BOOK OF ACTS

Chapter 1
Updated August MMVI The book of Acts begins where the Gospels leave off, reporting on the actions of the apostles and the work of the Holy Spirit. Beginning in Jerusalem, the church is established and grows rapidly, then faces intense persecution, which drives the believers out into the surrounding areas. Through this dispersion, Samaritans and Gentiles hear the Good News and believe. 1:1 The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, events recorded in the Gospels and the events marking the beginning of the church. Jesus spent 40 days teaching his disciples, and they were changed drastically. Before, they had argued with each other, deserted their Lord and one (Peter) even lied about knowing Jesus. Here, in a series of meetings with the living, resurrected Christ, the disciples had many questions answered. They became convinced about the resurrection, learned about the kingdom of God, and learned about their power source the Holy Spirit. By reading the Bible, we can sit with the resurrected Christ in his school of discipleship. By believing in him, we can receive his power through the Holy Spirit to be new people. By joining with other Christians in Christs church, we can take part in doing his work on earth. 1:1-3 Luke says that the disciples were eyewitnesses to all that had happened to Jesus Christhis life before his crucifixion (suffering), and the 40 days after his resurrection as he taught them more about the kingdom of God. Today there are still people who doubt Jesus resurrection. But Jesus appeared to the disciples on many occasions after his resurrection, proving that he was alive. Look at the change the resurrection made in the disciples lives. At Jesus death, they scatteredthey were disillusioned, and they feared for their lives. After seeing the resurrected Christ, they were fearless and risked everything to spread the Good News about him around the world. They faced imprisonment, beatings, rejection, and martyrdom, yet they never compromised their mission. These men would not have risked their lives for something they knew was a fraud. They knew Jesus was raised from the dead, and the early church was fired with their 1

1:1 The book of Acts continues the story Luke began in his Gospel, covering the 30 years after Jesus was taken up into heaven. During that short time the church was established, and the gospel of salvation was taken throughout the world, even to the capital of the Roman Empire. Those preaching the gospel, though ordinary people with human frailties and limitations were empowered by the Holy Spirit to take the Good News all over the world (Acts 17:6). Throughout the book of Acts we learn about the nature of the church and how we today are also to go about turning our world upside down. 1:1 Lukes former book was the Gospel of Luke; that book was also addressed to Theophilus, whose name means one who loves God. (See note on Luke 1:3.) 1:1ff Acts 1:1-11 are the bridge between the

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enthusiasm to tell others. It is important to know this so we can have confidence in their testimony. Twenty centuries later we can still be confident that our faith is based on fact. The Church: More tithes and fewer drives More action and less faction More workers and fewer shirkers More backers and fewer slackers More of God's plans and less of man's More praying and less playing More burden bearers and less tale bearers More fighting squads and less tight wads More soul service and less social service More love for the Word and less love for the world More fasting and less feasting More seeking grace and less seeking place C.H. Spurgeon When our biographies shall be written at last, God grant that they may not be all sayings, but a history of our sayings and doings! And may the good Spirit so dwell in us that it may be seen that our doings did not clash with our saying! It is one thing to preach, but another thing to practice. And unless preaching and practice go together, the preacher is himself condemned, and his practice may be the means of condemning multitudes through his leading them astray. Sermon Note Birth (emergence, arising, advent, debut) Death (release, reward, departure, exit) Resurrection (renaissance, immortality, eternal) Ascension (surfacing, rising, assumption) Return (reappearance, second coming)

R. C. Sproul The first words of Acts tell us two important things: the same man who wrote the gospel of Luke is writing again, and he has the same purpose in mind. Luke said in the introduction to his gospel that he was writing to provide an orderly account of Jesus life and ministry, so that Theophilus might know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. Luke also addressed Acts to Theophilus, and noted that the former account was a record of all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up. The common dedication to Theophilus is a major indication that the same author is at work. Who was Theophilus? He may have been Lukes patron, providing him a living to enable him to research and write his two books. The gospel refers to him as most excellent, a designation also used in Acts in references to the Roman governors Felix and Festus; it indicates Theophilus was of the educated, ruling class. The name itself means friend of God, which may indicate he did not convert and undergo circumcision. It is unclear, however, whether Lukes gospel had led him to belief in Christ. Luke clearly regards the books as two parts of one whole. He indicates in Acts that his gospel was the record of all that Jesus began both to do and teach until His Ascension. No other purpose is set forth for 2

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Acts; the implication, therefore, is that Acts is the record of additional things that Jesus did and taught. This is crucial. Acts has been dubbed the Acts of the Apostles. Some, disliking that tiles, would prefer to call it the Acts of Peter and Paul. Others see it as the Acts of the Holy Spirit. But Luke seems to think of it as the Acts of Jesus, for it is the record of Jesus fulfilling His promise to build His church. Many of the churchs foundation stones were laid during the 40 days between the Resurrection and the Ascension. Luke notes that Jesus gave commands to the apostles, presented Himself alive to them by many infallible proofs, and spoke to them of the kingdom of God. These were the apostles whom He had chosen, His select instruments and He was preparing them to be useful tools in His hands as He continued to do and teach. Do and Teach: Music Majesty Might Message Magnetism Melody Meaning 1:2 in His Name of His Name of His Name of His Name of His Name of His Name of His Name chosen: Moodys Experience One day in New Yorkwhat a day! I cant describe it! I seldom refer to it! It is almost too sacred to name! I can only say God revealed Himself to me! I had such an experience of love that I had to ask Him to stay His hand! I went to preaching again. The sermons were no different. I did not present any new truth. Yet hundreds were converted. I would not be back where I was before that blessed experience. 1:3 To these He also presented Himself alive, after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men 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. 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:

until the day when He was taken up, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. Until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 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

1:3 Jesus explained that with his coming, the kingdom of God was inaugurated. When he returned to heaven, Gods kingdom would remain in the hearts of all believers through the presence of the Holy Spirit. But the kingdom of God will not be fully realized until Jesus Christ comes again to judge all people and remove all evil from the world. Before that time, believers are to work to spread Gods kingdom across the world. The book of Acts records how this work was begun. What 3

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the early church started, we must continue. FORTY Remarkable coincidences in the number: Days. Of rain, at the time of the flood. Of flood, before sending forth the raven. For embalming. Of fasting. By Moses. By Elijah. By Jesus. Spies in the land of promise. Of probation, given to the Ninevites. Christs stay after the resurrection. Symbolic. Years. Wanderings of the Israelites in the wilderness. Peace in Israel. Egypt to be desolated. Egypt to be restored after. Stripes. Administered in punishing criminals. 1:4 And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Which," He said, "you heard of from Me; 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. 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. 1:4-5 The Trinity is a description of the unique relationship of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. If Jesus had stayed on earth, his physical presence would have limited the spread of the gospel, because physically he could be in only one place at a time. After Christ was taken up into heaven, he would be spiritually present everywhere through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent so that God would be with and within his followers after Christ returned to heaven. The Spirit would comfort them, guide them to know his truth, remind them of Jesus words, give them the right words to say, and fill them with power (see John 14-16). Jesus Enemies and His Body Jesus enemies chief ambition was not to remove the body, but keep it in the tomb, hence their application to Pilate for the guard to be set at the tomb. Had they removed the body, they would have produced it and confused the disciples as soon as they preached Jesus resurrection. Yet the apostles were allowed to preach it within a few yards of the empty tomb. 1:5 for John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

