Study Guide Acts 1

I. Introduction to Acts 1

Acts 1 serves as a crucial bridge between the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, particularly the epistles. This chapter sets the stage for the explosive growth of the early Christian church and the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

A. Brief overview of the book of Acts

The book of Acts, also known as “The Acts of the Apostles,“ is the second volume of Luke's account of the origins of Christianity. While the Gospel of Luke focuses on the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Acts continues the narrative by detailing the early years of the Christian church. It covers approximately 30 years, from Jesus' ascension to Paul's imprisonment in Rome.

B. Author and historical context

The author of Acts is traditionally believed to be Luke, the same author as the Gospel of Luke. Luke was a physician and a companion of the apostle Paul. He wrote with a historian's eye for detail and a theologian's understanding of the significance of events.

The book of Acts was likely written around 62-64 AD, though some scholars argue for a later date. It was composed during a time of increasing persecution of Christians and growing tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers.

C. Significance of Acts 1 in the broader narrative

Acts 1 is pivotal for several reasons:

1. It provides continuity between Jesus' earthly ministry and the mission of the church.

2. It records Jesus' final instructions to His disciples before His ascension.

3. It sets the stage for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

4. It establishes the apostles' role in leading the early church.

II. Background of Acts 1

To fully appreciate the events of Acts 1, we need to understand its context within the broader narrative of Luke-Acts and the historical setting of the early church.

A. Connection to the Gospel of Luke

Acts 1:1 explicitly connects this book to the Gospel of Luke: “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach“ (NIV). This connection is crucial for understanding the continuity of Luke's narrative and the theological themes he develops across both volumes.

B. Timeline of events following Jesus' resurrection

Acts 1 takes place over a period of about 50 days:

1. Day 1: Jesus' resurrection (described in Luke 24)

2. Days 1-40: Jesus appears to His disciples and teaches them (Acts 1:3)

3. Day 40: Jesus ascends to heaven (Acts 1:9-11)

4. Days 41-49: The disciples wait in Jerusalem, praying (Acts 1:12-14)

5. During this time: Matthias is chosen to replace Judas (Acts 1:15-26)

6. Day 50: The day of Pentecost (described in Acts 2)

C. Setting: Jerusalem and the disciples' state of mind

The events of Acts 1 primarily take place in Jerusalem, specifically:

1. The Mount of Olives, where Jesus ascends (Acts 1:12)

2. The upper room where the disciples gather to pray (Acts 1:13)

The disciples are in a state of anticipation and uncertainty. They have witnessed the resurrected Christ and received His final instructions, but they are still waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. Their question about restoring the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6) reveals that they are still grappling with their understanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of God's kingdom.

III. Verse-by-Verse Exegesis

Now that we have established the context, let's examine Acts 1 verse by verse, unpacking the rich theological and historical significance of this chapter.

A. Acts 1:1-3 - The Prologue

1. “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.“ (Acts 1:1-2, NIV)

Luke begins by addressing Theophilus, the same recipient of his Gospel. The name Theophilus means “lover of God“ and may refer to a specific individual or symbolically to all believers. The phrase “all that Jesus began to do and to teach“ implies that Jesus' work continues through the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

2. “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.“ (Acts 1:3, NIV)

Luke emphasizes the reality of Jesus' resurrection with “many convincing proofs.“ The forty-day period echoes other significant biblical periods (e.g., Moses on Mount Sinai, Israel in the wilderness) and underscores the importance of Jesus' post-resurrection ministry.

B. Acts 1:4-8 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit

1. “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.'“ (Acts 1:4, NIV)

Jesus instructs the disciples to remain in Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of God's timing and the fulfillment of His promises. This command also ensures that the coming of the Holy Spirit will occur in the holy city, symbolizing continuity with God's covenant with Israel.

2. “For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.“ (Acts 1:5, NIV)

Jesus contrasts John's baptism of repentance with the coming baptism of the Holy Spirit, signaling a new era in God's redemptive plan.

3. “Then they gathered around him and asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?'“ (Acts 1:6, NIV)

This question reveals the disciples' lingering misconceptions about the nature of God's kingdom. They still anticipate a political and national restoration of Israel.

4. “He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'“ (Acts 1:7-8, NIV)

Jesus redirects their focus from speculating about God's timing to their mission as empowered witnesses. This verse outlines the geographical progression of the Gospel that structures the rest of Acts: Jerusalem (chapters 1-7), Judea and Samaria (chapters 8-12), and the ends of the earth (chapters 13-28).

C. Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus

1. “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.“ (Acts 1:9, NIV)

The ascension is a pivotal event, marking the end of Jesus' earthly ministry and His exaltation to the right hand of the Father. The cloud symbolizes God's presence, echoing Old Testament theophanies.

