The Continuity Between Jesus' Ministry and the Early Church: A Study of Acts 1

Background of the Bible Passage

The book of Acts, also known as “The Acts of the Apostles,“ serves as a crucial bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles in the New Testament. Written by Luke, the same author of the Gospel of Luke, this historical narrative provides a vivid account of the early Christian church's formation and expansion. Acts 1 sets the stage for the entire book, demonstrating the seamless continuity between Jesus' earthly ministry and the mission of His disciples after His ascension.

To fully appreciate the significance of Acts 1, we must consider its historical and theological context:

Authorship and Date: Luke, a physician and companion of Paul, wrote Acts around 62-64 AD, shortly after completing his Gospel account.
Purpose: The book aims to provide an orderly account of the early church's development, emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit and the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to Rome.
Audience: While addressed to Theophilus (Acts 1:1), the book was likely intended for a broader Gentile Christian audience.
Historical Setting: Acts 1 takes place in the 40 days between Jesus' resurrection and ascension, a critical period of transition for the disciples.
Theological Themes: The chapter introduces key themes that will be developed throughout Acts, including the Kingdom of God, the Holy Spirit's power, and the apostles' witness.

With this background in mind, let's delve into a verse-by-verse exegesis of Acts 1, focusing on the continuity between Jesus' ministry and the early church.

Verse-by-Verse Exegesis

Acts 1:1-3 - The Connection to Luke's Gospel

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 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.

Luke begins by referencing his “former book“ (the Gospel of Luke), establishing a clear connection between Jesus' earthly ministry and the events about to unfold in Acts. The use of the word “began“ in verse 1 is significant, implying that Jesus' work continues through His disciples and the church.

The mention of Jesus giving instructions “through the Holy Spirit“ (v. 2) introduces a key theme in Acts: the Holy Spirit's role in guiding and empowering the church. This also demonstrates continuity, as Jesus had promised the Spirit's coming in Luke 24:49.

Verse 3 emphasizes the reality of Jesus' resurrection through “many convincing proofs“ and His continued teaching about the Kingdom of God. This reinforces that the message of the early church is a direct continuation of Jesus' own teaching.

Acts 1:4-5 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit

4 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. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.“

Jesus' command to wait for the Holy Spirit echoes His words in Luke 24:49, creating a clear link between His ministry and the disciples' future mission. The reference to John's baptism and the coming baptism of the Holy Spirit shows a progression in God's plan of salvation, with the church age about to begin.

Acts 1:6-8 - The Commission and Promise of Power

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?“

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 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.“

The disciples' question about restoring the kingdom to Israel (v. 6) reveals their lingering misconceptions about the nature of God's kingdom. Jesus' response (v. 7-8) redirects their focus to their upcoming mission, which will be a continuation and expansion of His own ministry.

Verse 8 contains what is often called the “Great Commission of Acts,“ paralleling Matthew 28:19-20. This commission demonstrates clear continuity with Jesus' ministry, as the disciples are called to be His witnesses, spreading His message to the world.

Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension and Promise of Return

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “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.“

The ascension marks a pivotal moment in salvation history, as Jesus returns to the Father and the disciples prepare to carry on His mission. The angels' message (v. 11) provides assurance of Jesus' future return, emphasizing that His work continues even in His physical absence.

Acts 1:12-14 - The Disciples' Obedient Wait

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. 13 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. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

The disciples' return to Jerusalem demonstrates their obedience to Jesus' command (v. 4). Their constant prayer (v. 14) shows continuity with Jesus' own emphasis on prayer throughout His ministry. The mention of specific disciples, including women and Jesus' family members, highlights the inclusive nature of the early church community.

Acts 1:15-26 - Restoring the Twelve

15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.“

[...]

24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.“ 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

The selection of Matthias to replace Judas demonstrates the disciples' understanding of their role in continuing Jesus' ministry. Peter's leadership and appeal to Scripture (v. 16) show continuity with Jesus' own use of Scripture and His appointment of Peter as a leader (Matthew 16:18-19).

Reflection Questions

How does the continuity between Jesus' ministry and the early church challenge our understanding of the church's mission today?
In what ways does Acts 1 demonstrate the importance of waiting on God's timing and empowerment?
How does the promise of the Holy Spirit's power in Acts 1:8 relate to our own Christian witness?
What can we learn from the disciples' response to Jesus' ascension and the angels' message?
How does the early church's devotion to prayer (Acts 1:14) inform our own prayer lives and church practices?
In what ways does the selection of Matthias demonstrate both human initiative and divine guidance in church leadership?

Applications

Embrace the Continuing Mission: Recognize that as believers, we are part of the ongoing work that Jesus began. Our mission is a direct continuation of His ministry, empowered by the same Holy Spirit.
Wait on God's Timing: Like the disciples who waited in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, learn to wait on God's perfect timing in your life and ministry. Use waiting periods as opportunities for prayer and preparation.
Seek the Holy Spirit's Power: Actively seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in your life, recognizing that effective witness and ministry flow from His work in and through us.
Expand Your Witness: Take seriously the call to be Christ's witnesses “to the ends of the earth.“ Consider how you can share the Gospel in your immediate context and support global missions.
Prioritize Prayer: Follow the example of the early church by making prayer a constant practice, both individually and in community with other believers.
Trust in God's Sovereignty: Remember that while we may not know God's exact timing or plans (Acts 1:7), we can trust in His sovereignty and focus on the mission He has given us.
Value Community: Notice the importance of community in Acts 1. Seek to be part of a diverse, unified body of believers committed to continuing Jesus' mission.
Study Scripture: Like Peter, develop a deep knowledge of Scripture and learn to see how it all points to and is fulfilled in Christ.
Exercise Faithful Leadership: For those in leadership, follow the apostles' example of prayerful, Scripture-guided decision-making in church affairs.
Live in Light of Christ's Return: Let the promise of Jesus' return motivate you to faithful service and holy living as you await His coming.

Closing Prayer

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the continuing work of Your Kingdom through the church. We are humbled and amazed by the continuity between Jesus' ministry and the mission You have entrusted to us.

Lord, we ask for the empowerment of Your Holy Spirit, just as You promised to the early disciples. May we be bold witnesses for Christ in our Jerusalem, our Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Give us courage to share the Gospel and lives that reflect Your love and truth.

We pray for patience to wait on Your perfect timing and wisdom to discern Your will. Help us to be a people devoted to prayer, united in purpose, and grounded in Your Word.

Thank You for the assurance of Christ's return. May this hope spur us on to faithful service and holy living. Use us, Lord, as You used the early church, to continue the work that Jesus began.

We offer ourselves as instruments in Your hands, for the advancement of Your Kingdom and the glory of Your name.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

This article has explored the theme of continuity between Jesus' ministry and the early church as presented in Acts 1. We've seen how Luke carefully connects his Gospel account with the book of Acts, emphasizing that the work of the church is a direct continuation of Jesus' own ministry. Key elements of this continuity include the promised Holy Spirit, the commission to be witnesses, the focus on the Kingdom of God, and the centrality of prayer and Scripture.

As we reflect on Acts 1, may we be encouraged and challenged to see ourselves as part of this ongoing story – empowered by the same Spirit, commissioned with the same message, and awaiting the same glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ.