1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. 15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “‘Let another take his office.’ 21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us–one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. —Acts 1
Big Idea: The
Acts 1:1-4
- As Chris mentioned last week, this is a sequel to Luke’s gospel, a continuation of the work of Jesus and the establishment of the church
- The Spirit’s coming would mark the birth of the Church.
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. —John 16:7
Acts 1:6-8
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” —Acts 1:6
They thought Jesus was going to establish his kingdom right then and there. Jesus redirects them one final time to the expectation of the Spirit, who will fill them with power to be his witnesses. Why? Because according to God’s divine plan, the church was to be born and gather the rest of his sheep, who were not just jews but also gentiles. —Costi Hinn
We get it in our minds that Jesus’ redeeming work is smaller than what He really has planned.
Do you see the
We are powerless without the
We are
Three verses highlight Jesus’ ascension (9-11)
- Confirms Jesus’ earlier statement that it’s better for him to ascend and send the Holy Spirit who would ALWAYS be with them.
The attitude of the disciples comes to light – expectancy (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:14)
50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God. —Luke 24:50-53
- They cast lots for Matthias (Acts 1:12-26)
- They did not yet have the Holy Spirit
What we saw in Acts 1
- Strengthening
- Developing
- Expanding
What we will see as Acts continues to pick up
- The Holy Spirit gives them strength to proclaim the gospel boldly
- The Holy Spirit gives them strength to endure in the face of persecution
We have the Holy Spirit – if only we’d draw on
We have the Holy Spirit – giving us
Small Group Questions
What did God teach you through this passage and message? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
Jesus says we are to be His witnesses in our hometown, in our community, and with those farther away that we might not routinely associate with. Which one of those challenges you the most in your faith? Why?
The Holy Spirit would give the apostles power, but what type of power was Jesus talking about? It might be helpful to look ahead into Acts to see some answers come to light?
During the week, do you find yourself thinking about the Kingdom of God and how you can participate in it, or do you find yourself thinking more about your personal walk? How can you balance the two?
Think of two to three people in your neighborhood or community that you can see yourself witnessing to. Start praying for them during the week.