November 3, 2025
How much time did the disciples spend with Jesus after his resurrection?
Acts 1-2
Olivia Miller
Big Book Idea
The Holy Spirit comes, and the Church is born; thus, the gospel shall go from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth!
Key Verse | 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."
Acts 1-2
Chapter 1
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
4 And while staying 1 1:4 Or eating with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with 2 1:5 Or in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
The Ascension
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 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.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. 3 1:14 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 15
15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong 4 1:18 Or swelling up he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
‘May his camp become desolate,
and let there be no one to dwell in it’;
and
‘Let another take his office.’
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Chapter 2
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested 5 2:3 Or And tongues as of fire appeared to them, distributed among them, and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
Peter's Sermon at Pentecost
14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 6 2:15 That is, 9 a.m. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
17
‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;
18
even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
19
And I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
20
the sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
21
And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
22 Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, 7 2:23 Greek this one delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,
‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
26
therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
27
For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
28
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
29 Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
35
until I make your enemies your footstool.”’
36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe 8 2:43 Or fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Footnotes
[1] 1:4 Or eating[2] 1:5 Or in
[3] 1:14 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 15
[4] 1:18 Or swelling up
[5] 2:3 Or And tongues as of fire appeared to them, distributed among them, and rested
[6] 2:15 That is, 9 a.m.
[7] 2:23 Greek this one
[8] 2:43 Or fear
Table of Contents
Introduction to Acts
Timeline
Author and Date
Acts is a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Both were written by Luke, a physician who traveled with the apostle Paul. Acts ends with Paul under house arrest, awaiting trial before Caesar, c. A.D. 62. Many scholars assume Acts was written then because it does not record Paul’s defense, release, and further gospel preaching.
Theme
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to declare the gospel among both Jews and Gentiles. In doing so they establish the church. The church is the fulfillment of God’s promises from the beginning of time.
Purpose
Luke’s purpose for writing his Gospel (see Luke 1:3–4) applies to Acts as well: to give an “orderly” account of the early church after Christ’s resurrection. Dedicating the two-volume work to Theophilus, Luke wanted him to have “certainty” about what he had been taught.
Key Themes
Acts tells of the witness of the early church to the truth of the gospel—a theme first introduced in 1:8:
- The witness is worldwide—Judea, Samaria, the “end of the earth” (1:8).
- The witness includes all kinds of people (chs. 2–5; 10:1–11:18; 14:8–18; 16:11–15, 25–34; 17:22–31).
- God guides the church’s witness (4:5–22; 23:12–22; 24:1–23; 27:21–26).
- Faithful witnesses must be prepared to suffer and even die because of their testimony to Christ (5:41–42; 7:54–60).
- The Holy Spirit empowers the witness (1:8; 2:1–13; 8:17; 13:2–12; 19:6).
- Effective witness demands unity in the church (2:42–47; 4:32–37; 5:12–14).
- Jesus’ resurrection is a key part of the witness (1:22; 2:22–36; 17:30–31).
- Acceptance of the message depends both on human response and on God’s sovereign will (2:47; 11:18; 13:48).
- The witness to the gospel calls for a response (26:27–29). It requires repenting of one’s sins in the name of Christ. This brings forgiveness of sins (e.g., 2:38).
- Witnesses must always maintain integrity before the world (18:12–15; 23:29; 25:18; 26:31–32).
- Christian witnesses continue the ministry that Christ “began” (1:1).
- Faithful witness can bring great results (4:4; 13:48–49; 17:4; 28:30–31).
Outline
- Preparation for Witness (1:1–2:13)
- The Witness in Jerusalem (2:14–5:42)
- The Witness beyond Jerusalem (6:1–12:25)
- The Witness in Cyprus and Southern Galatia (13:1–14:28)
- The Jerusalem Council (15:1–35)
- The Witness in Greece (15:36–18:22)
- The Witness in Ephesus (18:23–21:16)
- The Arrest in Jerusalem (21:17–23:35)
- The Witness in Caesarea (24:1–26:32)
- The Witness in Rome (27:1–28:31)
The Setting of Acts
Fact: Who wrote Luke?
Who wrote Luke? Luke wrote both this Gospel account and Acts. He probably traveled with Paul and participated in his ministry (see Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24). Luke was also a physician (Col. 4:14).
Fact: The speeches in Acts
The speeches in Acts are an important part of Luke’s historical account. They make up nearly a third of the book. Ten of these are extended speeches: three by Peter, one by Stephen, and six by Paul.
Fact: Ananias
Ananias. There are three different men named Ananias in the book of Acts (see 5:1; 9:10; 24:1). The Ananias who was apparently the first believer to welcome Paul after his conversion is a positive example of obedience to the Lord (9:10–19).
Fact: What is “the Way?”
What is “the Way?” In Acts, “the Way” appears six times (9:2; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). People who belonged to the Way were followers of Christ. It means the way of salvation (16:17) and/or the true way of life in relation to God (see 18:25–26).
Fact: What happens next?
What happens next? Acts ends with Paul serving Christ from within a Roman prison. During this time, he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. According to the church historian Eusebius, Paul was released, then arrested a second time, and eventually martyred in Rome.
