Acts Chapter 1
Most all Bible scholars attribute the writing of Acts to Luke. It is in a sense, a continuation of his writings in the book of Luke. He continues the account of Jesus’ works even though we read in the very first chapter that Jesus ascended back to heaven. Luke will show in his writing that the work of Jesus continued as it was carried out by His apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We aren’t sure who Theophilus was, but Luke also addressed him in his writings in the gospel of Luke. He was perhaps a Roman official who had been given the gospel.
Luke 1:3-4 It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
The book of Luke is a book that talks about the things that Jesus began to do and to teach and the book of Acts is a continuation of the acts of Jesus. Those acts continue today.
Let's Reflect
1. What does Luke tell us that Jesus was busy doing before He ascended to heaven?
2. How many days was Jesus on the earth after His resurrection and before He ascended to heaven? Let that sink in how long a period that was.
3. We don’t know exactly how many people eyewitnesses of the resurrected Savior were, but we can guess there were many. We know at least that the apostles were among the witnesses as well as others who met in a room to pray immediately following His ascension. How many people were there? See verse 15.
4. Jesus told His disciples not to leave Jerusalem. They needed each other and they were going to experience together another miracle. The disciples were going to receive extraordinary power from the Holy Spirit. What did Jesus call this anointing of power on their lives?
5. What would be the result of the apostles receiving this promised power?
6. The apostles thought maybe this meant His kingdom would then be restored. What was Jesus’ answer to that question?
7. As Jesus ascended into heaven, they all watched Him go up into the clouds. Two angels appeared and Luke recorded for us what they said that day. What was their message about Jesus?
8. The disciples returned to the upper room in Jerusalem, and they prayed. They prayed a lot. Their whole life was about to be turned upside down and they knew it. They discussed things that had happened and as we read in verses 16-20, they recognized that even the betrayal and death of Judas was fulfillment of scripture. What decision did they make regarding having only 11 apostles?
9. What did they decide was the main criteria in making their selection for a replacement for Judas?
10. The Bible tells us they cast lots. This seems like an imperfect thing for apostles to do. But I think they probably prayed something like, “God we have two men here we feel our qualified, but you know best who we should choose so please give us a sign with a shorter lot.” Now that is my sanctified imagination. What we do know is that this process was used in the Old Testament at times for making choices. The important thing is that these men were unified, and they prayed and asked God to guide them. See verse 24. Which man was named the 12th apostle?
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