Acts 1
From GloriousResource
1 The book opens with an introduction by Luke to Theophilus about his first book (the Gospel of Luke). The books were written to Theophilus so that he may know the certainly of things he has been taught. Luke 1:4
2 He introduced what Jesus had said, Jesus appearances to many after death and alluded to the mighty work of the holy spirit that will come and accomplish the works that would be recorded in this book of Acts.
3 The Kingdom of God is a common theme in the OT and NT. In the days of Moses, God manifested and revealed to the nation of Israel. However with the eventual fell of the Israel nation, the Jews believed that God's kingdom will again be revealed at a later date and looked forward to this day.
But it was not to be a kingdom on Earth but in the midst us (Luke 17:20-21) as Jesus appears in person on Earth and through His ministry and teaching revealed what the true Kingdom of God to be. The dwelling of God is with men. (Revelation 21:3)
4 Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem. (Luke 24:49) Jesus alluded to the gift of the Spirit after He is glorified. (John 7:37-39)
5 Luke 3:16
6 Again the disciples do not understand Jesus reference to the Kingdom of God and ask Him whether the kingdom would be restored at that time (the of the gift of Holy Spirit).
(cf Matthew 11:3-10, Matthew 17:11)
7 Instead Jesus told them that they should not be concern about when the Father would restore the Israel nation. This information is for no one to know except the Father. (Matthew 24:36) Indeed this make it very clear that Christians should beware of any claims of such. It is a sure telltale sign of a false prophet.
8 Rather they would be given power, spiritual not political, to be witnesses and to proclaim the good news of Jesus. This would be the main theme of the book of Acts. When we receive the Holy Spirit, we are also empowered to be witness for Jesus wherever we are.
9 The cloud is generally used as a visible manifestation of glory and presence of God as in the cloud in Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:15). This is known as the Shekinah and appears frequently in the Old and New Testament. (Numbers 9:15-23, Numbers 10:33-36, Exodus 13:21-22, Exodus 14:19-20, Exodus 19:16-20, 1 Kings 8:10-11, Psalm 99:7, Psalm 105:39, Nehemiah 9:19, Matthew 17:5)
10 (cf Luke 24:4 John 20:12)
11 Matthew 16:27
12 Luke 24:50 Jesus led them to Bethany, on the eastern slope of Mount Olives, where they witness His assent and from there they are returning.
Sabbath day's walk (Presumed to be based on Exodus 16:29 and Numbers 35:4-5)
13 The apostles (also Luke 6:14-16). Only Peter, James and John were to appear later in Acts.
Simon the Zealot. Zealots are a revolutionary group aimed at overthrowing the rule of the Romans at that time.
14 Prayer in group is an important part of every Christian as exemplified here. We should gather to pray. As written, women are not to be excluded.
Jesus brothers are James, Joseph, Simon, Judas (Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55).
15 Believers used here is the Greek word for brothers.
16,17 Here we were told of the deeds of Judas Iscariot was a fulfillment of the scripture which Jesus had alluded to (John 6:70-71, John13:18). The Holy Spirit was the author who spoke through David concerning these things.
18,19 Luke told of what Judas did. (cf Matthew 27:3-10)
20 The reference is to Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8
21,22 The person had to be one that had been with them since the the beginning and witness the resurrection.
23
24,25 The Lord knows and searches our hearts. (1 Samuel 16:7, Jeremiah 17:10)
As with all things, we pray for the will of God and not to take things in our own hands.
26 Casting of lots was a means for God to make His choice. (Proverbs 16:33, 1 Chronicles 26:13 Nehemiah 11:1 Luke 1:9) Also the Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30, Leviticus 8:8) are believed to be another such device. (Numbers 27:21, Deuteronomy 33:8)