Fact: Olivet—Mount of Olives
Olivet (19:29), also known as the Mount of Olives, is a high mountain ridge stretching some 2.5 miles (4 km) in a north-to-south direction just east of Jerusalem. Throughout Israel’s history, it was an ideal location from which to see approaching armies. It is also where Jesus ascended into heaven with the promise to return in the same way (24:51; Acts 1:11–12; see also Zech. 14:4).
Fact: God’s providence
God’s providence. When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, the outcome could have been tragic. But God in his providence brought good out of their evil actions (50:20). This was a foreshadowing of God’s bringing the ultimate good—eternal salvation for anyone who will receive it, whatever their ethnic or cultural background—out of the wicked actions of the men who crucified Jesus (Acts 2:22–24).
Fact: The Feast of Weeks
The Feast of Weeks is known in the NT as Pentecost (Acts 2:1). It was a celebration honoring the Lord as provider of all crops and as the One who deserved the firstfruits of those crops.
Fact: Nations at Pentecost
Nations at Pentecost. The list of nations in 2:9–11 covers most of the first-century Roman world. Many Jews who lived outside Palestine traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost, an annual feast. The Holy Spirit enabled them to hear the disciples speak in their own languages (2:6).
Fact: Jesus knows us
Jesus knows us. Jesus knew that, in his hour of greatest need, Peter would deny him (22:34). He also knew that Peter would repent and go on to be a great leader in the church (v. 32; see Acts 2:14–41). As Paul declared, “The Lord knows those who are his” (2 Tim. 2:19).
The Setting of 1 Timothy
c. A.D. 62–64
Paul likely wrote 1 Timothy during a fourth missionary journey not recorded in the book of Acts. Writing from an unknown location, Paul wrote to Timothy at Ephesus to instruct him on how to lead the church there. Ephesus was a wealthy and highly influential port city in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its temple of Artemis (Diana).
The Setting of 2 Timothy
c. A.D. 64–67
Paul probably wrote 2 Timothy during a second imprisonment in Rome following a fourth missionary journey that is not recorded in Acts. Expecting that death would come soon, Paul wrote this “farewell” letter to Timothy, who was at Ephesus, urging him to stand firm and asking him to come for one final visit.
The Setting of Titus
c. A.D. 62–64
Paul likely wrote Titus during a fourth missionary journey not recorded in the book of Acts. Writing from an unknown location, he instructed Titus in how to lead the churches on the island of Crete. The churches there had apparently been founded by Paul.
Nations at Pentecost
c. A.D. 30/33
Pentecost attracted Jews from all over the world to Jerusalem to celebrate the annual festival. Those who heard the apostles’ message in their native languages at Pentecost came from various regions within the two great competing empires of the day—the Roman Empire and the Parthian Empire—with Jerusalem near the center.
New Testament Timeline
The following chart provides a detailed New Testament timeline. Most of the dates can be determined precisely by correlating biblical events with extensive historical documents and archaeological evidence. Dates with an asterisk denote approximate or alternative dates. The extensive external confirmation of New Testament dates and events encourages great confidence in the truth and historicity of both the Old and New Testaments.
| 5 B.C.* | Jesus is born in Bethlehem. |
| 4 B.C. | Jesus’ family flees to Egypt to escape from Herod’s plan to kill Jesus (Matt. 2:13–18); Herod dies; Judas (of Sepphoris) and others rebel, requiring the Syrian Governor Varus to intervene throughout Palestine; Sepphoris, a city four miles from Nazareth, is destroyed by Roman soldiers; Judea, Samaria, and Idumea are given to Herod’s son, Archelaus; Galilee and Perea are given to his son Antipas; Jesus’ family, after returning from Egypt, resides in Nazareth (Matt. 2:19–23), a small village in southern Galilee. |
| A.D. 6 | Archelaus is exiled for incompetence; Judea becomes a Roman province; Judas the Galilean (of Gamla) leads a revolt against the tax census; the governor of Syria, Quirinius (A.D. 6–7), appoints Annas high priest (6–15). |
| 8* | Jesus (age 12) interacts with the teachers in the temple (Luke 2:41–50). |
| 8*–28/30 | Jesus works as a carpenter in Nazareth (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3) and probably in neighboring villages and Sepphoris, which was being rebuilt. |
| 28–29* | John the Baptist begins his ministry around the Jordan River (John 1:19). |
| 28–30* | Jesus begins his ministry in Judea, but soon focuses his efforts in Galilee. In Jerusalem, Pharisees (like Gamaliel) train disciples (like Paul) in their tradition. They send a delegation to Galilee, but the delegation rejects Jesus’ teaching. In Alexandria, Philo (20 B.C.–A.D. 50) attempts to unify Greek philosophy with Hebrew Scripture. |
| 33 (or 30) | Jesus returns to Judea, is crucified, and resurrected. James the brother of Jesus becomes a believer after witnessing the resurrected Jesus (1 Cor. 15:7; Acts 12:17). Jesus ascends to the Father’s right hand (Acts 1). Jesus’ first followers receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and begin to proclaim the gospel (Acts 2). |
| 33/34* | Paul witnesses the resurrected Lord on the way to Damascus and is commissioned as an apostle to the nations (Acts 9; Gal. 1:15–16). |
| 34–37 | Paul ministers in Damascus and Arabia (Acts 9:19–22; 26:20; Gal. 1:16–18). |
| 36 | Pilate loses his position for incompetence. |
| 36/37* | Paul meets with Peter in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18). |
| 37–45 | Paul ministers in Syria, Tarsus, and Cilicia (Acts 9:30; Gal. 1:21). |
| 38* | Peter witnesses to Cornelius (Acts 10). |
| 39 | Antipas is exiled. |
| 40–45* | James writes his letter to believers outside Palestine (see James 1:1). |
| 41–44 | Agrippa, Herod the Great’s grandson, rules Palestine; he kills James the brother of John (Acts 12:2) and imprisons Peter (Acts 12:3). |
| 42–44 | Paul receives his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7). |
| 44 | Peter leaves Jerusalem; Agrippa is killed by an “angel of the Lord” (Acts 12:23). |
| 44–46 | Theudas persuades many Jews to sell their possessions and follow him into the wilderness where he claimed he would miraculously divide the Jordan River; Roman procurator Fadus dispatches his cavalry and beheads the would-be messiah. |
| 44–47* | Paul’s Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10). |
| 46–47 | Paul’s First Missionary Journey (with Barnabas) from Antioch to Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra (Acts 13:4–14:26). |
| 46–48 | Roman procurator Tiberius Alexander crucifies two sons (Jacob and Simon) of Judas the Galilean. |
| 48* | Paul writes Galatians, perhaps from Antioch (see Acts 14:26–28). |
| 48–49* | Paul and Peter return to Jerusalem for the Apostolic Council, which, with the assistance of James, frees Gentile believers from the requirement of circumcision in opposition to Pharisaic believers (Acts 15:1–29); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30) but split over a dispute about John Mark (Acts 15:36–40). |
| 48/49–51* | Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (with Silas) from Antioch to Syria, Cilicia, southern Galatia, Macedonia, notably Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea; and then on to Achaia, notably Athens and Corinth (Acts 15:36–18:22). |
| 49 | Claudius expels Jews from Rome because of conflicts about Jesus (Acts 18:2); Paul befriends two refugees, Priscilla and Aquila, in Corinth (Acts 18:2–3). |
| 49–51* | Paul writes 1–2 Thessalonians from Corinth (Acts 18:1, 11; also compare Acts 18:5 with 1 Thess. 1:8). |
| 51 | Paul appears before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia (Acts 18:12–17). |
| 50–54* | Peter comes to Rome. |
| 52–57* | Paul’s Third Missionary Journey from Antioch to Galatia, Phrygia, Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece (Acts 18:23–21:17). |
| 52–55 | Paul ministers in Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20). |
| 53–55* | Mark writes his Gospel, containing Peter’s memories of Jesus; perhaps within a decade, Matthew publishes his Gospel, which relies on Mark and other sources. Paul writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus (Acts 19:10). |
| 54 | Claudius dies (edict exiling Jews repealed); Priscilla and Aquila return to Rome and host a church in their home (see Rom. 16:3–5). |
| 54–68 | Nero reigns. |
| 55–56* | Paul writes 2 Corinthians from Macedonia (Acts 20:1, 3; 2 Cor. 1:16; 2:13; 7:5; 8:1; 9:2, 4; see 1 Cor. 16:5). |
| 57* | Paul winters in Corinth and writes Romans (Acts 20:3; see Rom. 16:1–2; also see Rom. 16:23 with 1 Cor. 1:14); travels to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1–16), visits with James the brother of Jesus (Acts 21:17–26), and is arrested (Acts 21:27–36; 22:22–29). |
| 57–59 | Paul is imprisoned and transferred to Caesarea (Acts 23:23–24, 33–34). |
| 60 | Paul begins voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1–2); he is shipwrecked for three months on the island of Malta (Acts 27:39–28:10). |
| 60–70* | Letter to the Hebrews is written. |
| 62 | James the brother of the Lord is executed by the Sadducean high priest Ananus. |
| 62–63* | Peter writes his first letter (1 Peter) from Rome (1 Pet. 5:13). |
| 62* | Paul arrives in Rome and remains under house arrest (Acts 28:16–31); he writes Ephesians (see verses for Colossians), Philippians (Phil. 1:7, 13, 17; 4:22), Colossians (Col. 4:3, 10, 18; see Acts 27:2 with Col. 4:10), Philemon (see Philem. 23 with Col. 1:7; Philem. 2 with Col. 4:17; Philem. 24 with Col. 4:10; also see Col. 4:9). Luke, Paul’s physician and companion (see Col. 4:14), writes Luke and Acts. |
| 62–64 | Paul is released, extends his mission (probably reaching Spain), writes 1 Timothy from Macedonia (see 1 Tim. 1:3) and Titus from Nicopolis (Titus 3:12); he is rearrested in Rome (2 Tim. 1:16–17). |
| 63–64 | Work on the temple complex is completed. |
| 64 (July 19) | Fire in Rome; Nero blames and kills many Christians. |
| 64–67* | Peter writes his second letter ( 2 Peter). Jude writes his letter. Paul writes 2 Timothy (see 2 Tim. 4:6–8). Paul and Peter are martyred in Rome. |
| 66 | First Jewish-Roman War begins with a riot between Greeks and Jews at Caesarea; Roman procurator Gesius Florus (A.D. 64–66) is murdered and a Roman garrison wiped out; Menahem, son or grandson of Judas the Galilean, murders the high priest Ananias and seizes control of the temple; Nero dispatches Vespasian with three legions. |
| 67* | Romans destroy the Qumran community, who beforehand hid the so-called Dead Sea Scrolls in nearby caves; the church in Jerusalem flees to Pella (Matt. 24:15–16; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20–22); John migrates to Ephesus with Mary, Jesus’ mother. |
| 68 | Nero commits suicide; year of the three emperors. |
| 69 | Rebellion quelled in Galilee and Samaria; Vespasian summoned back to Rome to become emperor. |
| 70 (Aug. 30) | Titus, Vespasian’s son, after a five-month siege of Jerusalem, destroys the temple after desecrating it; the temple’s menorah, Torah, and veil are removed and later put on display in a victory parade in Rome; the influence of the Sadducees ends; the Pharisee Johanan ben Zakkai escapes and convinces the Romans to allow him and others to settle in Jamnia, where they found a school. |
| 73 (May 2)* | Before Roman general Silva breaches the fortress atop Masada following a two-year siege, 936 Jewish rebels commit suicide. |
| 75 | Titus has an affair with the Jewish princess Berenice, sister of Agrippa II (Acts 25:13, 23), whom he later abandons because of the scandal. |
| 77 | Pliny the Elder writes Natural History. |
| 77–78 | Josephus publishes Jewish War in Rome. |
| 79 | Pompeii and Herculaneum are destroyed by eruption of Vesuvius; Pliny the Elder dies attempting to investigate. |
| 81 | The Arch of Titus, celebrating his destruction of the temple, is erected in Rome. |
| 81–96 | Domitian, Titus’s brother, persecutes Christians among the Roman nobility, including his own relatives Clemens and Domitilla. |
| 85–95* | John writes his letters (1–3 John), probably in Ephesus. |
| 89–95* | John writes his Gospel, probably in Ephesus. |
| 93–94 | Josephus publishes Jewish Antiquities in Rome. |
| 94 | Domitian exiles philosophers from Rome. |
| 95* | Amidst persecution, Clement, a leader in the Roman church, writes his Letter to the Corinthians (1 Clement) appealing for peace between the young men and elders. |
| 95–96* | Exiled by Domitian to Patmos, John writes Revelation (Rev. 1:9). |
| 96–98 | Nerva, the first of five “good” emperors, ends official persecution. |
* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or
Parallels in the Ministries of Jesus, Peter, and Paul in Luke–Acts
Luke shows Peter and Paul continuing the ministry of Jesus in the book of Acts. Representative examples are cited on the chart below.
| Type of Ministry | Jesus | Peter | Paul |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preaching that the OT is fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah | Luke 4; 24 | Acts 2; 3 | Acts 13; 17 |
| Casting out unclean spirits | Luke 4:31–37 | Acts 5:16 | Acts 16:16–18 |
| Healing the lame | Luke 6:6–11 | Acts 3:1–10 | Acts 14:8–10 |
| Raising the dead | Luke 7:11–17 | Acts 9:36–43 | Acts 20:7–12 |
| Healing by a touch, a shadow, or cloths | Luke 8:42–48 | Acts 5:15 | Acts 19:11–12 |
God’s Sovereignty in Salvation as Seen in Acts
| God ordained the cross | God calls, adds, and appoints many to eternal life | God gives faith and repentance; God cleanses and opens hearts |
|---|---|---|
|
2:23 “Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God”
3:18 “what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled” 4:27–28 “there were gathered together . . . Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, to do whatever your hand . . . had predestined to take place” |
2:39 “the promise is to . . . everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself ”
2:41 “there were added that day about three thousand souls” 2:47 “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” 5:14 “believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women” 11:24 “a great many people were added to the Lord” 13:48 “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed” |
3:16 “the faith that is through Jesus”
5:31 “God exalted him . . . to give repentance to Israel” 11:18 “to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” 15:8–9 “God . . . having cleansed their hearts by faith” 16:14 “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” 18:27 “those who through grace had believed” |
Major Sermons in Acts
| Speaker | Text | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Peter | 2:14–36 | Jews in Jerusalem |
| 3:11–26 | Jews in Jerusalem | |
| 10:34–43 | Cornelius’s household | |
| Stephen | 7:1–53 | Jews in Jerusalem |
| Paul | 13:16–47 | Jews in Pisidian Antioch |
| 17:22–31 | Greeks in Athens | |
| 20:18–35 | Church elders in Ephesus | |
| 22:1–21 | Jews in Jerusalem | |
| 24:10–21 | Felix and his court | |
| 26:1–29 | Agrippa and his court |
The Twelve Apostles*
| Matthew 10:2–4 | Mark 3:16–19 | Luke 6:14–16 | John (various verses) | Acts 1:13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Simon, who is called Peter | 1. Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter) | 1. Simon, whom he named Peter | Simon Peter (1:40–42) | 1. Peter |
| 2. Andrew his [Simon Peter’s] brother | 4. Andrew | 2. Andrew his [Simon Peter’s] brother | Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother (1:40) | 4. Andrew |
| 3. James the son of Zebedee | 2. James the son of Zebedee | 3. James | unnamed son of Zebedee (21:2) | 3. James |
| 4. John his [James’s] brother | 3. John the brother of James | 4. John | unnamed son of Zebedee (21:2) | 2. John |
| 5. Philip | 5. Philip | 5. Philip | Philip of Bethsaida (1:43–44) | 5. Philip |
| 6. Bartholomew | 6. Bartholomew | 6. Bartholomew | Nathanael of Cana (1:45–49; 21:2)** | 7. Bartholomew |
| 7. Thomas | 8. Thomas | 8. Thomas | Thomas called the Twin (11:16) | 6. Thomas |
| 8. Matthew the tax collector | 7. Matthew (Levi, son of Alphaeus, a tax collector, 2:14) | 7. Matthew (Levi, tax collector, 5:27) | 8. Matthew | |
| 9. James the son of Alphaeus | 9. James the son of Alphaeus | 9. James the son of Alphaeus | 9. James the son of Alphaeus | |
| 10. Thaddaeus | 10. Thaddaeus | 11. Judas the son of James | Judas (not Iscariot) (14:22) | 11. Judas the son of James |
| 11. Simon the Zealot | 11. Simon the Zealot | 10. Simon who was called the Zealot | 10. Simon the Zealot | |
| 12. Judas Iscariot | 12. Judas Iscariot | 12. Judas Iscariot | Judas the son of Simon Iscariot (6:71) | 12. Matthias replaces Judas [who had died] (Acts 1:26) |
*Others in the NT are regarded as apostles besides the Twelve, notably James the brother of Jesus (Acts 15:12–21; 1 Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:19), Paul (Acts 14:4, 14; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:8–9), and Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14).
