Waiting for the Spirit’s Promise

The opening scene of Acts creates anticipation, both for the disciples and the readers of Luke’s second volume. For forty days Jesus met with his disciples, teaching them and convincing them of his resurrection. Now, just before he ascends to heaven, he issues a final command: wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. This Spirit is ‘the promise of the Father’ and the fulfillment of John the Baptist’s prophetic statement about Jesus’ superior baptism. Receiving power from the Spirit is crucial to the disciples fulfilling their commission to be witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Read Acts 1:1-8 and then consider:

1. How is the Holy Spirit described? According to Jesus, what is his role?
2. In verse 6, the disciples ask a clarifying question, ‘Is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ What assumptions and mindset does this question reveal? How does Jesus shift their expectations?
3. Acts 1:8 is widely recognized as the key verse of the entire book. How does it provide a framework for us as we begin our journey through Acts?
4. In your life and ministry, where are you in need of the power of the Holy Spirit? Take a few minutes to ask the Lord how to wait on him for renewed empowerment of the Holy Spirit.