Acts 1
Acts 1 serves as a pivotal bridge connecting the Gospels, particularly the Gospel of Luke, to the Acts of the Apostles. Written by Luke, this book continues the narrative of Jesus Christ's ministry, focusing on His ascension and the early days of the Christian church. The chapter sets the stage for the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and highlights the leadership role of the Apostles, especially Peter, in the spread of the Gospel.
Acts 1:1
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
This verse refers to the Gospel of Luke, where Luke wrote a detailed account of Jesus’ life and teachings, addressed to Theophilus. Acts is a continuation of this account, focusing now on the actions and teachings of the early church.
Acts 1:2
Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
Luke summarizes the end of his Gospel, noting that Jesus continued to instruct the Apostles through the Holy Spirit until His ascension into heaven.
Acts 1:3
To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Jesus, after His resurrection, presented Himself alive to the Apostles through many undeniable proofs over a period of forty days, teaching them about the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:4
And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
While together, Jesus instructed the Apostles to remain in Jerusalem and await the fulfillment of the Father's promise—the Holy Spirit, which He had previously discussed with them.
Acts 1:5
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Jesus contrasts John's baptism with water to the baptism with the Holy Spirit that the Apostles would soon experience.
Explanation of Baptism by the Holy Spirit
1. Contrast with Water Baptism:
John the Baptist's baptism with water was a symbolic act of repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. It was an outward sign of an inward commitment to change one’s life in anticipation of Jesus' arrival. However, Jesus introduces a new type of baptism, not merely symbolic but transformative.
2. Nature and Purpose:
The baptism by the Holy Spirit, as introduced by Jesus, involves a profound inward transformation that renews and empowers an individual from within. This baptism signifies the Holy Spirit taking residence within believers, enabling them to live out God’s will and to carry out His work on earth. It marks the beginning of the Christian life of faith and service.
3. Empowerment for Ministry:
One key aspect of the baptism by the Holy Spirit is empowerment. Just as Jesus promised in Acts 1:8, the disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This power was not just for personal sanctification but also for effective witness and ministry, enabling the disciples to preach, perform miracles, and stand firm in persecution.
4. Initiation into the Body of Christ:
Paul later elaborates in his epistles (e.g., 1 Corinthians 12:13) that all believers are baptized by one Spirit into one body. This spiritual baptism unites believers with Christ and with each other, forming the church, the body of Christ on earth. It transcends the physical and cultural divisions that typically separate people.
5. A Fulfillment of Prophecy and Promise:
The baptism of the Holy Spirit fulfills Old Testament prophecies and promises about the new covenant, where God’s law would be written on the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:33), and His Spirit would dwell within them (Ezekiel 36:27). It also fulfills Jesus’ promises to His disciples that He would not leave them as orphans but send the Comforter, which is Jesus Christ in Spirit form (John 14:16-20).
In summary, the baptism by the Holy Spirit as described in Acts 1:5 is central to Christian identity and mission. It represents a deeper, spiritual initiation that empowers believers, connects them with Jesus Christ, and enables them to participate actively in the mission of the Church.
Acts 1:6
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
This question reflects the disciples' continued expectation of a political and territorial kingdom. Despite Jesus' teachings, they still hoped He would establish a kingdom that would free Israel from Roman rule and restore it to a state of glory like that of King David's time.
Misunderstanding of the Messiah's Role:
The disciples' question indicates a common Jewish misunderstanding of the Messiah’s role. Many Jews of that time expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would liberate Israel from foreign oppression and restore the nation's independence and power.
Jesus’ Kingdom as Spiritual:
The question sets the stage for Jesus to clarify the nature of His kingdom. His response in the subsequent verses shifts the focus from a political restoration to a spiritual and global mission involving the coming of the Holy Spirit and the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
This exchange highlights the transitional moment from the disciples' expectations of a political savior to their eventual understanding and acceptance of Jesus' mission to establish a spiritual kingdom through the church.
Acts 1:7
And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
Jesus responds to the disciples by clarifying that the timing of the establishment of God's kingdom is a matter that is not meant for them to know or discern. He emphasizes that this knowledge is strictly under the purview of the Father alone. This statement underscores the notion that the specifics of divine timing, particularly concerning significant spiritual events and the fulfillment of prophecies, are reserved by God and are not accessible to human understanding or interference. This delineation serves to remind the disciples, and all believers, of the limits of their insight into God's sovereign plans, stressing a reliance on faith and divine guidance rather than human calculation or prediction.
Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Jesus outlines the Apostles' mission: they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and will be His witnesses locally and globally.
Acts 1:9
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
After giving these instructions, Jesus was taken up into heaven, disappearing into a cloud as the Apostles watched.
Acts 1:10
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
As the Apostles were intently watching Jesus ascend, two men in white (angels) appeared beside them.