**Nathanael is probably Bartholomew, since he is closely associated with Philip. He is certainly not Levi/Matthew, who already has two names and who was from Capernaum. It is possible but unlikely that he is Thaddeus/Judas or Simon the Zealot.
Equivalent Expressions for the “Last Days”
The “last days” (the day of salvation, 2 Cor. 6:2) have already come but the “last day” (the day of salvation and wrath, 1 Thess. 5:1–11) has not yet arrived. The following are equivalent expressions for the “last days” (the period of time between Jesus’ death and resurrection and the final judgment).
| “the last days” | Acts 2:17; 2 Tim. 3:1; Heb. 1:2; James 5:3 |
| “the last hour” | 1 John 2:18 |
| “the last time” | Jude 18 |
| “the last times” | 1 Pet. 1:20 |
Luke
Luke was a doctor (Col. 4:14) and a faithful companion of Paul, accompanying him on several journeys. He was with Paul throughout his two-year imprisonments in both Caesarea and Rome. He is the author of the Gospel bearing his name and the book of Acts, where he records his travels with Paul. Little else is known about Luke. Most scholars believe that he was a Gentile. This is based in part on the fact that Paul does not include Luke among the “men of the circumcision” who were his fellow workers (Col. 4:10–11). How Luke came to know Christ is not revealed, though his thorough acquaintance with the OT suggests that he may have been a “God-fearer” like Cornelius before becoming a Christian. (Acts 21:1–8)
John Mark
John Mark was probably Barnabas’s cousin (Col. 4:10). The early church at Jerusalem met at the home of his mother, Mary (Acts 12:12). He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but then chose to leave them. As a result, Paul refused to take him along on his second expedition. However, it seems that Mark eventually regained Paul’s favor (2 Tim. 4:11). He ultimately demonstrated his effectiveness and commitment as a missionary pioneer and as the author of the Gospel of Mark. He was closely associated with the apostle Peter, who refers to Mark as his “son” (1 Pet. 5:13). (2 Timothy 4:11)
Acts 1:1 Luke’s first book is the Gospel of Luke. It describes what Jesus began to do and teach. This suggests that Acts is about what Jesus continued “to do and teach” in the world. Though physically he had ascended into heaven (v. 9), yet spiritually he was still present on earth (see Matt. 28:20). Theophilus (“lover of God”) is either an actual person or a symbolic name for any Christian seeker or believer.
Acts 1:2 The day when he was taken up refers to Jesus’ ascension (Luke 24:51). The beginning of Acts parallels the final words of the book of Luke (Luke 24:36–53). through the Holy Spirit. As Jesus gave instructions to his disciples, the Holy Spirit empowered them to rightly understand and obey Jesus’ teaching. apostles. See notes on Acts 1:20; Rom. 1:1.
Acts 1:3 Only Acts mentions the specific 40-day period of resurrection appearances. This number recalls many biblical events, such as Israel’s wilderness wanderings and Jesus’ temptations. The phrase kingdom of God occurs only six times in Acts (1:3; 8:12; 14:22; 19:8; 28:23, 31). It means the spiritual reign of God that gradually transforms lives and cultures through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:4 promise of the Father. The new and greater empowering of the Holy Spirit (see Luke 3:15–17; 24:49).
Acts 1:1–5 After an introduction (vv. 1–2), Luke reviews the 40-day period during which Jesus prepared the disciples to be his witnesses (vv. 3–5).
Acts 1:7 the Father has fixed by his own authority. God the Father determines history’s events.
Acts 1:8 This verse states the key theme of Acts. It begins with the Spirit’s empowering of the witness to Jesus. Then it provides a rough outline of the book: Jerusalem (chs. 1–7), Judea and Samaria (chs. 8–12), and the end of the earth (chs. 13–28). you will receive power. The Holy Spirit will bring effectiveness in witness and ministry (1:8; Matt. 28:19), victory over sin (Acts 2:42–46; Rom. 6:11–14; Gal. 2:20), victory over Satan (Acts 2:42–46; 16:16–18; 2 Cor. 10:3–4; Eph. 6:10–18; 1 John 4:4), and gifts for ministry (Acts 2:16–18; 1 Cor. 12:11; 1 Pet. 4:10). The word “power” occurs at least seven other times in Acts to describe the working of miracles alongside gospel proclamation (see Acts 2:22; 3:12; 6:8; 8:10; 10:38; 19:11).