1:5 At Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) the Holy Spirit was made available to all who believed in 4

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Jesus. We receive the Holy Spirit (are baptized with him) when we receive Jesus Christ. The baptism of the Holy Spirit must be understood in the light of his total work in Christians. The Spirit marks the beginning of the Christian experience. We cannot belong to Christ without his Spirit (Romans 8:9); we cannot be united to Christ without his Spirit (1 Cor. 6:17); we cannot be adopted as his children without his Spirit (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:6-7); we cannot be in the body of Christ except by baptism in the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). The Spirit is the power of our new lives. He begins a lifelong process of change as we become more like Christ (Galatians 3:3; Phil. 1:6). When we receive Christ by faith, we begin an immediate personal relationship with God. The Holy Spirit works in us to help us become like Christ. The Spirit unites the Christian community in Christ (Ephes. 2:19-22). The Holy Spirit can be experienced by all, and he works through all (1 Cor. 12:11; Ephes. 4:4). R. C. Sproul We will close out this study this study of the Holy Spirit by looking at that work of the Spirit that first occurred at Pentecost, the baptism of the Holy Spirit. How are we to understand what happened that day? What is its meaning for the modern church? The Neo-Pentecostalism that has grown in the twentieth-century has generated a profound interest in the baptism of the Spirit. Many of those involved in the movement testify to a profound, life-changing spiritual experience that is related to a sensation of awakening to the Holy Spirit and often accompanied by speaking in tongues. These experiences have been interpreted as a renewal of the biblical concept of the baptism of the Spirit. The Neo-Pentecostal or charismatic, view of this baptism is that it is available to every believer, but not every believer receives it. In other words, there are Christians who have been regenerated and indwelt by the Spirit but who have not yet been baptized by the Spirit. There are two arguments for this view. First, Acts depicts the Holy Spirit coming on people who had been believers prior to the baptism. Second, many testify that they were believers living dull, dry lives until they experienced the baptism. Based on these arguments, a time gap between conversion and the baptism is deemed to be the norm. Acts 2, however, clearly shows all the believers receiving the baptism of the Spirit. None are left out; there are no haves and have-nots at the end of the day. Paul adds didactic weight to this view, saying, For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. Yet, there clearly was a time gap between the conversion of these disciples and their baptism by the Spirit. How are we to explain this gap? This was the Spirits first coming, the fulfillment of Jesus promise to send the Spirit to empower the believers before in just this way. Thus, in Acts 2 we see the beginning of a hew phase of redemptive history, as the Spirit comes on all the believers in a permanent empowering way. From those early days forward, however, the baptism is given to all believers in conjunction with their regeneration. 5

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Sermon Note Holy Spirit: Strives (endeavor, travail, persevere) Convinces (assure, convince, influence) Quickens (revitalize, invigorate, energize) Seals (resolve, determine, settle, fix) Reveals (manifest, disclose, uncover) Witnesses (demonstrate, prove, clarify, avow) Intercedes (serve, minister, work, act, assist) Calls (vocation, conscience, dictate, duty) Ordains (consecrate, elect, appoint, anoint) Commissions (prepare for action, make ready) Invites (begs permission, entreat, insist) Leads (precede, steer, assume command) Comforts (ease, relieve, alleviate, appease) Overcomes (manage, surmount, persevere) Presbyterian and Baptist Modes A Presbyterian and a Baptist minister were discussing baptism. After a beautiful dissertation on the subject by the Baptist minister, the Presbyterian minister asked if the Baptist considered a person baptized if he was immersed in water up to his chin. No, said the Baptist. Is he considered baptized if he is immersed up to his nose? asked the Presbyterian. Again the Baptists answer was No. Well, if you immerse him up to his eyebrows do you consider him baptized? queried the Presbyterian. You dont seem to understand, said the Baptist. He must be immersed completely in wateruntil his head is covered. Thats what Ive been trying to tell you all along, said the Presbyterian, its only a little water on the top of the head that counts. 1:6 And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 1:6 During the years of Jesus ministry on earth, the disciples continually wondered about his kingdom. When would it come? What would their role be? In the traditional view, the Messiah would be an earthly conqueror who would free Israel from Rome. But the kingdom Jesus spoke about was first of all a spiritual kingdom established in the hearts and lives of believers (Luke 17:21). Gods presence and power dwell in believers in the person of the Holy Spirit. 1:6-7 Like other Jews, the disciples chafed under their Roman rulers. They wanted Jesus to free Israel from Roman power and then become their king. Jesus replied that God the Father sets the timetable for all eventsworldwide, national, and personal. If you want changes that God isnt making immediately, dont become impatient. 6

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Instead, trust Gods timetable. 1:8 KINGDOM OF HEAVEN 1:7 Likened to a man who sowed good seed. Likened to a grain of mustard seed. Likened to leaven. Likened to a treasure. Likened to a pearl. Likened to a net. Likened to a king who called his servants to a reckoning. Likened to a householder. Likened to a king who made a marriage feast for his son. Likened to ten virgins. Likened to a man traveling into a far country. My kingdom is not of this world. Children of the. Rich cannot enter. Keys of. Glad tidings of. Mysteries of. Is not me and drink. He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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. but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." 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." 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.

1:8 Power from the Holy Spirit is not limited to strength beyond the ordinarythat power also involves courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability, and authority. The disciples would need all these gifts to fulfill their mission. If you believe in Jesus Christ, you can experience the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. 1:8 Jesus promised the disciples that they would receive power to witness after they received the Holy Spirit. Notice the progression: They would receive the Holy Spirit, He would give them power, and They would witness with extraordinary results.

Luthers Future Hope Martin Luther said he only had two days on his calendartoday and that day.

