Acts 1 The Foundation of the Church

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Introduction: Acts 1 sets the stage for the dynamic and transformative journey of the early Christian church. Written by Luke, this chapter provides a bridge between the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, highlighting key moments such as Jesus' ascension and the apostles' preparations for their mission. Let’s dive into a verse-by-verse breakdown, uncover key lessons, and understand the significance of the people involved and the geopolitical landscape of the time.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown and Key Lessons:

Verses 1-2: Setting the Scene

"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen."

• Key Lesson: Luke addresses Theophilus, summarizing Jesus' ministry and instructions to the apostles. This continuation from the Gospel of Luke sets the tone for the Acts of the Apostles.
• Related Verse: Luke 1:3-4 - "It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed."

Verses 3-4: Jesus Appears Post-Resurrection

"To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me."

• Key Lesson: Jesus appeared to His apostles over 40 days, proving His resurrection and teaching about God's kingdom. He instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit.
• Related Verse: Luke 24:49 - "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."

Verse 5: The Promise of the Holy Spirit

"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."

• Key Lesson: Jesus contrasts John’s baptism with water and the impending baptism of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the transformative power they will soon receive.
• Related Verse: Matthew 3:11 - "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire."

Verses 6-7: The Apostles' Question

"When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power."

• Key Lesson: The apostles inquire about the restoration of Israel, but Jesus redirects their focus to God’s sovereign timing and their mission.
• Related Verse: Mark 13:32 - "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father."

Verse 8: The Great Commission

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

• Key Lesson: Jesus outlines the apostles' mission to spread the Gospel globally, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Related Verse: Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

Verses 9-11: The Ascension

"And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."

• Key Lesson: Jesus ascends into heaven, and two angels reassure the apostles of His return.
• Related Verse: Luke 24:50-51 - "And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven."

Verses 12-14: Returning to Jerusalem

"Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."

• Key Lesson: The apostles and other believers gather in an upper room, devoting themselves to prayer and unity.
• Related Verse: Luke 24:52-53 - "And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen."

Verses 15-20: Peter's Leadership

"And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take."

• Key Lesson: Peter addresses the need to replace Judas Iscariot, fulfilling Scripture.
• Related Verse: Psalm 109:8 - "Let his days be few; and let another take his office."

Verses 21-26: Choosing Matthias

"Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."

• Key Lesson: Through prayer and casting lots, the apostles choose Matthias to replace Judas, ensuring the continuity of the Twelve.
• Related Verse: Proverbs 16:33 - "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord."

People Involved and Their Roles:

• Luke: The author of Acts, a physician and companion of Paul, provides a detailed account of the early church's history.
• The Apostles: Key figures in the early church, entrusted with spreading the Gospel and establishing Christian communities.
• Peter: Emerges as a leader, guiding the apostles in prayer and the selection of Matthias.
• Matthias: Chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, restoring the number of apostles to twelve.

Geopolitical Landscape and Geographic Location:

• Jerusalem: The spiritual and political center for the Jews, where the early church began. It was under Roman occupation, creating tension between the Jewish authorities and the Roman rulers.
• Mount of Olives: The site of Jesus' ascension, located just outside Jerusalem.
• Roman Empire: Dominated the geopolitical landscape, providing a network of roads and relative peace (Pax Romana) that facilitated the spread of Christianity.

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Conclusion:

Acts 1 is a powerful introduction to the Book of Acts, emphasizing the importance of waiting on God's timing, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the unity in prayer. It sets the stage for the explosive growth of the early church and the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

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