Acts 1 Overview:
The Bridge to Church History

Acts Chapter 1 Introduction Acts 1:1-3 Commission Acts 1:4-8 Ascension Acts 1:9-11 Upper Room Acts 1:12-14 Leadership Acts 1:15-26 Gospel Connection Spirit's Power Christ's Return United Prayer Apostolic Authority

INTRODUCTION

"In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach..." Acts 1:1

Luke, the "beloved physician" (Colossians 4:14), begins the Book of Acts by addressing Theophilus, the same recipient of his Gospel account. This direct connection establishes Acts as volume two of Luke's careful historical record. His opening words reveal three crucial elements: his previous documentation of Jesus' earthly ministry, the importance of Jesus' final instructions, and the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the unfolding story of the early church. Through meticulous research and divine inspiration, Luke provides us with an authoritative bridge between Jesus' earthly ministry and the establishment of His church.

CHAPTER OVERVIEW

Acts 1 serves as the crucial bridge between:

  • The Gospels (particularly Luke)

  • The birth of the Church

  • The ongoing mission of Jesus through His followers

FOUR MAJOR SECTIONS:

1. The Commission (Acts 1:1-8)

  • Luke's introduction and purpose (1:1-3)

  • Jesus' final instructions (1:4-5)

  • The apostles' question about Israel (1:6-7)

  • The Great Commission and power promise (1:8)

2. The Ascension (Acts 1:9-11)

  • The visible ascension (1:9)

  • The angelic message (1:10-11)

  • The promise of Christ's return (1:11)

3. The Upper Room (Acts 1:12-14)

  • The return to Jerusalem (1:12)

  • The gathered disciples (1:13)

  • The prayer meeting (1:14)

4. Leadership Restoration (Acts 1:15-26)

  • Peter's explanation of Scripture (1:15-20)

    • Connects to Psalm 69:25: "May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell
      in their tents      "

    • Fulfills Psalm 109:8: "May another take his place of leadership"

    • Links to Deuteronomy 18:15-18: Moses' prophecy of a future prophet

    • Reflects 1 Samuel 10:1: Leadership selection by divine appointment

  • The qualifications for apostleship (1:21-22)

    • Present from John's baptism (1:21)

      • References Luke 3:21-22: Jesus' baptism

      • Connects to John 1:28-34: John's testimony

    • Witness of entire ministry (1:21)

      • Fulfills John 15:27: "You also must testify"

      • Links to Luke 24:48: "You are witnesses of these things"

    • Witness of the resurrection (1:22)

      • References 1 Corinthians 15:3-8: Resurrection appearances

      • Connects to Acts 2:32: "We are all witnesses"

  • The selection process (1:23-26)

    • Two candidates presented (1:23)

      • Similar to 1 Samuel 16:6-13: David's selection

    • Prayer for guidance (1:24-25)

      • Reflects Proverbs 16:33: "The lot is cast...but every decision is from the Lord"

      • Links to James 1:5: Asking God for wisdom

    • Divine selection through lots (1:26)

      • Connects to Leviticus 16:8: Use of lots in sacred decisions

      • Similar to Joshua 14:2: Land distribution by lot

Scripture Connections