Often we try to reverse the order and witness by our own power and authority. Witnessing is not showing what we can do for God. It is showing and telling what God has done for us. 7

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contexts. 1:8 Jesus had instructed his disciples to witness to people of all nations about him (Matthew 28:19-20). But they were told to wait first for the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). God has important work for you to do for him, but you must do it by the power of the Holy Spirit. We often like to get on with the job, even if it means running ahead of God. But waiting is sometimes part of Gods plan. Are you waiting and listening for Gods complete instructions, or are you running ahead of his plans? We need Gods timing and power to be truly effective. 1:8 This verse describes a series of everwidening circles. The gospel was to spread, geographically, from Jerusalem, into Judea and Samaria, and finally to the whole world. It would begin with the devout Jews in Jerusalem and Samaria, spread to the mixed race in Samaria, and finally be offered to the Gentiles in the uttermost parts of the earth. Gods gospel has not reached its final destination if someone in your family, your workplace, your school, or your community hasnt heard about Jesus Christ. Make sure that you are contributing in some way to the ever-widening circle of Gods loving message. R. C. Sproul As Barnabas and Saul prepare to depart from the Antioch church on the first missionary journey, we will pause in our study of Acts to examine the nature of biblical outreach. Evangelism and missions, in their simplest form, have to do with communicating the Gospel. The word gospel comes to us from the Greek word Evangeline, which literally means good message. In the Greek, evangel ion referred to any type of good report, especially those in military or political When Jesus began His public ministry, He came preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, calling the people to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This was an announcement of a wonderful new state of affairs; God was at work in time and space to bring about the government of the promised Messiah. As Jesus apostles took the Gospel into all the world, however, their preaching and writing referred more to the gospel of Christ. The church was proclaiming the Good News of the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. This was the same message; the focus had merely shifted from the kingdom to the King. And above all, it was the gospel of God, the Good News to man from God, who declared Jesus to be the Messiah, most powerfully by raising Him from the dead. So the Gospel is Gods message about Christ, and when we communicate the Gospel, we are, in a real sense, merely repeating to the world what God has said. Jesus employed a very significant word for this task in Acts 1:8, saying His disciples would be His witnesses. In the New Testament, to bear witness to something is to call attention to it. When witness is applied to the work of the church, we see that our task is to call attention to the King and His kingdom; we are to make visible what is invisible to a lost and dying world. Christians do this in a host of ways; by loving one another, by keeping the Lords Supper, by feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, and even by dying for the faith. Any activity that calls attention to Christ falls under the heading of witness, evangelism and missions included. Let the song go round the earth, Jesus Christ is Lord! 8

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Sound His praises, tell His worth, Be His name adored; Every clime and every tongue, Join the grand, the glorious song! Let the song go round the earth, From the eastern sea, Where the daylight has its birth, Glad, and bright, and free! chinas millions join the strains, Waft them on to Indias plains. Let the song go round the earth! Jesus Christ is King! With the story of His worth, Let the whole earth ring! Him creation all adore, Evermore and evermore! C.H. Spurgeon The invitations of the gospel seem to select the worst sinner first. What did the Savior say? Begin at Jerusalem. But, Lord, the men live there who crucified thee. Begin at Jerusalem. But, Lord, it was in Jerusalem that they shed thy blood and thrust out the tongue and laughed at thee and made a mockery of thy prayers. Begin at Jerusalem , the worst first, just as the surgeon in a battle is accustomed to look to the worst cases first. Remember, if you are not witnesses for God, you will be prisoners at his bar. You must either occupy the witness stand for God, or else take the prisoners place, to be tried and found guilty. Oh, I wish you would try our God, whose witnesses we are. If we had found him untrue, we would tell you. If we had found that Christ could not save, we would tell you. If we had found that God could not pardon, we would tell you. But we have no such disclosures to make. We bear our willing testimony for God. I thin the ends of the earth imply those who have gone the farthest away from Christ. Sermon Note Honorable work Sufficient power Extensive influence Our Daily Bread What happens when we keep to ourselves something that, if shared with others, would enrich their lives? We not only fail to increase their happiness, but we rob ourselves of the joy that generosity brings. Luigi Tarisio, who loved violins passionately, never learned that lesson. He spent his limited income buying the finest instruments he could find. He owned 246 exquisite violins, which were crammed into every corner of his otherwise barren little house. And they were never played! His obsession prevented those instruments from bringing pleasure and inspiration to other music lovers. Instead of following Luigi's example, we need to be motivated by the admonition of Proverbs 3:27 to keep ourselves free from the guilt of withholding good. Even more, we should be motivated by grateful obedience to Jesus Christ. And obedience, the Savior assures us, brings joy (John 15:10-11). As Christians, we have a message that makes the melodies of heaven flood our souls. Our Lord gave us the mandate to share that message with everybody everywhere (Mark 16:15). Are we keeping the heavenly harmonies of saving grace sealed up inside ourselves, or are we obediently 9

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letting them ring out through our lips and lives? --VCG O you who are trusting Jesus, Redeemed at infinite cost, Are you showing Christ to others And seeking to win the lost? --Gilmore Joy is a byproduct of obedience. Personal: Knowledge of Christ Consistency Courage Patience Power Holy Spirit: He is God. Jehovah Isaiah 66:1 He is a Person Activity Rev 2:7 Holy Spirit: Intercedes Rom 8:26 Testifies Jn 15:26 Leads Acts 29 Commands Acts 16:6 Guides Jn 16:13 Appoints Acts 20:28 Can be lied to Acts 3:4 Can be insulted Heb 10:29 Blasphemed Mat 12:31 Can be grieved Eph 4:30 Holy Spirit Has Godly Attributes: All present All mighty All knowing Eternal Is called God Holy Spirit Personality of God: He has purpose He has understanding He speak our language He loves He is good He bears fruit Our Daily Bread I felt mechanically illiterate. I was struggling with a videocassette player for a study group at church and couldn't make it work. Fortunately, someone saw my plight. I stood there appreciatively as he sized up the situation--and then plugged the power cord into the wall outlet. Why hadn't I thought of that? I was so preoccupied with patch cords and monitors that I overlooked the obvious. I forgot about the power. If I looked foolish there, it's nothing compared to what the angels see as they observe me. They must be astounded by my efforts to make life work without God's power. I join them in sad wonder. How can I forget that the infinite, personal Spirit of Christ lives within me to guide my life and give me power? The answer is regretfully clear. There's a loose cord somewhere. When I am preoccupied with pleasing myself, I miss the power that comes from a healthy relationship with Christ. His Spirit enables me to do the will of God, to show His attitudes, and to fulfill His purpose. But I have to stay plugged in through prayer, reflection on God's Word, and complete reliance on His power--not my own. Lord, help us to see the big picture and stay plugged in to the Source of Power--the Holy Spirit. --MRD II 10 1Cor 12 Rom 8:27 1Cor 12:13 Rom 15:30 Nem 9:20

