1. 1 Lesson 5 Acts, Chapter 1

2. 2 Prologue (vs. 1-3) 1 Luke is the author of the book. This we asserted in our introductory comments Thus, Acts is a companion volume to the gospel of Luke Acts takes up where the gospel ends Theophilus (theo – God; philus – love) Lover of God. (No reason not to believe that he was a real person)

3. 3 Prologue (vs. 1-3) 2 The forty days mentioned in Acts 1:3). Jesus appeared to his disciples no less than 13 times (Mk. 16:9-11, 14, 15-18, 19-20; Jn. 20:11-ff; Mt. 28:9,10; Lk. 24:13-22, 36-43, 44-49, 50-53; 1 Cor. 15:1-10; Jn. 21:1-23; Mt. 28:16-20; Acts 1:3-8, 9-12; Acts 7; Acts 9 Less than 10 days between his ascension and the events of Pentecost

4. 4 Holy Spirit Promised to the Apostles (vs. 4-8) 1 The law was to go forth from Jerusalem cf. Isaiah 2:2-3 Probably two meetings, one in verse 4 and the next in verse 6. Jesus promised the Apostles the baptism of the Holy Spirit Jesus had on several occasions promised the Spirit to the apostles (ex: Jn. 14:16, 26; 15:26-27; 16:7)

5. 5 Mark 9:1 And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”

6. 6 Holy Spirit Promised to the Apostles (vs. 4-8) 2 Significance of this Event Christ’s will established on earth Church/Kingdom begins Completion of God’s scheme of redemption for man Terms of entrance into God’s kingdom/church are given and met for the first time.

7. 7 Holy Spirit Promised to the Apostles (vs. 4-8) 3 The Apostles had misconceptions regarding the kingdom Perhaps they still labored under the misconception that it would be physical They were in need of the Holy Spirit The Spirit would guide them into “all truth” regarding the nature and establishment of the kingdom

8. 8 Luke 24:50-53 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

9. 9 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

10. 10 Matthias Chosen to Join the Eleven (vs. 12-26) 1 Jesus’ ascension was on Mount Olivet The disciples returned to the city in response to Jesus’ instructions (Sabbath day’s journey: 2,000 cubits, or 3/5 of a mile). They continued in prayer and supplication, awaiting the promise of Christ

11. 11 Matthias Chosen to Join the Eleven (vs. 12-26) 2 Another needed to take Judas’ place (vs. 15-ff) Judas’ betrayal was in accord with prophecy (cf. Psalm 41:9) “Let another take his office” (Psalm 109:8) Qualification: Had to be an eyewitness of the resurrected Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:8-10)

12. 12 1 Corinthians 15:8-10 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

13. 13 Matthias Chosen to Join the Eleven (vs. 12-26) 3 The Method of choosing: Prayer, and the Casting of lots Prayer: Request for guidance from God “Show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship” Casting of Lots: Not chance… Allowing God to providentially supply his decision to the apostles.