Introduction: The book of Acts is the account of the early church and its growth after the ascension of Jesus Christ. Acts 1 sets the stage for the rest of the book, showing the disciples’ preparing for the coming of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of their mission to spread the gospel. This outline will break down the chapter verse by verse, pointing out the main subjects and providing verses from other parts of the Bible that relate to the content of each section of verses.
I. Acts 1:1-3 – Recounting the Gospel of Luke
In these verses, Luke, the author of Acts, addresses Theophilus and summarizes the events of his previous book, the Gospel of Luke. He mentions that Jesus appeared to his disciples over a period of forty days after his resurrection, teaching them about the kingdom of God. In Luke 24:44-49, the verses recounts Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples before his ascension, emphasizing the importance of their mission to spread the gospel. Another verse that speaks Jesus appearing to the disciples is 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, where the apostle Paul writes about the resurrection of Jesus and lists the appearances he made to various individuals, including the apostles. And finally in John 20:19-23, talks about one of Jesus’ post resurrection appearances to his disciples, where he breathes the Holy Spirit on them.
II. Acts 1:4-5 – Waiting on Holy Spirit
Jesus commands his disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father, which is the Holy Spirit. He tells them that they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days, fulfilling John the Baptist’s prophecy. In Luke 24:49, Jesus tells his disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they are clothed with power from on high, foreshadowing the coming of the Holy Spirit. And in Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist predicts that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Also the Bible tells us in John 14:26, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as a helper who will teach the disciples and remind them of everything he has said.
III. Acts 1:6-8 – The Gospel Spread to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria
The disciples ask Jesus if he will restore the kingdom to Israel, but he tells them that it is not for them to know the times or dates set by the Father. Instead, He tells them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth once the Holy Spirit comes upon them. The Bible tells us in Luke 24:45-48, that Jesus explains that repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, starting in Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:2-4 speaks of the Lord’s mountain being established and all nations will stream to it, a picture of the global impact of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19 speaks of the Great Commission, where Jesus commands his disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey his commands.
IV. Acts 1:9-11 – Jesus Ascends to Heaven
Jesus ascends into heaven, and two angels appear to the disciples, telling them that Jesus will return in the same way they saw him go into heaven, which is an end time prophecy and can be read in Revelation 19:11-16. The gospel of Luke 24:50-53, gives an account of Jesus’ ascension, with the disciples worshiping him and returning to Jerusalem with great joy. In Daniel 7:13-14, Daniel has a vision of one like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven, which is often interpreted as a prophecy of Jesus’ ascension and his return at the end of days, or the Day of the Lord. And another prophecy from the Old Testament that speaks of the place where Jesus ascended is Zechariah 14:4, a prophecy that describes the Lord’s feet standing on the Mount of Olives, which is where Jesus’ ascension took place.
V. Acts 1:12-14 – Disciples Gather in Upper Room
The disciples return to Jerusalem and gather in the upper room to await the Holy Spirit, they devote themselves to prayer along with the women and Jesus’ brothers. In Luke 24:52-53, the Bible speaks of the disciples’ joy and devotion to worship and prayer following Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The Bible talks about our persistence in prayer in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul encourages us to pray without ceasing, reflecting the disciples’ commitment to prayer. And in James 1:1, we see James, the brother of Jesus, and servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, has a massive impact on the early church.
VI. Acts 1:15-26 – Disciples Seek to Replace Judas
Peter addresses the believers and proposes that they choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. They select Matthias through prayer and casting lots, completing the number of the twelve apostles. An interesting verse in Psalms 69:25 speaks about being blotted out of the book of life, it is prophetic psalm that speaks of desolation and being blotted out of the book of life, which Peter quotes regarding Judas. Psalms 109:8 is another psalm that Peter references, speaking of another taking one’s office, applied to the need for a new apostle. The act of casting lots is mentioned in Proverbs 16:33, the use of casting lots to discern God’s will, as the disciples did when selecting Matthias.
Conclusion: Acts 1 puts the foundation in place for the explosive growth and impact of the early church. From Jesus’ final instructions to the selection of a new apostle, the chapter points out the importance of prayer, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the global mission of spreading the gospel, which is still very active today through people like me and you. After reading this chapter, we as believers should be inspired and encouraged to continue the work of the apostles, being witnesses of Christ in our own backyard and beyond.
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