Ps 139:7 Lk 1:35 1Cor 2:10 Gen 1 Acts 3:4

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I'm weak and helpless in life's fray; Lord, may Your power be my stay, And may I always seek to be Renewed in strength for victory. --DJD A Christian who neglects the Holy Spirit is like a lamp that's not plugged in. 1:9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. meant, but they seem to have grasped the truth later. Now the time of parting was at hand, and we can only imagine that this was a moment of strong emotion for them, their Lord, their teacher, was going away. And yet, it is hard to find sadness here. Yes, the apostles do gaze longingly into the sky as Jesus rises. But Luke tells us in his gospel that they return to Jerusalem with great joy. What was the source of that joy? First, Jesus had stressed that His departure would bring good things. He had said, I go to prepare a place for you. He also told them, It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will sent Him to you. Though it may have been hard to believe, Jesus meaning was clear, it would be better for them if He went back to heaven than if He stayed there with them. Second, the disciples must have had some sense that Jesus was going to a place of power and authority. He had told them All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. They couldnt know all the details, but later revelation made clear that Jesus was going to His coronation as King of kings.. The cloud that received Him out of their sight was a symbol of Gods presence, indicating that, just as He promised, Christ had gone back to His Father, there to be seated at His right hand. They realized that they returned to Jerusalem as subjects of the crowned King. Finally, God graciously sent two angels to confirm that Jesus had gone into heaven and to remind the apostles that He would come again in the same manner He had departed. This divine visitation helped the apostles overcome the sadness of the parting and focus their minds on the great promises 11

1:9 It was important for the disciples to see Jesus taken up into heaven. Then they knew without a doubt that he was God and that his home was in heaven. 1:9-11 After 40 days with his disciples (Acts 1:3), Jesus returned to heaven. The two men dressed in white were angels who proclaimed to the disciples that one day Jesus would return in the same way he wentbodily and visibly. History is not haphazard or cyclical; it is moving toward a specific pointthe return of Jesus to judge and rule over the earth. We should be ready for his sudden return (1 Thes. 5:2), not by standing around looking into the sky, but by working hard to share the gospel so that others will be able to share in Gods great blessings. R. C. Sproul The day had come for Jesus to return to His Father. His followers had known this was coming, for Jesus Himself had spoken of it. Initially they were confused about what He

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Jesus had given them. Is it any wonder the apostles returned with joy and gave themselves to praise and worship? In 40 days, they had been transformed from defeated and dread-filled to confident and courageous. They were almost ready to bear witness to the reigning King of kings. ASCENSION Act of going to heaven in bodily form from earthly life. Experienced by Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:1-2) but supremely by Jesus Christ (Acts 1:9). Jewish literature outside the canon of the Bible developed long stories and explanations of the ascension of many religious heroes. See, for example, the Assumption of Moses. The Bible gives only brief notices. Still, the ascension of Jesus provides important theological foundations. It concluded the earthly ministry of Jesus, allowing eyewitnesses to see both the risen Christ on earth and the victorious, eternal Christ returning to heaven to minister at the right hand of the Father. The ascension expanded Christs ministry from its geographically limited earthly dimensions to its universal heavenly dimensions. The ascension: Allowed Jesus to prepare a heavenly place for His followers Return to the Father, Send the Holy Spirit to the disciples to bring conviction of sin, open the way to righteousness through faith, and condemn the devil, Comfort those suffering for Him through visions of the Ascended One, Call persons to fulfill His missionary task, Open doors of ministry for His people, Demonstrate Gods power and His rule over all who would exercise power and authority on earth or in heaven, Give gifts for ministry to His people Give hope to troubled followers showing they would join Him in glory Rescue His servants from persecution so they can preach His gospel, Demonstrate that glory, not death, is Gods final word for the Son and for disciples, Exercise a heavenly priesthood Make revelation of future trials and final victory possible, Discipline His church so He may have fellowship with it and provide final full fellowship in ruling with Christ.

Most of all the ascension combined with the resurrection exalted Christ (Phil. 2:9). Contrasted to Christs act of humbling Himself to move from heaven to earth and especially to the cross (Phil. 2:5-8) is Gods act of exalting Jesus to the highest position in the universe, in charge of everything that exists and all that happens. Thus in ascension Jesus showed He had defeated death for good and made eternal life possible. The ascension thus calls on all people to bow in worship and obedience to the Ascended One (Phil. 2:10). 12

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1:10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them; They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Soar to Heaven above, There well worship Him with joy And everlasting love. 1:11 and they also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." "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." 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.

Sermon Note Look backward Look upward Look inward Look forward

unimproved steep, accent interior, private furtherance

O, Behold The Savior O, behold the Savior Hanging on the cross, Bearing our transgressions, All earths sin and dross; Great the love that drove Him Up to Calvary; All may have new life and joy Now and eternally. O behold the Savior Risen from the tomb; Men and demons tremble, Their eternal doom. Angels hymn His praises, Saints behold His face, Sinners who repent, believe, Receive His glorious grace. Soon well hear Gods trumpet Surrounding from the sky, Saints be raised from slumber, Never more to die; We, the living, with them

Why Are You Looking Up? There was a trick we New Yorkers used to play on tourists who visited Manhattan with its huge skyscrapers: We would suddenly stop in a crowded street, tilt our heads backwards as far as possible and stare intently at the top of a high rise such as the Empire State or Pan Am building. Before long a small crowd would gather around, and one by one the curious strangers would join in the sky-gazing, wondering what was to be seen, but not wanting to admit that they saw nothing. You could even carry it farther by quietly chuckling while you looked upward. Sure enough, one or two would join in laughing. The spell was broken only when some 13

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stouthearted soul would naively (or honestly) ask, What are you looking at up there? At the ascension of Christ, the angel precisely asked this question: Why Are You Looking Up? (Acts 1:11) Open It 01. If you could take a trip somewhere far away, where would you go? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 02. What kind of reading material would you take along on a lengthy trip away from home? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Explore It 03. To what former book was Luke referring? (1:1) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 04. Who was Theophilus? (1:1) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 05. What did Luke write about? (1:1-2) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 06. After His resurrection, how did Jesus spend His time with the apostles? (1:35) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 07. What specific commands did Jesus give the apostles? (1:4) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 08. What gift did Jesus promise to the apostles? (1:4-5) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 09. What did the apostles misunderstand? (1:6) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 14

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___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 10. How did Jesus answer the apostles question? (1:7-8) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 11. What task did Jesus assign the apostles? (1:8) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 12. Who would help the apostles get their job done? (1:8) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 13. How would the apostles be able to carry out the task Jesus gave them? (1:8) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 14. After speaking to the apostles, where did Jesus go? (1:9-11) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 15. How did the apostles react to Jesus departure? (1:10) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 16. Who were the figures in white? (1:10) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 17. How did the men in white encourage the apostles? (1:11) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 18. How will Jesus return be like His ascension? (1:11) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Get It 19. After His resurrection, Jesus spent 15

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some forty days with His disciples; how do you think they felt about this time with Him? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 20. What Christian leader do you value spending time with? Why? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 21. What is the importance of Jesus final promise and command to you? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 22. When is a time you wanted to move on from a location, job, or difficult relationship but were held back by Gods leading? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 23. How do we know when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 24. What specific means (abilities, opportunities, relationships) has God given you to carry out the task of being His witness? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 25. When you talk to a nonbelieving friend about Christ, what proofs of Jesus existence can you offer? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 26. How should the prospect of Christs return affect the way you live your Christian life? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Apply It 27. When can you include reading the book of Luke in your Bible study this month? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 16

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___________________________________ ___________________________________ 28. What steps can you take to be actively involved in telling others about Christ? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 29. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you throughout this week? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath day's journey. OLIVES, Mount of 1:13 Called Mount of Corruption. East of Jerusalem; the highway to and from the east passed over it. Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem by way of. Jesus repairs to. Jesus makes his ascension from. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 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. 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.

