Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven
Acts 1:1-11
Acts 1:1-11 is about Jesus’ ascension which is a transition between the Gospels where Jesus chose His 12 disciples and the history of the church where Jesus’ disciples are now apostles.
Luke makes it known in Verse 1 that Acts is a continuation of his former book, the Gospel of Luke. He is writing to the Gentiles, but he calls out the name “Theophilus” which means “lover of God.” In his gospel, Luke wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach. What final instructions did Jesus give the apostles that Luke refers to in Verse 1:4?
Notice Luke uses the word “apostles” instead of the word “disciples.” That’s because the twelve men Jesus called in the gospels are no longer sitting at his feet and learning from Him. They are now apostles who are sent out to continue the work Jesus began. They perform many acts, signs and wonders.
What forty days is Luke talking about in Verse 3?
After Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection he was seen by over 500 people while he walked the face of the earth before His ascension. The forty days are between His resurrection and His ascension.
What command did Jesus give the disciples, according to Verse 4?
He told them not to leave Jerusalem. Instead, they were to wait for the gift that had been promised. Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit that comes in Chapter 2 on the Day of Pentecost.
Jesus had asked the disciple to meet Him on Mount Olives so He could give them last minute instructions about what to do after His ascension. It was important that Jesus met them on the mountaintop so His ascension could be visible proof.
When the disciples asked Jesus if he was going to restore the kingdom to Israel, Jesus was being smart but truthful when He told them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority.” Instead, Jesus assured the disciples about something else.
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 1:8)
What assurance did Jesus give the disciples?
They will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on them. Notice the Holy Spirit hasn’t come yet to be in them but on them initially. The Holy Spirit isn’t coming until the next chapter. So, Jesus was giving the disciples assurance that the Holy Spirit would come. After the Holy Spirit comes, the men are to be His witness (not to witness) by following the instructions given by Jesus in this order:
1. Jerusalem (at home)
2. Judea and Samaria (despised people)
3. To the ends of the earth (we are just getting to this part)
Take a look at the chart from the overview and see this format. Some people want to say there are four places. Judea and Samaria are in the same vicinity and are counted as one place.
Acts 1:9 tells of Jesus’ ascension that was visible to all until he was taken up in a cloud (singular). That’s the same way Jesus will return.
Suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside the people who were still looking up. Men dressed in white were angels of God. (Angels are all men contrary to what some people think. Also angels are always dressed in white). The angels assured the men who were gazing up at the sky that the same Jesus who they saw disappear will come back in the same way.
Based on Acts 1:1-11
1. Know the terms “disciples” and “apostles.”
2. Why did Jesus want to meet His disciples on the Mount of Olives?
3. Review Acts 1:8 while remembering that’s how evangelism should take place.
Matthias Chosen to Replace Jesus
Acts 1:12-26
The disciples (now apostles) left the Mount of Olives and returned to Jerusalem as instructed. It was a Sabbath’s day walk. A Sabbath’s day walk is only 2/3 of a mile. People weren’t allowed to walk far on the Sabbath’s day because they had to be in the vicinity of the temple on that day. On other days, they could walk further without breaking the law.
Those present are outlined in Acts 1:13. Notice the order of the names. Peter’s name is first, followed by John and James. Peter, John and James were Jesus’ inner circle. Then the other names are listed. They all went upstairs to an upper room and prayed together constantly. Women were in the group, but only Mary the mother of Jesus’ name was mentioned. Jesus’ brothers were also in the group. There were about 120 people in all.
According to Verse 15, Peter is the one who stood up and began to speak as he had done on many occasions before. He addressed the group as “Brothers.” That meant they were saved and were all on one accord.
During this meeting, Peter assured everyone that this was the fulfillment of prophecy. He explained how Judas had hanged himself after betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
Why 30 pieces of silver instead of another amount?
The going rate for a slave at that time was 30 pieces of silver. Joseph was sold into slavery earlier for 20 pieces of silver. However, Hosea bought his wife from slavery for 15 pieces of silver because women were worth less than men.
With his 30 pieces of silver, Judas bought a field where he hanged himself. The land was called Field of Blood.
After Jesus’ death, why was a replacement for Judas necessary? While Jesus was alive He had 12 disciples to be paralleled to the tribes of Israel. After Jesus’ death, the number still had to be 12. Therefore, it was necessary to choose a replacement for Judas.
Notice the qualifications for the replacement outlined in Acts 1:21-22.
1. It had to be a man.
2. It had to be a man who had been with the Lord Jesus the whole time.
3. It had to be a man who had been with the Lord the whole time and witnessed the ascension of Jesus
4. It has to be a man who was with Jesus the whole time, witnessed His ascension and His resurrection.
Two men were proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed to be shown which one to take over the apostolic ministry. They cast lots and the lot fell on Matthias. He was added to the eleven apostles. (Notice the two times the word “apostles” was used instead of disciples).
This was the last time lots were cast in the Bible.
Questions Based on Act 1.
1. Why was it necessary to replace Judas even though Jesus had already died and ascended?
2. Review the qualifications for Judas’ replacement.
3. Don’t forget you are keeping an account of firsts, lasts, and onlys in Acts. 4. What was the last time something happened in this section?
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