Acts 1NKJV
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Acts1

New King James Version

1The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

2until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen,

3to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

4And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;

5for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

6Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

8But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

9Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

10And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,

11who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey.

13And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James.

14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

15And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said,

16“Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus;

17for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

18(Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out.

19And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20“For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’

21“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

23And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen

25to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”

26And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Acts 1.

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Chapter Summary

In this chapter: Proofs of Christ's resurrection. (1–5). Christ's ascension. (6–11). The apostles unite in prayer. (12–14). Matthias chosen in the place of Judas. (15–26).

vv1-5

Our Lord told the disciples the work they were to do. The apostles met together at Jerusalem; Christ having ordered them not to depart thence, but to wait for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. This would be a baptism by the Holy Ghost, giving them power to work miracles, and enlightening and sanctifying their souls. This confirms the Divine promise, and encourages us to depend upon it, that we have heard it from Christ; for in Him all the promises of God are yea and amen.

vv6-11

They were earnest in asking about that which their Master never had directed or encouraged them to seek. Our Lord knew that his ascension and the teaching of the Holy Spirit would soon end these expectations, and therefore only gave them a rebuke; but it is a caution to his church in all ages, to take heed of a desire of forbidden knowledge. He had given his disciples instructions for the discharge of their duty, both before his death and since his resurrection, and this knowledge is enough for a Christian. It is enough that He has engaged to give believers strength equal to their trials and services; that under the influence of the Holy Spirit they may, in one way or other, be witnesses for Christ on earth, while in heaven he manages their concerns with perfect wisdom, truth, and love. When we stand gazing and trifling, the thoughts of our Master's second coming should quicken and awaken us: when we stand gazing and trembling, they should comfort and encourage us. May our expectation of it be stedfast and joyful, giving diligence to be found of him blameless.

vv12-14

God can find hiding-places for his people. They made supplication. All God's people are praying people. It was now a time of trouble and danger with the disciples of Christ; but if any is afflicted, let him pray; that will silence cares and fears. They had now a great work to do, and before they entered upon it, they were earnest in prayer to God for his presence. They were waiting for the descent of the Spirit, and abounded in prayer. Those are in the best frame to receive spiritual blessings, who are in a praying frame. Christ had promised shortly to send the Holy Ghost; that promise was not to do away prayer, but to quicken and encourage it. A little company united in love, exemplary in their conduct, fervent in prayer, and wisely zealous to promote the cause of Christ, are likely to increase rapidly.

Cross References

Acts 1
v1Luke 1:3thematic

Luke's Gospel is the 'former treatise' addressed to the same recipient, Theophilus.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v4Luke 24:49allusion

Jesus commands the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v20Psalms 109:8quotation

Explicitly quoted by Peter to justify replacing Judas's office ('bishoprick').

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin

v5Matthew 3:11allusion

Direct contrast between John's water baptism and the promised Holy Ghost baptism.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v18Matthew 27:5thematic

Parallel account of the tragic death of Judas and the field of blood.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v22John 15:27thematic

Defines the apostolic mandate: witnessing of Christ from the beginning of His ministry.

Supported by JFB

v9Daniel 7:13allusion

Prophetic background of the Son of man ascending with the clouds of heaven.

Supported by JFB

v12Zechariah 14:4thematic

Associates the Mount of Olives with eschatological prophecy and Christ's ascension/return.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v24Numbers 27:16thematic

Moses prays to the Lord, 'the God of the spirits of all flesh,' to set a leader.

Supported by Matthew Poole