1:12-13 After Christ was taken up into heaven, the disciples immediately returned to Jerusalem and had a prayer meeting. Jesus had said they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days, so they waited and prayed. When you face a difficult task, an important decision, or a baffling dilemma, dont rush into the work and just hope it comes out the way it should. Instead, your first step should be to pray for the Holy Spirits power and guidance.

1:13 A Zealot could mean anyone zealous for the Jewish law. The Zealots may have been a radical political party working for the violent overthrow of Roman rule in Israel. Jesus: Go Back To Jerusalem The last word from Jesus was, Go back! Go back to Jerusalem and tarry until ye be 17

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endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:49) But, Master, the world is dying! Let it die! But men are hungry! Let them be hungry! But hearts are breaking! Let them break! But multitudes are being lost! Let them be lost rather than you attempt the Divine work without the Divine power! Go back, go back to that upper room, back to your knees, back to searching your own heart, back to waiting and back to praying, back until you have come to the condition of heart and of life where your personal Pentecost shall come, and then go. Oh, then you will find that the works that Christ did you can do. Filled with the Spirit, miracles shall become the commonplace of your daily experience. 1:14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Prayer sacred, appeal Practicerehearse, prepare Knocking burst, jolt, jar Ministry support, advise Speech public, private Fasting self-restrained Testimony evidence, proof

One Accord: Supplication (petition, beseeching, prayer) Expectation (anticipation, confidence, faith) Communication (report, account, message, e-mail) Consecration (sanctification, glorification) Separation (seclusion, isolation, loneliness) Cooperation (willingness, receptiveness, ready) Attitude of Prayer: Childlike (guileless, nave, natural, innocent) Respectful (considerate, attentive, appreciative) Expectant (high hopes, optimistic, anticipating) Submissive (compliant, obedient, respectful) Reliant (guaranteed, certified, assured) Penitent (contrite, regretful, sorry, rueful) Victorious (unbeatable, crushing, invincible) Worshipful (adoring, awestruck, reverent) 1:15 And at this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of 18

1:14 At this time, Jesus brothers were with the disciples. During Jesus lifetime, they did not believe he was the Messiah (John 7:5), but his resurrection must have convinced them. Jesus special appearance to James, one of his brothers, may have been an especially significant event in their conversion (see 1 Cor. 15:7). Continued:

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about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 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,) 1:15-26 This was the first church business meeting. The small group of 11 had already grown to more than 120. The main order of business was to appoint a new disciple, or apostle, as the 12 were now called. While the apostles waited, they were doing what they couldpraying, seeking Gods guidance, and getting organized. Waiting for God to work does not mean sitting around doing nothing. We must do what we can, while we can, as long as we dont run ahead of God. 1:16 "Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus-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. else. But he chose to reject Christs warning as well as his offers of mercy. Judas hardened his heart and joined in the plot with Jesus enemies to put him to death. Judas remained unrepentant to the end, and he finally committed suicide. Although Jesus predicted this would happen, it was Judass choice. Those privileged to be close to the truth are not necessarily committed to the truth. See Judass Profile for more information on his life. Holy Spirit Speaks: Prophesying Guarding Restraining Warning Predicting Reproving Separating 01:16 15:28 16:6 20:23 21:11 28:25 13:2

A Mathematical Improbability: Peter Stone in Science Speaks cited just 11 Bible prophecies and calculated their probability of fulfillment at 8 x 10 to the 63rd degree. That is 10 with 63 zeros following it! But that is just 11 prophecies from the Bible. There are over 10,000 other predictions in Scriptures which are already, or soon to be, fulfilled. 1:17 "For he was counted among us, and received his portion in this ministry." he was one of our number and shared in this ministry." For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

1:16-17 How could someone who had been with Jesus daily betray him? Judas received the same calling and teaching as everyone

Judas Iscariot! A minister riding a streetcar in New York and passing a very nice church, sat next to a rider who said, If these Christians would stop building fine churches and give their money 19

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to the poor, it would be much more to their credit. Ive heard of similar remarks before, was the ministers quiet reply. By whom? Judas Iscariot. 1:18 (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 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. where Satan could manipulate him. Judas accepted payment to set Jesus up for the religious leaders. He identified Jesus for the guards in the dimly lit Garden of Gethsemane. It is possible that he was trying to force Jesus handwould Jesus or would Jesus not rebel against Rome and set up a new political government? Whatever his plan, though, at some point Judas realized he didnt like the way things were turning out. He tried to undo the evil he had done by returning the money to the priests, but it was too late. The wheels of Gods sovereign plan had been set into motion. How sad that Judas ended his life in despair without ever experiencing the gift of reconciliation God could give even to him through Jesus Christ. Human feelings toward Judas have always been mixed. Some have fervently hated him for his betrayal. Others have pitied him for not realizing what he was doing. A few have tried to make him a hero for his part in ending Jesus earthly mission. Some have questioned Gods fairness in allowing one man to bear such guilt. While there are many feelings about Judas, there are some facts to consider as well. He, by his own choice, betrayed Gods Son into the hands of soldiers (Luke 22:48). He was a thief (John 12:6). Jesus knew that Judass life of evil would not change (John 6:70). Judass betrayal of Jesus was part of Gods sovereign plan (Psalm 41:9; Zech. 11:12, 13; Matthew 20:18; 26:20-25; Acts 1:16, 20). In betraying Jesus, Judas made the greatest mistake in history. But the fact that Jesus knew Judas would betray him doesnt mean that Judas was a puppet of Gods will. Judas made the choice. God knew what that choice would be and confirmed it. Judas didnt lose 20

1:18 Matthew says that Judas hanged himself (Matthew 27:5); Acts says that he fell. The traditional explanation is that when Judas hanged himself, the rope or branch broke, Judas fell, and his body burst open. PROFILE: JUDAS ISCARIOT It is easy to overlook the fact that Jesus chose Judas to be his disciple. We may also forget that while Judas betrayed Jesus, all the disciples abandoned him. With the other disciples, Judas shared a persistent misunderstanding of Jesus mission. They all expected Jesus to make the right political moves. When he kept talking about dying, they all felt varying degrees of anger, fear, and disappointment. They didnt understand why they had been chosen if Jesus mission was doomed to fail. We do not know the exact motivation behind Judass betrayal. What is clear is that Judas allowed his desires to place him in a position

