A New Chapter: Ascension and Anticipation

Acts 1 beautifully lays the groundwork for the birth and expansion of the early Church. From the ascension of Jesus to the promise of the Holy Spirit, it emphasizes the transformation of the apostles from mere followers to leaders. It illustrates that God equips those He calls, promising the Holy Spirit's power for the mission ahead. This chapter also highlights the importance of prayer and unity within the Christian community. It encourages us to remain expectant and prayerful, knowing that God is always at work.

Verses 1-5: Jesus' Final Instructions and Promise

The Book of Acts begins by recounting Jesus' ministry and His instruction to the apostles through the Holy Spirit after His resurrection. During these forty days, Jesus presented Himself to the apostles and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He also tells them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father—"the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Verses 6-11: The Ascension of Jesus

As the apostles gather around Jesus, they ask if He is going to restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus responds by saying it's not for them to know times or seasons the Father has set by His own authority, but they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. After saying this, Jesus ascends into heaven while the apostles watch. Two men dressed in white appear and tell them that Jesus will come back in the same way they have seen Him go into heaven.

Verses 12-14: The United Prayer of the Disciples

The apostles return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives and continually devote themselves to prayer, along with the women and Jesus' mother Mary, and His brothers.

Verses 15-26: The Replacement of Judas

During this time, Peter addresses the group of about 120 believers. He speaks about the prophecy of Judas' betrayal of Jesus and his subsequent death. The disciples then select two men—Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias—as potential replacements for Judas. After praying for guidance, they cast lots, and Matthias is chosen to become an apostle.

Acts 1 serves as the opening chapter of the Book of Acts, recounting the final moments of Jesus' earthly ministry and His ascension into heaven. After His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days appearing to His apostles and speaking about the kingdom of God. Before His ascension, He promises the gift of the Holy Spirit and commands His disciples to witness His teachings from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. This chapter also includes the appointment of Matthias, who replaces Judas Iscariot as an apostle.

Jesus' ascension
The promise of the Holy Spirit
The unity and prayer of the early believers
The replacement of JudasThe ascension of Jesus Christ
Jesus' final instructions
The promise of the Holy Spirit
The selection of MatthiasJesus Christ
The apostles, including Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James
Matthias
Two men dressed in white (angels)Jerusalem

1. How does Jesus' command to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit demonstrate the importance of God's timing?

2. What does the apostles' question about restoring the kingdom to Israel reveal about their understanding of Jesus' mission? How does Jesus respond, and what does it tell us about our call as Christians?

3. How does the ascension of Jesus connect to His promise of the coming Holy Spirit? What implications does this have for your understanding of the Trinity?

4. How did the disciples respond to the departure of Jesus? What can we learn from their actions?

5. Why do you think the apostles felt it was necessary to replace Judas? How does this apply to leadership roles in the church today?

6. What role did prayer play in the early Church as seen in this chapter? How does it challenge your personal prayer life?

7. What does the unity among the disciples teach us about community in the church?

8. How does the selection process of Matthias demonstrate the combination of human decision and divine guidance?

9. The disciples were called to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. How does this mandate apply to you in your current context?

10. How can we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Holy Spirit, as the apostles did?

11. How does the description of Jesus' ascension impact your understanding of His divine nature?

12. What steps can you take to ensure that you are listening and obedient to God's call on your life, just like the early disciples?

13. How does the disciples' continual prayer inspire you to incorporate prayer into your daily routine?

14. How can you promote unity in your local church or Christian community, following the example of the early believers?

15. How does Jesus' assurance of the Holy Spirit's power inspire you to share the Gospel?

16. Why is it important to seek God's guidance when making decisions, as seen in the selection of Matthias?

17. What are the practical implications of being a witness for Christ in your daily life?

18. How can you remain expectant of Jesus' return, as promised by the two men in white?

19. In what ways can we bear witness to Jesus in our contemporary society, just like the apostles did in their time?

20. How does the anticipation of the Holy Spirit's arrival in this chapter challenge your understanding of His role in your life?