# Overview Acts Chapter 1 begins with a continuation of the account written by #Luke, addressing #Theophilus and recounting the events following [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]’ resurrection. It highlights the period of forty days where Jesus appeared to the apostles, providing convincing proofs of His resurrection and speaking about the #KingdomOfGod. During this time, Jesus instructs the apostles to remain in #Jerusalem and wait for the promised #HolySpirit, which He refers to as the baptism with the Holy Spirit, contrasting it with #John’s baptism with water. This sets the stage for the transformative events that will follow, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the apostles for their mission. The chapter then moves to the #Ascension of Jesus, where He is taken up into heaven before the apostles' eyes, a significant event marking the conclusion of His earthly ministry. Two angels appear, assuring the apostles of Jesus' return in the same manner as His departure. The apostles return to Jerusalem and gather in the upper room to devote themselves to prayer, alongside #Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers. The chapter concludes with the selection of #Matthias as an apostle to replace #Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. This action underscores the importance of maintaining the number of apostles at twelve, symbolizing the twelve tribes of #Israel, and ensuring the continuity of the apostolic witness. ## Theological Insights Acts 1 serves as a foundational chapter for understanding the early Church's mission and the role of the #HolySpirit in empowering believers. The chapter begins with a reminder of all that [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] did and taught before his ascension, establishing continuity with the Gospel of #Luke, which is the first volume of the author's work. This connection underscores the consistency and reliability of the Gospel narrative. The ascension of Jesus in Acts 1:9-11 marks a significant theological moment, affirming Jesus’ exaltation and his return to the Father. It also anticipates his second coming, as the two angels inform the disciples that Jesus will return in the same manner as he ascended. This establishes a framework of hope and expectation for believers, encouraging them to live with the awareness of Christ's imminent return. In Acts 1:4-5, Jesus instructs the apostles to wait for the promise of the Father, the baptism with the #HolySpirit. This promise highlights the transition from Jesus’ physical presence to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which will guide and empower the Church. The anticipation of the Holy Spirit's coming signifies a new era in redemptive history, one in which the Spirit plays a central role in the life and mission of the Church. Acts 1:8 is a crucial verse, providing a blueprint for the mission of the Church: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in #Jerusalem, and in all #Judea and #Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This verse establishes the geographical and thematic scope of the Church's mission, emphasizing the call to be witnesses of Christ's resurrection and to spread the Gospel universally. It reflects the fulfillment of the #GreatCommission found in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 28]]. The selection of #Matthias to replace #Judas Iscariot in Acts 1:15-26 demonstrates the importance of apostolic witness to Jesus’ resurrection. The apostles’ reliance on prayer and casting lots to discern God’s will shows their dependence on divine guidance, a model for decision-making in the Church. The restoration of the Twelve signifies the restoration of Israel and reinforces the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament through the New Testament. Overall, Acts 1 lays the theological groundwork for the unfolding narrative of the #Acts of the Apostles, showcasing the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to the Spirit-led mission of the Church, focusing on the spread of the Gospel and the expansion of God’s kingdom from #Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. ## Thematic Connections ### The Continuation of Jesus' Ministry #Acts Chapter 1 begins with the connection between the ministry of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] and the work of the #apostles. Jesus' teachings and actions are continued through the apostles by the power of the #HolySpirit. This theme connects to the commissioning of the prophets and leaders in the #OldTestament, such as [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3|Moses]] and [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 1|Joshua]], who were empowered to lead God's people. ### The Promise of the Holy Spirit The promise of the #HolySpirit is a central theme in #Acts 1, fulfilling Jesus' promise to His disciples in [[John/John Chapter 14|John 14:16-17]] and [[John/John Chapter 16|John 16:7-13]]. This promise is connected to the prophetic promises found in the #OldTestament, such as [[Joel/Joel Chapter 2|Joel 2:28-29]], where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people. ### Witness to the Ends of the Earth The command to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth" in #Acts 1:8 reveals a theme of global mission, echoing God's promise to #Abraham that through him all nations would be blessed ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Genesis 12:3]]). This theme is further connected to the Great Commission in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 28|Matthew 28:19-20]], where Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples of all nations. ### The Ascension of Jesus The ascension of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] in #Acts 1:9-11 marks His exaltation and the beginning of the apostolic mission. This event is connected to the #OldTestament imagery of divine enthronement, as seen in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 110|Psalm 110:1]], where the Messiah is invited to sit at God's right hand. The theme of ascension also anticipates the return of Jesus, as prophesied in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 7|Daniel 7:13-14]]. ### Unity and Prayer Among Believers The disciples' gathering in unity and prayer in #Acts 1:14 emphasizes the importance of communal prayer and reliance on God, a theme that resonates with the early church's dedication to prayer as seen in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2|Acts 2:42]]. This theme connects to the #OldTestament emphasis on corporate worship and prayer, as in [[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 7|2 Chronicles 7:14]]. ### The Selection of Matthias The selection of #Matthias as an apostle in #Acts 1:23-26 highlights the theme of divine guidance in leadership decisions, reflecting the practice of seeking God's will through casting lots, as seen in [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 16|Proverbs 16:33]]. This theme underscores the continuity of God's sovereign choice in appointing leaders for His people. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Ascension of Jesus In Acts 1, the ascension of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] is a direct fulfillment of the prophecy found in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 110|Psalm 110:1]], where David speaks of the Lord saying to his Lord, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." This event marks Jesus’ exaltation and enthronement at the right hand of #God, signifying the completion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His reign in heaven. The ascension also fulfills the prophecy of a returning #Messiah, as Jesus promises to come back in the same way the disciples saw Him go into heaven. ### The Promise of the Holy Spirit The promise of the #HolySpirit in Acts 1:8 fulfills Jesus' earlier declaration in the Gospels and the prophecy of Joel in [[Joel/Joel Chapter 2|Joel 2:28-29]], where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people. This outpouring signifies the commencement of the new covenant and the empowerment of believers to witness to the ends of the earth. The disciples are instructed to wait for this promise, which is a pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan, marking the birth of the church and the spread of the #Gospel. ### The Restoration of Israel In Acts 1:6, the disciples ask Jesus if He will restore the kingdom to #Israel at that time. This inquiry reflects the expectation of the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning Israel's restoration, as seen in passages like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 49|Isaiah 49:6]] and [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 37|Ezekiel 37:21-28]]. Jesus' response, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit and the global mission of the church, points to a broader understanding of God's kingdom, encompassing all nations and reflecting the prophetic vision of Israel's ultimate restoration and the inclusion of the Gentiles. ### The Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth The directive given in Acts 1:8 aligns with the prophecy in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 43|Isaiah 43:10-12]], where God declares that His people are His witnesses. This mandate is a fulfillment of the prophetic vision that God's salvation would reach the ends of the earth, as also seen in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 49|Isaiah 49:6]]. The apostles are commissioned as witnesses of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, tasked with spreading the Gospel message globally, thus fulfilling the divine promise of a light to the nations. ## Verses - **Acts 1:1** - "In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach" - Note: Theophilus is also mentioned in the introduction of the Gospel of Luke [[Luke/Luke Chapter 1]]. - **Acts 1:2** - "until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit." - Note: Jesus' ascension is also described in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 24]]. - **Acts 1:3** - "During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God." - Note: Jesus' post-resurrection appearances are also noted in [[John/John Chapter 20]] and [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 28]]. - **Acts 1:4** - "Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, 'Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before.'" - Note: The promise of the Holy Spirit is also mentioned in [[John/John Chapter 14]]. - **Acts 1:5** - "'John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'" - Note: John the Baptist's ministry and baptism with water are detailed in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 3]]. - **Acts 1:6** - "So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, 'Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?'" - Note: The expectation of the restoration of Israel is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, such as in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 9]]. - **Acts 1:7** - "He replied, 'The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.'" - Note: The sovereignty of God's timing is also highlighted in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 24]]. - **Acts 1:8** - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'" - Note: The Great Commission is similarly recorded in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 28]]. - **Acts 1:9** - "After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him." - Note: The ascension is paralleled in [[Mark/Mark Chapter 16]] and [[Luke/Luke Chapter 24]]. - **Acts 1:10** - "As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them." - Note: Angels appearing in white robes is a common biblical imagery, as seen in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 28]]. - **Acts 1:11** - "'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!'" - Note: The promise of Jesus' return is echoed in [[1 Thessalonians/1 Thessalonians Chapter 4]]. - **Acts 1:12** - "Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile." - Note: The Mount of Olives is a significant location, also mentioned in [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 14]]. - **Acts 1:13** - "When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (son of James)." - Note: A similar list of the apostles is found in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 10]]. - **Acts 1:14** - "They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus." - Note: The presence of women and Jesus' family is significant and noted in other instances such as [[John/John Chapter 19]]. - **Acts 1:15** - "During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them." - Note: Peter's leadership role is also highlighted in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 16]]. - **Acts 1:16** - "'Brothers,' he said, 'the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David.'" - Note: The betrayal by Judas is foretold in [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 41]]. - **Acts 1:17** - "Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us." - Note: Judas' role among the apostles is also detailed in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 10]]. - **Acts 1:18** - "(Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines.)" - Note: This tragic end is also mentioned in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 27]]. - **Acts 1:19** - "The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means 'Field of Blood.'" - Note: The name "Akeldama" is similarly referenced in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 27]]. - **Acts 1:20** - "Peter continued, 'This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, "Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it." It also says, "Let someone else take his position."'" - Note: These references are from [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 69]] and [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 109]]. - **Acts 1:21** - "'So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus—'" - Note: The criteria for apostleship is being a witness to Jesus' ministry. - **Acts 1:22** - "'—from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.'" - Note: The importance of witnessing the resurrection is also emphasized in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 15]]. - **Acts 1:23** - "So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias." - Note: The selection of Matthias is unique to the Book of Acts. - **Acts 1:24** - "Then they all prayed, 'O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen'" - Note: The dependence on God's guidance is also emphasized in [[James/James Chapter 1]]. - **Acts 1:25** - "'as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.'" - Note: The concept of divine calling to ministry is also present in [[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 1]]. - **Acts 1:26** - "Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven." - Note: Casting lots as a means of decision-making is also seen in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 14]].