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his relationship with Jesus; rather, he never found Jesus in the first place. He is called doomed to destruction (John 17:12) because he was never saved. Judas does us a favor if he makes us think a second time about our commitment to God and the presence of Gods Spirit within us. Are we true disciples and followers, or uncommitted pretenders? We can choose despair and death, or we can choose repentance, forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. Judass betrayal sent Jesus to the cross to guarantee that second choice, our only chance. Will we accept Jesus free gift, or, like Judas, betray him? Strengths and accomplishments: He was chosen as one of the 12 disciples; the only non-Galilean He kept the money bag for the expenses of the group He was able to recognize the evil in his betrayal of Jesus Weaknesses and mistakes: He was greedy He betrayed Jesus He committed suicide instead of seeking forgiveness Lessons from his life: Evil plans and motives leave us open to being used by Satan for even greater evil The consequences of evil are so devastating that even small lies and little wrongdoings have serious results Gods plan and his purposes are worked out even in the worst possible events Vital statistics: Where: Possibly from the town of Kerioth Occupation: Disciple of Jesus Relative: Father: Simon Contemporaries: Jesus, Pilate, Herod, the other 11 disciples

Key verses: Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus (Luke 22:3-4). Judass story is told in the Gospels. He is also mentioned in Acts 1:18-19. 1:19 And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Akeldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

HAKELDAMA (Huh kelduh mu) (NAS, NRSV) (Acts 1:19). The field Judas Iscariot purchased, where he killed himself (Acts 1:19). The name is Aramaic and means field of blood. Evidently it was purchased with the money that had been paid to Judas for betraying Jesus. According to Matthew 27:7, the field purchased with this money was used for the burial of strangers. 1:20 "For it is written in the book of Psalms, 21

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'LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE, AND LET NO MAN DWELL IN IT'; and, 'HIS OFFICE LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE.' "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, " 'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, 'May another take his place of leadership.' For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take. R. C. Sproul Luke records only one event from the 10 days between the Ascension and Pentecost: the selection of an apostle to replace Judas. Nevertheless, this is a crucial event in the life of the fledgling church. Peter takes the initiative, telling the disciples that Judas fall from his place among Jesus apostles was the fulfillment of Spirit-inspired psalms written by David centuries before. Peter clearly has grasped a great truth, Judas betrayal of Christ was God-foreseen and, therefore, God-ordained. He says more along these lines in his great Pentecost sermon, noting that Jesus was delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, a deliverance in which Judas played a key role. This is the doctrine of concurrence, which holds that God uses even the sinful acts of men to accomplish His righteous ends. This doctrine is best expressed by Joseph, when he observes that his brothers, in consigning him to Slavery, meant evil against em; but God meant it for good. In the same way, God used Judas evil betrayal to bring about the Atonement. The action of Gods hand here does not absolve Judas of guilt. Peter cites Psalms 69:25 and 109:8, in which David complains to God about his enemies then writes imprecations against them. Peter applies the first verse, Let his dwelling place be desolate, and let no one live in it, to Judas name, family, and earthly possessions, so that they all are cursed. But then Peter thinks of what should have been Judas prized possession, his position as an apostle, and he quotes the second verse: Let another take his office, and it is fitting that the ranks of the apostles be restored to 12, the number Jesus originally selected. In an aside, Luke provides some details of Judas death. Matthew 27:5 says Judas hung himself; here we are told he fell and burst open. Fro the topography of the area, this description probably means he tied a noose to his neck, attached the other end to some object, and hurled himself over the side of a steep embankment nearby: Judas indirectly purchased his burial plot by returning the silver he was given for betraying Jesus, money used to buy the field where he was laid. The field where he died came to be called the Field of Blood. Judas Frantic, Judas ran to the edge of one of the cliffs on which Jerusalem stands. With shaking hands he tied a piece of old rope around the limb of a tree . . . around his own neck . . . and threw himself out into space. The rope jerked, stretched . . . and broke. Judas fell to his death on the jagged rocks below (cf. Matthew 27:1-10 with Acts 1:18). Even when he finally faced his own guilt, 22

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Judas still would not turn to Jesus for the forgiveness Christ had spoken of so often during the years they were together. Judas proved he could wear a mask of piety. He could fit in outwardly even with the most sincere of Jesus followers. But like the Pharisees, Judas inner life was evil. He shared their lust for wealth, and he shared their lack of concern for other men and women. Finally, when Judas betrayal of Jesus exposed his guilt even to himself, Judas still refused to respond to grace. Death seemed preferable to humbly bowing before Jesus, to beg forgiveness at His hands. How good that Judas need not set the pattern for you and me! We can acknowledge our guilt freely, and trust ourselves to Gods grace. We can come to the God each of us has betrayed, and find in Jesus Christ, Gods Son, full and free forgiveness. And in Jesus we can find life; a life that fills our personality, remakes our attitudes and desires, and teaches us to reflect to others Gods own love. 1:21 "It is therefore necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us-Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, but others shared the disciples deep love for and commitment to Jesus. 1:21-25 The apostles had to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot. They outlined specific criteria for making the choice. When the finalists had been chosen, the apostles prayed, asking God to guide the selection process. This gives us a good example of how to proceed when we are making important decisions. Set up criteria consistent with the Bible, examine the alternatives, and pray for wisdom and guidance to reach a wise decision. R. C. Sproul Having asserted the need for Judas position as on of the Twelve to be filled, Peter lays out two criteria for any potential replacement: he must have been a disciple of Jesus from the time of Jesus baptism to His ascension, and he must have been a witness of the Resurrection. Why did Peter insist on these criteria? First, Jesus baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry. Though Jesus had no disciples at the time, at least half of the Twelve had begun to follow Him soon after He was baptized. Others came later, but it can be argued that all of the Twelve knew of Jesus and were familiar with His ministry from the very start. But more than that, they were under His teaching and training from the earliest days. Judas successor, Peter argues, must be a man who has been under Jesus tutelage from the start, having the maximum firsthand knowledge of the Masters teaching and example. Second, the Resurrection was the pivotal event in the earthly ministry of Jesus, and the apostles give it a prominent place in their preaching throughout Acts. While none of the 23

1:21-22 There were many who consistently followed Jesus throughout his ministry on earth. The 12 disciples were his inner circle,