Acts 1:9 A cloud is often associated with God’s presence (Luke 9:28–36). as they were looking on, he was lifted up. Jesus’ visible ascension into heaven indicates that he has a physical human body. He will someday return in the same body (Acts 1:11). The eternal Son of God remains fully God and fully man forever.
Acts 1:10 two men. Angels in human form, as their white robes suggest (compare John 20:12).
Acts 1:12 A Sabbath day’s journey was the maximum distance one could travel on the Sabbath without it being considered work, according to later Jewish tradition. The rabbis set the limit at 2,000 cubits (about 0.6 miles or 1 km).
Fact: Olivet—Mount of Olives
Olivet (19:29), also known as the Mount of Olives, is a high mountain ridge stretching some 2.5 miles (4 km) in a north-to-south direction just east of Jerusalem. Throughout Israel’s history, it was an ideal location from which to see approaching armies. It is also where Jesus ascended into heaven with the promise to return in the same way (24:51; Acts 1:11–12; see also Zech. 14:4).
Acts 1:14 The women likely included those who ministered to Jesus’ followers (Luke 8:2–3), traveled with them from Galilee (Luke 23:55), and witnessed the crucifixion and empty tomb (Luke 23:49, 55–56; 24:2–11). Jesus had four brothers—James, Joses, Judas, and Simon (Mark 6:3).
Acts 1:16 The Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David is one of the clearest statements in Scripture that the Bible is the inspired word of God.
Acts 1:18 this man acquired a field. As Matt. 27:3–7 records, Judas brought the 30 pieces of silver back to the chief priests and elders. The chief priests then purchased the potter’s field with Judas’s money. This was considered the same as if Judas had made the purchase. he burst open. The two accounts of Judas’s death should be seen as complementary. The main difference is that Matt. 27:5 speaks of Judas hanging himself, while Acts speaks of his body falling headlong and bursting open. One possible explanation is that the field overlooked a cliff; as Judas hanged himself, the rope (or the branch) may have broken so that his body fell over the edge of the cliff onto jagged rocks below. Others have suggested that Judas’s body may have remained hanging for some time decaying (“swelling up,” ESV footnote), eventually falling to the ground and bursting open.
Acts 1:20 Judas’s death fulfills Ps. 69:25. Let another take his office. Matthias’s selection (Acts 1:26) as the twelfth apostle was a direct fulfillment of prophecy (see v. 16; Ps. 109:8). These leaders parallel the heads of the 12 tribes of Israel in the OT (see Luke 22:30; Rev. 21:12, 14). Later, others became “apostles,” including at least Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14) and James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19). However, apostles were not replaced from this point onward. See also note on Rom. 1:1.
Acts 1:23–24 The group turned the matter over to the Lord, praying that Jesus would reveal his choice.
Acts 1:26 The lots were probably marked stones that were placed in a pot and then shaken out (compare 1 Chron. 26:13–16). This does not mean that people should cast lots to make decisions today. There is no such command in the NT. On the 12 apostles, see note on Matt. 10:2.
The Twelve Apostles*
| Matthew 10:2–4 | Mark 3:16–19 | Luke 6:14–16 | John (various verses) | Acts 1:13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Simon, who is called Peter | 1. Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter) | 1. Simon, whom he named Peter | Simon Peter (1:40–42) | 1. Peter |
| 2. Andrew his [Simon Peter’s] brother | 4. Andrew | 2. Andrew his [Simon Peter’s] brother | Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother (1:40) | 4. Andrew |
| 3. James the son of Zebedee | 2. James the son of Zebedee | 3. James | unnamed son of Zebedee (21:2) | 3. James |
| 4. John his [James’s] brother | 3. John the brother of James | 4. John | unnamed son of Zebedee (21:2) | 2. John |
| 5. Philip | 5. Philip | 5. Philip | Philip of Bethsaida (1:43–44) | 5. Philip |
| 6. Bartholomew | 6. Bartholomew | 6. Bartholomew | Nathanael of Cana (1:45–49; 21:2)** | 7. Bartholomew |
| 7. Thomas | 8. Thomas | 8. Thomas | Thomas called the Twin (11:16) | 6. Thomas |
| 8. Matthew the tax collector | 7. Matthew (Levi, son of Alphaeus, a tax collector, 2:14) | 7. Matthew (Levi, tax collector, 5:27) | 8. Matthew | |
| 9. James the son of Alphaeus | 9. James the son of Alphaeus | 9. James the son of Alphaeus | 9. James the son of Alphaeus | |
| 10. Thaddaeus | 10. Thaddaeus | 11. Judas the son of James | Judas (not Iscariot) (14:22) | 11. Judas the son of James |
| 11. Simon the Zealot | 11. Simon the Zealot | 10. Simon who was called the Zealot | 10. Simon the Zealot | |
| 12. Judas Iscariot | 12. Judas Iscariot | 12. Judas Iscariot | Judas the son of Simon Iscariot (6:71) | 12. Matthias replaces Judas [who had died] (Acts 1:26) |
*Others in the NT are regarded as apostles besides the Twelve, notably James the brother of Jesus (Acts 15:12–21; 1 Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:19), Paul (Acts 14:4, 14; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:8–9), and Barnabas (Acts 14:4, 14).