2. “They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.“ (Acts 1:10, NIV)

The “two men in white“ are likely angels, reminiscent of the angelic appearances at Jesus' tomb (Luke 24:4).

3. “'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'“ (Acts 1:11, NIV)

This promise of Jesus' return (the Second Coming) provides hope and purpose for the disciples' mission. It also emphasizes the continuity between the ascended Christ and the one who will return.

D. Acts 1:12-14 - The Disciples Return to Jerusalem

1. “Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city.“ (Acts 1:12, NIV)

Luke provides a geographical detail that connects the ascension to the prophecy in Zechariah 14:4 and emphasizes the disciples' obedience to Jesus' command to wait in Jerusalem.

2. “When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.“ (Acts 1:13, NIV)

Luke lists the eleven remaining apostles, providing continuity with the Gospels and emphasizing their unity.

3. “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.“ (Acts 1:14, NIV)

This verse highlights the importance of prayer and unity in the early church. The inclusion of women and Jesus' family members demonstrates the inclusive nature of the early Christian community.

E. Acts 1:15-26 - The Selection of Matthias

1. “In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)“ (Acts 1:15, NIV)

Peter's leadership role is evident as he addresses the larger group of believers.

2. Peter recounts the fate of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:16-20), connecting it to Old Testament prophecies.

3. “'Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.'“ (Acts 1:21-22, NIV)

Peter outlines the criteria for apostleship, emphasizing the importance of eyewitness testimony to Jesus' ministry and resurrection.

4. “Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.“ (Acts 1:24-26, NIV)

The process of selecting Matthias involves both human action (proposing candidates) and divine guidance (prayer and casting lots). This event completes the circle of twelve apostles, symbolically representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the continuity of God's covenant people.

IV. Key Themes and Theological Insights

As we reflect on Acts 1, several important themes and theological insights emerge:

A. The continuity between Jesus' ministry and the early church

• Jesus' ongoing work through the Holy Spirit

• The apostles as witnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection

B. The importance of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers

• The promise of the Spirit's baptism

• The connection between the Spirit and the church's mission

C. The global mission of the church

• The geographical progression of the Gospel

• The universal scope of the Christian message

D. The role of prayer and unity in the Christian community

• The disciples' constant prayer

• The inclusive nature of the early church

E. God's sovereignty in guiding the church's leadership

• The selection of Matthias

• The balance between human action and divine guidance

V. Reflection Questions

To help internalize and apply the teachings of Acts 1, consider the following questions:

A. Personal application questions:

1. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit's power impact your daily life as a believer?

2. In what ways are you actively participating in being a witness for Christ in your “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and ends of the earth“?

3. How can you cultivate a spirit of expectant waiting on God's promises in your life?

B. Group discussion questions:

1. How does the ascension of Jesus affect our understanding of His current role and our relationship with Him?

2. What can we learn from the early disciples about the importance of unity and prayer in the church?

3. How do we balance our desire to understand God's future plans with our call to be witnesses in the present?

C. Deeper study:

1. Research the significance of the number forty in Scripture. How does this inform our understanding of Jesus' forty days with the disciples?

2. Compare and contrast John's baptism with water and the baptism with the Holy Spirit. What are the implications for believers today?

3. Examine the Old Testament prophecies referenced in Peter's speech about Judas. How do these demonstrate God's sovereign plan throughout Scripture?

VI. Applications for Today's Believers

Acts 1 offers several practical applications for contemporary Christians:

A. Waiting on God's timing and promises

• Cultivate patience and trust in God's perfect timing

• Hold fast to God's promises, even when fulfillment seems delayed

B. The importance of being witnesses for Christ

• Recognize our call to be Christ's witnesses in all areas of life

• Seek opportunities to share the Gospel in our spheres of influence

C. Embracing the power of the Holy Spirit

• Rely on the Holy Spirit's power for effective ministry and personal growth

• Seek the Spirit's guidance in decision-making and daily life

D. The value of unity and prayer in the church

• Prioritize prayer individually and corporately

• Foster unity within the church, embracing diversity while maintaining doctrinal integrity

E. Trusting God's guidance in decision-making

• Seek God's will through prayer and Scripture

• Balance human responsibility with dependence on divine guidance

VII. Prayer

Let us conclude our study of Acts 1 with a prayer that reflects its themes and applications:

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus and poured out on Your church. We are grateful for the continuing work of Christ through His body, the church, and for the power You provide to be His witnesses.

Lord, we ask that You would empower us afresh with Your Holy Spirit. May we be bold witnesses for Christ in our families, workplaces, communities, and to the ends of the earth. Give us patience to wait on Your timing and trust in Your promises, even when we don't understand Your ways.

We pray for unity in Your church, Lord. Help us to be of one accord.