Jesus’ Final Teachings (Acts 1:1-3)
Luke begins Acts, his second volume to Theophilus—possibly a Gentile official in Antioch—picking up where his Gospel left off. A meticulous historian and Paul’s companion, Luke seeks to deliver the “exact truth” of God’s redemptive plan (Luke 1:4). The Gospel chronicled what Jesus “began to do and teach” until His ascension (Acts 1:1-2), while Acts reveals His ongoing work through the apostles, launching the church to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). Set around 30 AD post-resurrection, these verses mark a pivotal shift as Jesus equips His followers for a global mission (Acts 1:8).
For forty days after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to the apostles, offering “many convincing proofs” of His victory over death (Acts 1:3). These appearances were essential—without a living Christ, their faith would collapse (1 Corinthians 15:14). Once crippled by fear and doubt (Luke 24:21), the apostles saw Him repeatedly, even sharing meals (Acts 10:41), proving He was no apparition. This 40-day period turned their despair into unshakable confidence, priming them for the task ahead.
Jesus spent this time “speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3), a core theme of His ministry—God’s reign over creation (Psalm 145:13) and in human hearts (Luke 17:21). He likely unpacked how His death and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament promises (Luke 24:44-46), opening salvation to all nations (Isaiah 49:6). The apostles, once blind to the Messiah’s suffering (Luke 18:34), now saw the Scriptures clearly. From the Emmaus road (Luke 24:26-27) to the upper room (Luke 24:45), Jesus revealed how the Law, Prophets, and Psalms pointed to Him, arming them with truth for their mission.
Historically, these forty days echo Scripture’s pattern of preparation—Moses on Sinai (Exodus 24:18), Israel in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33). Here, they bridge Jesus’ earthly ministry and the church’s birth at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). For Theophilus, perhaps a new believer, this affirmed God’s precise plan, even amidst Judas’ betrayal (Acts 1:16-20). Luke’s Spirit-inspired accuracy (Luke 1:4) underscores that Jesus’ resurrection validates His completed work (John 19:30) and ongoing mission through His people.
Theologically, Acts 1:1-3 highlights Jesus’ dual mission: finishing redemption (John 17:4) and starting the gathering of the redeemed. His kingdom teachings equipped the apostles to preach forgiveness to all (Luke 24:47), aligning with the Great Commission. In a pagan culture, their message broke barriers, a lesson for today’s church facing a post-Christian world. These verses lay the groundwork for the apostles’ witness from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
The Ascension Promise
Acts 1:4-11 captures Jesus’ final moments with the apostles before His ascension, equipping them for the Great Commission. After 40 days of teaching (Acts 1:3), Jesus gathers them in Jerusalem, instructing them to wait for the Holy Spirit, a promise from the Father (Acts 1:4). This event, around 30 AD on the Mount of Olives, sets the stage for the church’s launch (Sermon 1.4, Page 1). Jesus promises the Spirit’s power, defines their mission as witnesses to all nations, and leaves the timing of His kingdom a mystery, before ascending in a cloud with a promise of His return (Acts 1:5-11). This passage fulfills Jesus’ mandate to disciple all nations (Matthew 28:19), ensuring God’s redemptive plan continues through the Spirit-empowered church.
Jesus’ command to wait for the Spirit fulfills Old Testament promises (Sermon 1.4, Page 6). In Ezekiel 36:26-27, God pledged to give a new heart and His Spirit to His people, enabling obedience. Joel 2:28-29 foretold the Spirit’s outpouring on all flesh in the “last days,” a time of salvation (Acts 2:17-21). Jesus, who ministered in the Spirit’s power (Luke 4:1), had long promised this gift (John 14:16-17), saying it was better for Him to leave so the Spirit could come (John 16:7). The Spirit’s arrival, “not many days from now” (Acts 1:5), happens at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), empowering the apostles to witness “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This power was essential—their task was too great for human strength (Sermon 1.4, Page 8). Every believer since Pentecost receives the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13), a fact, not a request (Sermon 1.5, Page 8), enabling them to live and share the Gospel (Ephesians 3:16).
When the apostles ask, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6), they reflect Jewish hopes for a restored Davidic kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Jesus’ resurrection had reignited their expectations (Luke 24:21), and the Spirit’s coming signaled the “last days” (Joel 2:28). Yet, Jesus replies, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority” (Acts 1:7). This mystery ensures every generation lives in anticipation of Christ’s return, working faithfully without knowing the day (Sermon 1.4, Page 10). Jesus affirms the kingdom’s future reality but leaves the timing unknown (Matthew 24:36), a principle for today’s church to focus on mission, not speculation (Sermon 1.4, Page 11).