**Nathanael is probably Bartholomew, since he is closely associated with Philip. He is certainly not Levi/Matthew, who already has two names and who was from Capernaum. It is possible but unlikely that he is Thaddeus/Judas or Simon the Zealot.
John Mark
John Mark was probably Barnabas’s cousin (Col. 4:10). The early church at Jerusalem met at the home of his mother, Mary (Acts 12:12). He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but then chose to leave them. As a result, Paul refused to take him along on his second expedition. However, it seems that Mark eventually regained Paul’s favor (2 Tim. 4:11). He ultimately demonstrated his effectiveness and commitment as a missionary pioneer and as the author of the Gospel of Mark. He was closely associated with the apostle Peter, who refers to Mark as his “son” (1 Pet. 5:13). (2 Timothy 4:11)
Acts 2:1 Pentecost was the second of the annual harvest festivals. It came 50 days after Passover. All most likely included the 120 assembled in the upper room (1:15).
Fact: The Feast of Weeks
The Feast of Weeks is known in the NT as Pentecost (Acts 2:1). It was a celebration honoring the Lord as provider of all crops and as the One who deserved the firstfruits of those crops.
Acts 2:3 The divided tongues as of fire were not literal flames, but they looked enough like fire that this was the best description. “Fire” in the OT often indicates God’s presence. It also symbolizes his holiness and purity (Ex. 3:2; 19:18; Isa. 4:5).
Acts 2:4 Filled with the Holy Spirit fulfills what Jesus promised (see notes on 1:5; 1:8). This marked the beginning of the new covenant age, which will last until Jesus returns. speak in other tongues. The word translated “tongues” can also be translated “languages,” and that is the sense here. as the Spirit gave them utterance. See 10:45–46; 19:6.
Acts 2:5 The crowd’s presence indicates that the setting is the temple grounds. This was the only place in Jerusalem that could accommodate more than 3,000 persons (v. 41). The fact that they were dwelling in Jerusalem suggests that both Jewish pilgrims and local residents were present.
Nations at Pentecost
c. A.D. 30/33
Pentecost attracted Jews from all over the world to Jerusalem to celebrate the annual festival. Those who heard the apostles’ message in their native languages at Pentecost came from various regions within the two great competing empires of the day—the Roman Empire and the Parthian Empire—with Jerusalem near the center.
Acts 2:9–11 The list of nations covers most of the first-century Roman world, particularly areas where Jewish communities existed. At Pentecost the Christians start their worldwide witness. At this point the converts were mainly Jewish. The only Gentiles at Pentecost were proselytes, Gentiles who had become full converts to Judaism.
Acts 1:1–2:13 Preparation for Witness. Acts opens with the account of the Spirit’s descent at Pentecost. Chapter 1 relates the preparation for that event, which occurs in 2:1–13.
Acts 2:17 The last days began at Pentecost (see Heb. 1:2). They will continue until Christ’s return. Most rabbis believed the Spirit stopped speaking through human prophets with the last of the OT prophets. Joel’s prophecy of an outpouring of the Spirit on all flesh was understood as referring to a new messianic age. daughters. The women in the upper room participated in the gift of the Spirit at Pentecost, further confirming Joel’s prophecy.
Equivalent Expressions for the “Last Days”
The “last days” (the day of salvation, 2 Cor. 6:2) have already come but the “last day” (the day of salvation and wrath, 1 Thess. 5:1–11) has not yet arrived. The following are equivalent expressions for the “last days” (the period of time between Jesus’ death and resurrection and the final judgment).
| “the last days” | Acts 2:17; 2 Tim. 3:1; Heb. 1:2; James 5:3 |
| “the last hour” | 1 John 2:18 |
| “the last time” | Jude 18 |
| “the last times” | 1 Pet. 1:20 |
Acts 2:19–21 The darkened sun and bloody moon, whether literal or symbolic, indicate the end of the earth. Peter included the full prophecy even though not all of it was yet fulfilled at this time. everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Joel 2:32). The “name of the Lord” that saves is Jesus (see Acts 2:36; see 4:12), which affirms his deity.
Acts 2:23 Although Jesus was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, that still did not remove responsibility from those who contributed to his death. Peter goes on to say, “you crucified and killed” him (see notes on 3:13–16; 3:17; 4:27). by the hands of lawless men. By Gentile officials and soldiers.
Fact: God’s providence
God’s providence. When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, the outcome could have been tragic. But God in his providence brought good out of their evil actions (50:20). This was a foreshadowing of God’s bringing the ultimate good—eternal salvation for anyone who will receive it, whatever their ethnic or cultural background—out of the wicked actions of the men who crucified Jesus (Acts 2:22–24).
Acts 2:29 Both the OT (1 Kings 2:10; Neh. 3:16) and early Jewish tradition locate David’s tomb on the south side of Jerusalem. Peter may be referring to an earlier traditional tomb not far from where he was speaking.
Acts 2:25–31 Peter quotes Ps. 16:8–11 as pointing to Jesus’ resurrection.
Acts 2:33 The personal and orderly relationship among the persons of the Trinity is evident in this verse. When Christ’s work on earth was accomplished, he was exalted to the second highest position of authority in the universe, at the right hand of God. On Pentecost, Jesus himself poured out the Holy Spirit on the disciples in a new and more powerful way (vv. 1–11).
