Act Chapter 1 Review 

 

Memory Verse:  Acts 1:8 NLT - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

 

Alright, let's talk about Acts chapter 1. You know, sometimes we breeze through the Bible, especially the "setup" chapters, eager to get to the dramatic stuff, the miracles, the big sermons. But Acts 1, man, it's not just a prologue; it's the launchpad, the foundational block for everything that explodes in the early Church. It's packed with truth we desperately need to cling to today.

A Quick Dive into Acts Chapter 1

So, Luke kicks off this incredible journey by reminding his friend Theophilus (and us, really) about his first book – the Gospel of Luke – detailing everything Jesus began to do and teach. Think about that for a second: Jesus began it, and now, through His Spirit and His people, He's continuing it. It's a powerful connection right from the jump.

After His resurrection, Jesus spent a full forty days appearing to His apostles, giving them undeniable proof that He was alive and teaching them about the Kingdom of God. This wasn't some quick cameo; it was a substantial, life-changing discipleship boot camp! His final command before ascending wasn't to go out and do something immediately, but to wait. To wait in Jerusalem for the "promise of the Father" – the baptism with the Holy Spirit. And here's the kicker, the mission statement for the entire book: once that power arrived, they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and all the way to the ends of the earth. That's still our marching orders, folks.

Then, Jesus ascends right before their eyes, lifted into a cloud. And just as they're staring up, two angels appear, basically saying, "Hey, why are you gazing up? This same Jesus, who was taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way He left." Talk about a mic drop moment and a promise to anchor their future!

The disciples, being obedient, head back to Jerusalem. They gather in an upper room – about 120 of them, including Mary and Jesus' brothers – and what are they doing? They're devoted to prayer, united in purpose. And then, Peter, always the one to speak up, addresses the group. He reminds them of Judas' tragic betrayal and how it fulfilled prophecy. He then lays out the qualifications for a replacement apostle – someone who had been with them from John's baptism to Jesus' ascension, a witness of His resurrection. They prayerfully put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias, seeking God's guidance. They cast lots, and Matthias is chosen. The twelve are restored, and the stage is set for Pentecost.

Some Principles to Grapple With

1. Divine Strategy Requires Divine Power: Jesus had spent three years training these guys, then forty more days post-resurrection. Yet, He didn't send them out until they received the Holy Spirit. He knew that the best plans, the clearest vision, and the most passionate hearts are useless without the power of God. Are we, as the church, waiting on His power, or are we just running on our own steam, our own cleverness, our own programs? This isn't about human ingenuity; it's about divine enablement.

2. Our Mission is Global, Starting Local: Acts 1:8 isn't just a nice verse; it's the blueprint. Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth. It starts right where you are, in your neighborhood, your family, your workplace. But it doesn't end there. God's heart beats for the entire globe. We can't be content with just our comfortable corners.

3. Waiting is Active and Productive: The disciples weren't just twiddling their thumbs. They were waiting in prayer and in unity. They were getting their house in order, seeking God's will for leadership. Waiting on God isn't passive; it's a season of seeking, preparing, and positioning ourselves for His next move. Sometimes, our impatience costs us the very power we're desperate for.

4. God Fulfills His Promises (Including Jesus' Return): The promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled, just as Jesus said. And the angels' message about Jesus' return? That's not just some theological footnote. It's a bedrock truth that should shape how we live, how we prioritize, and how urgently we pursue His mission. He's coming back, folks. Are we living like we believe it?

A Couple Questions to Chew On

1. Honestly, where in your life or in your church are you trying to accomplish God's will through human effort and strategy alone, without genuinely waiting and depending on the power of the Holy Spirit? What would it look like to truly wait on Him for empowerment?

2. The disciples spent those forty days being taught by the resurrected Jesus about the Kingdom of God. What are you actively doing to deepen your understanding of God's Kingdom, and how does that understanding shape your daily priorities and actions right now, as you wait for His return?