Jesus’ mission for the apostles—“you shall be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8)—is the heart of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The Greek term martyres (witnesses) later became “martyrs,” as many died for their testimony (Sermon 1.4, Page 11). Their witness began in Jerusalem, spread to Judea and Samaria, and reached the Gentile world (Acts 9:31, 16:5), a pattern for the church today (Sermon 1.3, Page 6). In a pagan Roman world, with no cultural support, their message was offensive—calling people to repent and serve a crucified Jew (Sermon 1.4, Page 12). Today, as cultural Christianity fades, believers face similar conditions, witnessing one soul at a time (Sermon 1.4, Page 13).
Jesus’ ascension, “lifted up while they were looking on” (Acts 1:9), confirms His exaltation (Philippians 2:9). A cloud, symbolizing God’s presence (Exodus 13:21), receives Him, and angels assure the apostles, “This Jesus… will come in just the same way” (Acts 1:11). This promise motivates the church—Christ’s return brings a personal meeting (“Well done, good and faithful servant,” Matthew 25:21) and eternal reward (1 Corinthians 3:14). The Mount of Olives, a half-mile from Jerusalem (a Sabbath day’s journey), was a fitting site, often tied to messianic events (Zechariah 14:4). Theologically, the ascension enables the Spirit’s coming (John 16:7) and positions Jesus as the church’s head (Ephesians 1:22), continuing His work (Sermon 1.3, Page 4). Acts 1:4-11 launches the church’s global mission, empowered by the Spirit, with an unchanging message (Sermon 1.2, Page 4).
Preparing for Pentecost
Acts 1:12-26 shows the apostles’ obedience and preparation for Pentecost, ensuring God’s plan remains on track despite Judas’ betrayal. After Jesus’ ascension from the Mount of Olives, the apostles return to Jerusalem, a half-mile away (a Sabbath day’s journey), and gather in an upper room with 120 believers (Acts 1:12-15). This small group, around 30 AD, includes Peter, John, and others, plus Jesus’ mother Mary, His newly converted brothers, and faithful women like Mary Magdalene (Acts 1:13-14). They devote themselves to prayer, waiting for the Holy Spirit as Jesus commanded (Acts 1:4), setting the stage for their mission to disciple all nations (Matthew 28:19).
The apostles’ submission is evident—they obey Jesus’ instruction to wait (Luke 24:49). Unlike earlier disobedience, when they returned to fishing after His resurrection (John 21:3), they now stay in Jerusalem, united in prayer (Acts 1:14). This unity includes Jesus’ brothers, like James and Jude, who once doubted Him (John 7:5) but now believe after James’ personal encounter with the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:7). Mary, Jesus’ mother, is among them, humbly praying—not venerated—needing salvation like all (Luke 1:47; Sermon 1.5, Page 7). Their prayerful waiting reflects trust in God’s timing, preparing them for the Spirit’s arrival at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
Peter’s leadership emerges as he addresses Judas’ betrayal, showing a new understanding of the Old Testament (Sermon 1.5, Page 8). He declares, “The Scripture had to be fulfilled,” citing Psalms 69:25 and 109:8, which the Holy Spirit foretold through David (Acts 1:16, 20). Judas, chosen as an apostle (John 6:70), betrayed Jesus, fulfilling prophecy (Psalm 41:9), and committed suicide—falling and bursting open after attempting to hang himself (Acts 1:18). His 30 pieces of silver, blood money, bought the “Field of Blood” (Hakeldama) to bury strangers (Matthew 27:7-8). This tragic end, known to all in Jerusalem (Acts 1:19), underscores God’s sovereignty—even Judas’ evil fit His plan (John 17:12), ensuring Jesus’ crucifixion fulfilled redemption (Acts 2:23).
To replace Judas, Peter insists on an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry, from John’s baptism to the ascension, to witness His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). This ensures the 12 apostles, foundational to the church (Ephesians 2:20), are complete (Sermon 1.5, Page 4). Two candidates, Joseph (Barsabbas) and Matthias, qualify (Acts 1:23). The apostles pray, asking God, who knows hearts, to choose (Acts 1:24), and cast lots—an Old Testament method (Proverbs 16:33)—selecting Matthias (Acts 1:26). Matthias, meaning “gift of the Lord,” later preached in Judea and was martyred in modern-day Georgia (Sermon 1.5, Page 11), joining the apostles as a witness (Acts 2:32).
Historically, the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley, was a significant site (Zechariah 14:4), and the “Sabbath day’s journey” (about 3,000 feet) reflects Jewish tradition (Sermon 1.5, Page 5). The upper room, possibly the same used for the Last Supper, became a place of unity and preparation (Sermon 1.5, Page 6). Theologically, Matthias’ selection shows God’s plan cannot be derailed—even Judas’ apostasy fulfills Scripture (Sermon 1.5, Page 1). Culturally, the 120 believers, a tiny fraction of Israel’s Jews (1 in 30,000), highlight the humble start of a global mission (Sermon 1.5, Page 8). Acts 1:12-26 prepares the church for Pentecost, ensuring the apostles are ready to witness to all nations (Acts 1:8).