Acts 2:34 When Peter says that David did not ascend into the heavens, he is referring to his body.
Acts 2:38 Faith in Jesus as Savior is implied in the commands to repent and be baptized . . . in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Repentance includes a change of mind that results in trusting God (that is, having faith). On repentance, see note on Matt. 3:2. The willingness to submit to baptism is an outward expression of inward faith in Christ (see 1 Pet. 3:21). See note on Acts 10:48. Likewise, genuine faith always involves repentance, and vice versa. The gift of the Holy Spirit means the Spirit himself coming to live in the believer.
Acts 2:39 Peter’s word that the promise was not just for the Jews who were listening but for all who are far off implies the inclusion of Gentiles (compare Eph. 2:13, 17). everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself. Salvation is ultimately God’s work. It comes to those whom the Lord calls into personal relationship with him.
Acts 2:40 many other words. Luke provided only a small portion of Peter’s sermon.
Acts 2:14–41 Peter’s sermon is the first in a series of speeches and teachings in Acts (see chart). It consists primarily of scriptural proofs, citing Joel 2:28–32; Ps. 16:8–11; 110:1; 132:10 (see also 2 Sam. 7:6–16).
Fact: Jesus knows us
Jesus knows us. Jesus knew that, in his hour of greatest need, Peter would deny him (22:34). He also knew that Peter would repent and go on to be a great leader in the church (v. 32; see Acts 2:14–41). As Paul declared, “The Lord knows those who are his” (2 Tim. 2:19).
Major Sermons in Acts
| Speaker | Text | Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Peter | 2:14–36 | Jews in Jerusalem |
| 3:11–26 | Jews in Jerusalem | |
| 10:34–43 | Cornelius’s household | |
| Stephen | 7:1–53 | Jews in Jerusalem |
| Paul | 13:16–47 | Jews in Pisidian Antioch |
| 17:22–31 | Greeks in Athens | |
| 20:18–35 | Church elders in Ephesus | |
| 22:1–21 | Jews in Jerusalem | |
| 24:10–21 | Felix and his court | |
| 26:1–29 | Agrippa and his court |
Acts 2:42 apostles’ teaching. They shared what Jesus taught them before and after his resurrection. Fellowship included the sharing of material goods (v. 44). The breaking of bread (vv. 42, 46) was likely both the Lord’s Supper and a larger fellowship meal. Prayers were offered in house meetings and also in the temple area (vv. 42, 46).
Acts 2:44 all things in common. Some have seen this as a sort of socialist arrangement. This is clearly not the case, since (1) the giving was voluntary and (2) people still had personal possessions (see 12:12; 18:7). Further, Peter told Ananias and Sapphira that they did not have to sell their property and give away the money (5:4).
Acts 2:45 On generosity among Christians, see 2 Cor. 8:9–15.
Acts 2:47 And the Lord added to their number. God alone can enable people to repent and believe.
Fact: Nations at Pentecost
Nations at Pentecost. The list of nations in 2:9–11 covers most of the first-century Roman world. Many Jews who lived outside Palestine traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost, an annual feast. The Holy Spirit enabled them to hear the disciples speak in their own languages (2:6).
S4:263 Acts 1-2
Listen NowDive Deeper | Acts 1-2
Luke was a doctor who wrote from a left-brain perspective of facts and research, and he gives us a lot to unpack in these chapters. Jesus ascends, the Holy Spirit arrives, and the first-century Christian church is born. It can be overwhelming to process that much history, but the purpose in these verses is clear: we are given a message from Jesus, we learn the power of the Holy Spirit, and we see an outline of what the body of Christ should look like.
Acts 1:8 echoes Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20): we are to be his witnesses and make disciples by the power of the Holy Spirit. By diversifying the languages at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit emphasizes that this message is for ALL nations and tongues. The gospel is not elitist, and everyone should be invited.
Much of the New Testament includes stories of the disciples doing exactly what Jesus commanded: going and sharing. It's easy to hear "end of the earth" and think only of faraway places and unreached people groups, but it's not just traveling missionaries who receive this command—we each have a role, and that means sharing the gospel here, on our home turf. We go somewhere every day (work, school, stores, etc.). There are opportunities all around us to share the good news of salvation.
As people find freedom in Christ, they become part of the church, and the end of Acts 2 gives us guidelines for a healthy body of Christ: we should be devoted to teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). As the early church implements this, the number of people receiving salvation continues to grow. This should encourage and inspire us, and we should aim to grow the kingdom in the same way.
We can't (and shouldn't) do this on our own. Romans 8:11 reminds us that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, and that's the power we can (and should) call upon to daily live on mission for Christ.
This month's memory verse
"There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
– Romans 3:22b-24
Discussion Questions
1. We see the disciples and others being united in prayer in Acts 1:14. How can your community group become more united in prayer?
2. In your community group, how can you commit to being devoted to the things listed in Acts 2:42? How can you hold each other accountable for these devotions?
3. In Acts 2:16-21, Peter reminds the people that what they've witnessed is a prophecy fulfilled (from Joel 2:28-32). He is reminding them that God always keeps his promises. What evidence have you seen in your life that God keeps his promises?
4. Who are people in your life right now that you should share the gospel with? What action steps can you take to share the gospel with them?