Acts 1:11
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Two angels address the disciples after Jesus' ascension, questioning their fixation on the sky and providing a profound assurance: Jesus will return in the same visible and spectacular manner as He ascended. This promise not only comforts the disciples but also sets a foundational Christian doctrine—the Second Coming of Christ, emphasizing its literal and observable nature.
Acts 1:12
Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
After witnessing Jesus' ascension, the disciples returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is about a Sabbath day's journey away (approximately 2,000 cubits or about 0.6 miles). This adherence to the Sabbath travel restrictions not only situates the event within its geographical context but also reflects a principle approved by Jesus Himself. Although Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, the practice of limiting travel on the Sabbath underscores the value of resting and refocusing on spiritual matters. This principle highlights the importance of physical rest and spiritual reflection, consistent with Jesus' teachings during His ministry.
Acts 1:13
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
Once back in Jerusalem, the Apostles stayed in an upper room. This verse lists those present, emphasizing the group’s unity and continuity after Jesus' departure.
Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
The Apostles, along with several women, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers, united in prayer, demonstrating the early church's communal and inclusive nature.
Acts 1:15
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
Peter took a leadership role among the believers, about 120 in total, indicating the growing community of followers.
Acts 1:16
Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
In this verse, Peter addresses the gathered disciples, pointing out that the betrayal by Judas Iscariot was not an unforeseen tragedy but a fulfillment of the Scriptures prophesied by David, guided by the Holy Spirit. This underscores the divine orchestration within historical events, especially those involving the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus. Peter’s reference to Scripture emphasizes that even in moments of apparent failure or evil, God's sovereign plan is being fulfilled, reassuring the believers of God’s control over all circumstances.
Acts 1:17
For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
Peter reflects on how Judas was once part of their ministry and shared in their mission before his betrayal.
Acts 1:18
Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
This verse provides a grim account of Judas Iscariot's end. Although Judas did not buy the field himself, the money he received for betraying Jesus was used to purchase it, hence it is figuratively said that he acquired it. The description of his death is vivid and violent: he fell forward and his body ruptured, leading to a gruesome demise. This verse, along with its graphic details, underscores the tragic consequences of Judas's actions, serving as a moral and theological lesson on the wages of sin. The field, bought with blood money, later known as the "Field of Blood," symbolizes the corruption and betrayal associated with Judas. This account not only provides historical details but also conveys the severity of betrayal and its repercussions within the narrative of the Gospel.
Acts 1:19
And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch that the field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
The notorious nature of Judas’s death and the field bought with the betrayal money became well-known among Jerusalem's residents, leading them to name it Aceldama, or "Field of Blood." This name reflects the field's association with Judas's treachery and serves as a lasting reminder of the cost of betrayal.
Acts 1:20
For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
Peter cites Scripture (Psalms 69:25 and 109:8) to affirm that Judas's fate and the need to replace him were prophesied. This reference justifies the decision to appoint a new apostle, reinforcing the belief that their actions are guided by divine will and align with biblical prophecy.
Acts 1:21
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Peter sets the criteria for Judas's replacement: it must be someone who has been with Jesus and the disciples from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry to His ascension. This ensures that the new apostle is a witness to Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection, maintaining the integrity of the apostolic testimony.
Acts 1:22
Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
The new apostle needs to have followed Jesus from John the Baptist’s baptism through to Jesus’ ascension. This continuity is crucial for the role, as the apostle’s primary task is to bear witness to Jesus’ resurrection, affirming the cornerstone of Christian faith.
Acts 1:23
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
Fulfilling the established criteria, two candidates are proposed: Joseph Barsabas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Both men meet the qualifications set by Peter, reflecting the community’s adherence to the apostolic foundation.
Acts 1:24
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
Before making a decision, the disciples pray, asking God to reveal His choice. This act demonstrates their dependence on divine guidance in maintaining the apostolic succession, acknowledging that God knows the hearts and true intentions of all individuals.
Acts 1:25
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
The prayer continues, highlighting the purpose of the selection: to replace Judas in the apostolic ministry, which he forfeited through his betrayal. "That he might go to his own place" refers to Judas's tragic end and the fate he brought upon himself.
Acts 1:26
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
This verse concludes the account of how Matthias was selected to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve apostles. The use of casting lots was a traditional method in Jewish culture to discern God’s will in decisions where human judgment might be insufficient or biased. By casting lots, the early disciples placed the decision entirely in God's hands, demonstrating their trust in divine guidance for crucial decisions.
When the lot fell to Matthias, it indicated that he was divinely chosen to take up the apostolic ministry that Judas had forsaken. Matthias being "numbered with the eleven apostles" signifies his full integration and acceptance into the apostolic circle, restoring the group's number to twelve. This restoration is symbolic, as the number twelve had significant implications in Israel’s history, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and symbolizing a complete and unified people of God.
The selection of Matthias by lot and his inclusion among the apostles highlight the early church's commitment to maintaining a foundation that reflects both divine authority and the fulfillment of Scripture, ensuring the continuity and integrity of the apostolic witness.