Acts | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

ACTS 1

JESUS PROMISES THE ARRIVAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT + ASCENDS INTO HEAVEN

Luke references his gospel account, the book of Luke, and states that this letter is a continuation of the narrative, telling of what occurred after the resurrection of Jesus. After Jesus is resurrected, He stays with the disciples for forty days before ascending into heaven. Jesus did not remain with the disciples forever, but He brought hope of God’s continued presence on Earth. While Jesus is with the disciples, He encourages them to remain in Jerusalem until the arrival of the Holy Spirit.

The disciples ask Jesus if the nation of Israel will be restored, hoping for freedom from Roman oppression. Jesus explains that the timing of God’s kingdom on Earth is fixed by God’s authority and not yet for the disciples to know. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will dwell within believers, serving as a guide and helper. John the Baptist introduced baptism with water, but Jesus now introduces a new form of baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit.

When the time comes for Jesus to return to heaven, Jesus ascends, lifted up by a cloud. Jesus tells the disciples that He will eventually return in the same way He left. Before leaving, Jesus calls the disciples to serve as His witnesses, in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth. Through this calling, Jesus instructs the disciples to start where they are and eventually spread out to the greater area, continuing until everyone hears the news of Jesus.

After witnessing the ascension of Jesus at the Mount of Olives, the disciples return to Jerusalem and go into the upper room where they often meet. While the disciples are together, they remember the death of Judas, the disciple who hung himself after his betrayal of Jesus (Matthew 27:5). Peter acknowledges how Judas’s betrayal led to the arrest and death of Jesus.

Peter references Psalms 109:8, indicating that another disciple will take the place of Judas. The number twelve correlates to the twelve tribes of Israel and represents governance and structure. The disciples prayerfully choose Matthias to replace Judas as the twelfth disciple. Matthias knew Jesus throughout his ministry and was among the disciples from the day of Jesus’ baptism until His ascension into heaven.

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

STUDY QUESTIONS

Read Acts 1:4-5. How did Jesus describe the arrival of the Holy Spirit?

In Acts 1:8, what did Jesus instruct the disciples to do after His departure? Where did He tell them to start?

Read Acts 1:12 and look up the phrase “Sabbath’s day journey.” What does this reveal about the severity of the religious laws?

In Acts 1, the disciples chose someone to replace Judas. What role did Judas play in the arrest and betrayal of Jesus?