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apostles was actually present to see Jesus come back to life, Jesus appeared especially to them to present the evidence that He was living again. But as Dr. Simon Kistemaker notes, The term witness has a double meaning; it refers to something that a person has observed, and it means the act of testifying. The apostles had seen the resurrected Christ; now they are about to tell the world about this redemptive event. It was critical that Judas replacement be one who had seen and, of course accepted, the evidence that Christ had overcome the grave. All who ever bore the title apostle fit both of these criteria, except one, Paul. His apostleship was of a different order than that of the Twelve; this is clear from the fact that he submits his work to the scrutiny of the other apostles. Paul himself says he became an apostle as one born out of due time. Although he did not sit under Jesus training, he did witness the risen Christ, who appointed him the apostle to the Gentiles. Furthermore, God confirmed his ministry with miraculous works, and much fruit. And the other apostles, including Peter, welcomed Paul to the work of the apostolate. THE TWELVE DISCIPLES Name: SIMON PETER (son of John) Occupation: Fisherman Outstanding Characteristics: Impulsive; laterbold in preaching about Jesus Major Events in His Life: One of three in core group of disciples; recognized Jesus as the Messiah; disowned Christ and repented; preached Pentecost sermon; a leader of the Jerusalem church; baptized Gentiles; wrote 1 Peter and 2 Peter. What Jesus Said about Him: named him Peter, rock; called him Satan when he urged Jesus to reject the cross; said he would become a fisher of men; he received revelation from God; he would disown Jesus; he would later be crucified for his faith. A Key Lesson from His Life: Christians falter at times, but when they return to Jesus, he forgives them and strengthens their faith. Name: JAMES (son of Zebedee), he and his brother John were called the Sons of Thunder: Occupation: Fisherman Outstanding C characteristics: Ambitious, short-tempered, judgmental, deeply committed to Jesus Major Events in His Life: Also in core group; he and his brother John asked Jesus for places of honor in his kingdom; wanted to call fire down to destroy a Samaritan village; first disciple to be martyred. What Jesus Said about Him: Called James and John Sons of Thunder; said he would be a fisher of men; would drink the cup Jesus drank; A Key Lesson from His Life: Christians must be willing to die for Jesus. Name: JOHN (son of Zebedee), Jamess brother, and the disciple whom Jesus loved 24

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Occupation: Fisherman Outstanding Characteristics: Ambitious, judgmental, latervery loving Major Events in His Life: Third disciple in core group; asked Jesus for a place of honor in his kingdom; wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village; a leader of the Jerusalem church; wrote the Gospel of John and 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and Revelation. What Jesus Said about Him: Called James and John Sons of thunder; said he would be a fisher of men; would drink the cup Jesus drank; would take care of Jesus mother after Jesus death. A Key Lesson from His Life: The transforming power of the love of Christ is available to all. Name: ANDREW (Peters brother) Occupation: Fisherman Outstanding Characteristics: Eager to bring others to Jesus Major Events in His Life: Accepted John the Baptists testimony about Jesus; told Peter about Jesus; he and Philip told Jesus that Greeks wanted to see him. What Jesus Said about Him: Said he would become a fisher of men. A Key Lesson from His Life: Christians are to tell other people about Jesus. Name: PHILIP Occupation: Fisherman Outstanding Characteristics: Questioning attitude Major Events in His Life: Told Nathanael about Jesus; wondered how Jesus could feed the 5,000; asked Jesus to show his followers God the Father; he and Andrew told Jesus that Greeks wanted to see him. What Jesus Said about Him: Asked if Philip realized that to know and see him was to know and see the Father. A Key Lesson from His Life: God uses our questions to teach us. Name: BARTHOLOMEW (Nathanael) Occupation: Unknown Outstanding Characteristics: Honesty and straightforwardness Major Events in His Life: Initially rejected Jesus because Jesus was from Nazareth but acknowledged him as the Son of God and King of Israel when they met. What Jesus Said about Him: Called him a true Israelite and a man in whom there is nothing false. A Key Lesson from His Life: Jesus respects honesty in peopleeven if they challenge him because of it. Name: MATTHEW (Levi) Occupation: Tax collector 25

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Outstanding Characteristics: Despised outcast because of his dishonest career Major Events in His Life: Abandoned his corrupt (and financially profitable) way of life to follow Jesus; invited Jesus to a party with his notorious friends; wrote the Gospel of Matthew. What Jesus Said about Him: Called him to be a disciple. A Key Lesson from His Life: Christianity is not for people who think theyre already good; it is for people who know theyve failed and want help. Name: THOMAS (the twin) Occupation: Unknown Outstanding Characteristics: Courage and doubt Major Events in His Life: Suggested the disciples go with Jesus to Bethanyeven if it meant death; asked Jesus about where he was going; refused to believe Jesus was risen until he could see Jesus alive and touch his wounds. What Jesus Said about Him: Said Thomas believed because he actually saw Jesus after the resurrection. A Key Lesson from His Life: Even when Christians experience serious doubts, Jesus reaches out to them to restore their faith. Name: JAMES (son of Alphaeus) Occupation: Unknown Outstanding Characteristics: Unknown Major Events in His Life: Became one of Jesus disciples. What Jesus Said about Him: Unknown A Key Lesson from His Life: Unknown Name: THADDAEUS (Judas son of James) Occupation: Unknown Outstanding Characteristics: Unknown Major Events in His Life: Asked Jesus why he would reveal himself to his followers and not to the world. What Jesus Said about Him: Unknown A Key Lesson from His Life: Christians follow Jesus because they believe in him; they do not always understand the details of Gods plan. Name: SIMON THE ZEALOT Occupation: Unknown Outstanding Characteristics: Fierce patriotism Major Events in His Life: Became a disciple of Jesus. What Jesus Said about Him: Unknown A Key Lesson from His Life; 26

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If we are willing to give up our plans for the future, we can participate in Jesus plans. Name: JUDAS ISCARIOT Occupation: Unknown Outstanding Characteristics: Treacherous and greedy Major Events in His Life: Became one of Jesus disciples; betrayed Jesus; killed himself. What Jesus Said about Him: Called him a devil; said Judas would betray Jesus. A Key Lesson from His Life: It is not enough to be familiar with Jesus teachings. Jesus true followers love and obey him. Jesus faithful disciples were ordinary men who became extraordinary because of Jesus Christ. Despite their confusion and lack of understanding during his lifetime, they became powerful witnesses to his resurrection. Their lives were transformed by Gods power. The story of Jesus disciples does not end with the Gospels. It continues in the book of Acts and many of the letters. 1:22 beginning with the baptism of John, until the day that He was taken up from us-- one of these should become a witness with us of His resurrection." beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." 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. A No-Scar Disciple? Hast thou no scar? No hidden scar on foot, side, or hand? I hear thee sung as mighty in the land. I hear them hail thy bright ascendant star. Hast thou no scar? Hast thou no wound? Yet I was wounded by the archers, spent Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned; Has thou no wound? No wound, no scar? Yet, as the Master shall the servant be, And, pierced are the feet that follow Me; But thine are whole; can he have followed far Who has no wound or scar? 1:23 And they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

