Acts Chapter 1

Acts chapter 1 opens with the beloved Luke addressing his friend Theophilus, concerning the things “that Jesus did and taught” until he was taken up to heaven. Acts is the sequel to the Gospel of Luke. After Jesus’ resurrection he spent forty days on earth with the Apostles teaching them of things to come pertaining to the Kingdom of God. The fact that Jesus was seen after His resurrection, is undisputed by many scriptures (Matt.28:16, John.20:11-18, 19-30, 21:1, I Cor.15:1-9). In the Gospel accounts Christ spoke of sending the Holy Spirit to be with them, and to give them power to carry out their mission. That day was soon approaching. Jesus instructed them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait until they received power from on high. Without Jesus’ urging, they would have returned home to Galilee.

It is interesting that Jesus did not instruct them to tarry nor pray for the Holy Spirit (as many people do today), but to just wait. Wait, because the Holy Spirit had been promised by our Christ, to come and dwell with believers (John.14:17, 1 Cor.6:19, 2 Cor.6:16). As the Apostles came together on the Mount of Olives (east of Jerusalem), this would be the last time they would see Jesus face to face. They posed a question to Jesus if he would restore the Kingdom to Israel. Jesus did not rebuke them for such a question, because it was a valid question. Christ had been teaching them things of the coming kingdom (Matt.25:34, Luke.6:20; 22:28-30). Jesus’ insistence that “it is not for you to know” echoes His teachings in Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32-33. The fact that God set things by His authority and time suggest that they are not subject to speculation by believers.

The apostles had witness Jesus’ resurrection, now they will be witnesses to His ascension. The two men in white apparel (Angels) reassured them that Christ will return in the same manner. The Apostles immediately returned to Jerusalem as the Lord instructed, and gathered in the upper room, where they were together in prayer waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. This upper room may have been the home of Mary the mother of John Mark (Gospel of Mark). Later in Acts the believers will assembly at her house (Acts.12:12). The women in the upper room could have been the women who had helped financed Jesus’ ministry (Luke.8:1-3), they were at the foot of the cross (Luke.23:59), and at the empty tomb (Luke.24:1-2).

Peter being the leader of the Twelve, not the final authority, stood up to address those in the room (this will not be Peter’s last time addressing a crowd). Jesus had opened the minds of Peter and the other Apostles to understand the Scriptures (Luke.24:44-45). Peter understood that another must take the place of Judas as twelve Apostles must be in place to carry out the Lord’s marching orders. Two men who met the qualifications (vss.21-21) were chosen from the men in the upper room. After praying (something as believers we must always do when seeking guidance from our risen Savior), and casting lots*, the Holy Spirit led them to Matthias. With the choosing of Matthias and with the twelve in place, the stage is now set.

*Note: Lots was a divine method allowed by God to render His divine will (See Lev.16:8, Num.26:55, Josh.18:6, 8, Neh.10:34, Ps.22:18, Prov.16:33, Matt.27:35).

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An Introduction to the Book of Acts

The Book of Acts and the Book of Luke were written by Luke. Some historians have called the Book of Acts “Acts of the Apostles”. Luke addresses both of his books to a person whom we only know as Theophilus (Luke 1:3, Acts 1:1). The Gospel of Luke records the ministry of Jesus before His ascension, while the Acts gospel records the events after Jesus’ ascension “…and all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day He was taken up to Heaven” (Acts 1:2-2).

Acts is a continuation of Luke’s gospel. The writing of these two books covers a span of 30 years from the time of our Lord’s death to the covering of the church AD 33 to AD 63. Some commentators have outlined acts geographically using the formula Jesus gave His disciples “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). Now although Luke begins his story in Jerusalem, he does not stick to a precise geographical sequence. He moves back and forth from Antioch to Jerusalem, from Europe back to Asia, back to Jerusalem etc. Geography is important to Luke, yet he also has an ethnic interest – he wants to explain how Christianity moves from its Jewish foundation and spread to the Gentile world.

Though there are many people of interest in Acts, the Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul are more pronounced. Luke was a companion of Paul throughout his ministry. This is indicated by the “we” section of his writings (Acts 16:10-17, 20:5-15, 21:1-18, 27:1-37, 28:16). Luke records information he personally witnessed, from other eyewitnesses account, and by the Holy Spirit (all Scripture is given by inspiration (1 Tim. 3:16).


Some highlights of the Book of Acts:

• Jesus' ascension
• The choosing of Matthias as the twelfth Apostle (not Paul)
• Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost
• The establishment of the early church
• Signs and wonders by Peter
• Opposition from the Sanhedrin
• Appointment of the seven deacons
• Stoning of Stephen
• Persecution against the church
• Conversion of Saul of Tarsus
• Etc.

Acts closes with Paul imprisoned in Rome.

Questions/Answers:
1. What does the name Theophilus mean?
The name means “One who loves God”

2. What was Luke’s profession?
Luke was a physician (Colossians 4:14)

3. Were the eleven apostles correct in wanting a twelfth apostle to replace Judas?
Yes! First they prayed (something we must always do when seeking guidance) Second, twelve apostles must sit on the twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22:30, Matthew 19:28). Twelve is symbolic of the people of God.

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