, the apostles cast lots, using an established method of finding God’s will (see Lev 16:8; Num 27:21; Deut 33:8; Josh 14:2; 18:3-10; Prov 16:33). Matthias was selected to replace Judas. After Pentecost, the Holy Spirit guided Jesus’ followers through dreams, visions, and prophecies instead of through lots (cp. Acts 2:17-18; 13:2; 16:7-10). • you know every heart: See also 1 Sam 16:6-7; 1 Kgs 8:39; 1 Chr 28:9; 2 Chr 6:30; Pss 7:9; 44:21; Jer 11:20; John 2:24-25; Rev 2:23.