BARSABAS (Bahrsuhbus) (KJV) or BARSABBAS Personal name meaning, son of the Sabbath. Name given Joseph Justus, candidate not elected when church chose replacement for Judas, the traitor. Last name of Judas, who Jerusalem church chose to go with Paul and Silas to Antioch after the Jerusalem council. 27

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Roman Soldiers cast lots fro Jesus garment. However, it is unclear exactly how the casting of lots was done. The practice may have been related to the Urim and Thummim, which may have been stones or other small objects that were colored or marked with letters; the high priest used them to receive oracles from God. Luke tells us that the believers prayed that God would use the lots to show them which of the candidates He had chosen. Matthias was selected and so joined the Twelve. Should the church use lots to choose leaders? It is noteworthy that this is the last recorded instance in Scripture of the use of lots, and there is no record of the early church seeking guidance in this way. Dr. Simon Kistemaker says, According to the New Testament, at no time during Jesus ministry or after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit did Gods people cast lots. The reason is obvious, they had Jesus and the Spirit to lead them. Therefore, Kistemaker says, believers ought to exercise caution and not adopt a practice that lacks firm support. So the number of the apostles was restored to 12. But other than Gods selection of Paul to an apostleship of a different nature, no other apostles ever were chosen. In fact, Acts reveals that the office was not perpetual, for James was not replaced when he was killed at a time when the church had become wellestablished. The apostleship was a foundational office. Todays church has been gifted with elders and deacons, officers who meet the needs of the church in this time, and Scripture provides clear qualifications for the men who would fill these positions. Heavens Book Shows Evil Heart A man once dreamed of passing into the world beyond. An angel met him and showed 28 MATTHIAS (Maht thigh us) Shortened form of Mattathias (gift of Yah.) Disciple who followed Jesus from the time of Johns ministry of baptism until Jesus ascension, who was chosen by lot and prayer to succeed Judas as an apostle and official witness to the resurrection (Acts 1:20-26). This selection was regarded as necessary to fulfill Scripture concerning the band of apostles (Psalm 69:25; Acts 1:20). Scripture mentions nothing further about Matthias. 1:24 And they prayed, and said, "Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two Thou hast chosen Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

R. C. Sproul Based on the criteria laid down by Peter, the disciples proposed two men to fill Judas position: Joseph and Matthias. It is unclear why only two were nominated; we know that the number of those who followed Jesus and sat under His teaching was much larger. Perhaps the group was just being extremely rigorous in its evaluation, or perhaps these two stood out far beyond the other potential candidates. In any case, the disciples could not decide between them. So they left the choice to God. Their method of determining Gods will was the casting of lots. This practice was common in the Old Testament, and it appears in a pagan from in the New Testament when the

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him a great golden book. What is that? he inquired. It is the book of your life, was the reply. Looking closer he saw that there were some writing on the first page. What is there? he asked. These are your evil acts, said the angel, and you see that they are many. The angel turned the page, and the dreamer saw that the next sheet was more closely written. These, said the angel, are your evil words, and you see that there are more of them than there are acts, for a man speaks more than he acts. The poet trembled. The next page was still more closely written. What are these? asked the dreamer. These are your evil thoughts, and you see that there are very many, for a man thinks more than he speaks or acts. With trembling voice, the dreamer asked what the fourth page contained. The angel turned it over, and lo! it was black as midnight. This represents your evil heart, said the angel, for it is out of the blackness of the heart that all thoughts and words and acts come. 1:25 to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. the heart. In fact, the Hebrew language had no word for conscience, so the word heart was often used to express this concept: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live (Job 27:6). The Revised Standard Version translates the word for heart as conscience in 1 Samuel 25:31 (RSV). In the New Testament the heart is spoken of also as that which condemns us (1 John 3:19-21). All moral conditions from the highest to the lowest are said to center in the heart. Sometimes the heart is used to represent a persons true nature or character. Samson told Delilah all his heart (Judges 16:17). This true nature is contrasted with the outward appearance: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7 RSV). 1:26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

1:26 The disciples became apostles. Disciple means follower or learner, and apostle means messenger or missionary. These men now had the special assignment of spreading the Good News of Jesus death and resurrection. Study Note Leaders must know the Lord Jesus personally. They must have personal knowledge of Jesus Christbe a witness of His resurrection power. A leader... Must not only know about Jesus, but 29

Study Note Finally, the heart is spoken of in Scripture as the center of the moral and spiritual life. The conscience, for instance, is associated with

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know Jesus. Must not only profess Jesus, but possess Jesus. Must not only believe Jesus lived, but know Jesus lives. must not only read the story of Jesus, but live the life of Jesus. Must not only walk after a religion of Jesus, but follow Jesus, the risen Lord Himself. Must not only be willing to lead others, but be leading others already (no matter how few). Must not only talk about witnessing, but witness. Must not only want the resurrected power of God, but already know the power of God. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 04. When working with others as part of a team, do you prefer to give orders or follow orders? Why? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Explore It 05. Open It 01. When you were growing up, how did you and your friends choose teams for games of kickball, tag, or other such games? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 2. If you had to serve on a church committee, which one would you choose? Why? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 03. When you work together with other people, what kind of role suits you best? Where did the ascension of Jesus take place? (1:12) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 06. How did the apostles show that they were following Jesus orders? (1:1213) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 07. How many apostles were still following Christ after His death and resurrection? (1:13) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 30

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___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 08. Who was present at the meeting of eleven apostles? (1:14) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 09. What did the group of eleven apostles do when they got together? (1:14) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 10. Who took the leadership among the early Christians? (1:15) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 11. How did Peter take leadership of the early Christians after Jesus ascension? (1:15-17) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 12. How did Peter show high regard for the Scriptures? (1:16-17) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 13. How did Judas betray both Jesus and the other disciples? (1:16-17) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 14. What happened as a result of Judass treachery? (1:18-20) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 15. What did Peter propose to do about the vacancy left by Judas? (1:21-22) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 16. Who was named to replace Judas? (1:23) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 17. What did the apostles do to select the right candidate to succeed Judas? 31

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(1:24-26) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 18. How did the apostles choose Judass successor? (1:24-26) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 19. Who was selected to be the twelfth apostle? (1:26) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Get It 20. Recalling that Peter denied Jesus earlier, how do you think the disciples felt about Peters leadership? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 21. When have you felt uncomfortable submitting to someones leadership? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 22. How do you make important decisions in your family? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 23. Why is prayer important in our decision-making process? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 24. What approach does your church follow in making important decisions? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 25. How can you support and encourage your church leaders? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 26. In what way do you need to be more involved or less involved in church ministries? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 32

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___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Apply It 27. What is one way you can include God in all important decisions you make? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 28. What can you do in the next few days to show support for your pastor? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ 29. How can you improve your prayer life? ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________

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