Acts Chapter 1 — The Ascension and the New Apostle
Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit and ascends to heaven, after which the disciples choose Matthias to replace Judas among the twelve.
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Notable Verses
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.”
This verse outlines the central mission of the book of Acts and the geographical expansion of the early church.
Acts 1:11
“who also said, “You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky, will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky.””
It provides the definitive promise of Christ's return to the disciples following His ascension.
Chapter Summary
Acts Chapter 1 serves as the bridge between the Gospels and the history of the early church. Luke addresses Theophilus, recounting Jesus' final forty days of teaching about God's Kingdom following His resurrection. Jesus commands His apostles to remain in Jerusalem until they are baptized with the Holy Spirit, promising they will receive power to be His witnesses globally. After Jesus is taken up into a cloud, two men in white appear to tell the disciples that He will return in the same manner. The group, including the eleven apostles, Mary, and Jesus' brothers, returns to an upper room in Jerusalem for prayer. Peter then leads the assembly of about 120 believers in choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot. After identifying two qualified candidates who had followed Jesus since His baptism, the group prays and casts lots, resulting in the selection of Matthias.
Frequently Asked Questions
The promise of the Father refers to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus instructed the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for this gift, which would empower them to be His witnesses throughout the world.
The disciples identified two men who had been with them throughout Jesus' earthly ministry. After praying for God's guidance to show which one He had chosen, they drew lots, and the lot fell to Matthias.
The text indicates that the Ascension occurred on the Mount of Olives, which is described as being a Sabbath day’s journey away from Jerusalem.
Study Note
The reference to a 'Sabbath day's journey' in verse 12 reflects a traditional Jewish travel limit of approximately 2,000 cubits, or about 0.6 miles.
Related Chapters
Luke 24
The Gospel of Luke concludes with an account of the Ascension that directly precedes the events of Acts.
Acts 2
The following chapter details the arrival of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus in chapter 1.
Psalm 69
Peter quotes from the Psalms to provide scriptural context for the fate of Judas and the need for a successor.
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