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Acts 1

26 verses

TL;DR

Acts 1 records Jesus’ final instructions to the apostles, His ascension, and the appointment of Matthias to replace Judas.

Summary

After His resurrection, Jesus appears to the apostles for forty days, teaching them and commissioning them to wait for the Holy Spirit. He instructs them to stay in Jerusalem and not to leave until the promise of the Father is fulfilled. Jesus is taken up into heaven while two men in white assure the disciples that He will return as He ascended. The apostles, together with Mary, the mother of Jesus, return to Jerusalem and gather in an upper room for prayer. Peter reminds the group of the prophecies concerning Judas, recounts his death at the field of blood, and proposes that a new apostle be chosen. The community then votes by casting lots between Joseph Barsabas and Matthias, and the lot falls upon Matthias, who is added to the twelve apostles.

Outline
  1. Jesus’ final teachings and ascension (v.1‑9)
  2. Return to Jerusalem and communal preparation (v.10‑15)
  3. Appointment of Matthias to replace Judas (v.16‑26)
Themes
Apostolic succession and continuityDivine appointment and the role of the Holy SpiritSacrificial commitment and community accountability
Keywords
ascensionapostlesHoly SpiritMatthiasJudasJerusalemOlivetbaptismlottingfield of blood
People
JesusTheophilusJohn the BaptistPeterJamesJohnAndrewPhilipThomasBartholomewMatthewJames son of AlphaeusSimon ZelotesJudas brother of JamesMary mother of JesusJudas IscariotJoseph BarsabasMatthias
Places
JerusalemOlivetupper roomAceldama (field of blood)
Things
Holy Ghostwater baptismascension cloudtwo men in white apparelfield of bloodlots
Key Verses
  • Acts 1:4: Jesus commands the apostles to stay in Jerusalem and await the promised Holy Spirit.
  • Acts 1:8: Jesus declares that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes and become His witnesses.
  • Acts 1:24: The apostles ask God to reveal which of the two candidates is chosen to replace Judas.
Questions
  • What does the ascension of Jesus teach us about the nature of Christian leadership and authority?
  • How does the process of selecting Matthias by lot reflect the community’s understanding of divine guidance?
  • In what ways does Peter’s speech at the end of the chapter prepare the early church for its mission?
Sentiment

mixed
Hopeful anticipation of the Holy Spirit juxtaposed with the sobering reminder of Judas’ betrayal and the need for renewal.