Acts of the Apostles - Chapter 1

Acts of the Apostles 1.1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Acts of the Apostles 1.2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: Acts of the Apostles 1.3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: Acts of the Apostles 1.4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. Acts of the Apostles 1.5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Acts of the Apostles 1.6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? Acts of the Apostles 1.7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. Acts of the Apostles 1.8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts of the Apostles 1.9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Acts of the Apostles 1.10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Acts of the Apostles 1.11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts of the Apostles 1.12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. Acts of the Apostles 1.13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. Acts of the Apostles 1.14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts of the Apostles 1.15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said,(the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Acts of the Apostles 1.16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. Acts of the Apostles 1.17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Acts of the Apostles 1.18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. Acts of the Apostles 1.19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. Acts of the Apostles 1.20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Acts of the Apostles 1.21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Acts of the Apostles 1.22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. Acts of the Apostles 1.23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. Acts of the Apostles 1.24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, Acts of the Apostles 1.25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. Acts of the Apostles 1.26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Acts of the Apostles : Chapter 1

Introduction to Act 1 of the Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 1 of the Acts of the Apostles marks the beginning of the history of the early Church. This foundational text immerses us in the crucial moments when the apostles prepared for their divine mission. We discover Jesus' ascension, his final instructions, and the promise of the Holy Spirit—essential elements for the continuation of Christ's work.

The Ascension and Final Instructions

In this chapter, Jesus, after his resurrection, gives clear instructions to his disciples. He commands them to await the coming of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem, thus empowering them to fulfill their gospel mission. This continuity between Jesus' ministry and the Church's mission is fundamental to understanding the development of the Gospel.

The Choice of Matthias

Another significant element of chapter 1 is the choice of Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot. This choice is made to complete the number of the Twelve, emphasizing the importance of fidelity and continuity in the Church's leadership. Peter, citing Psalm 109:8, justifies this decision by asserting that the vacancy must be filled to ensure the integrity of the apostolic community.

Five Enlightening Bible Passages

To better understand the crucial themes of this opening chapter, let's consider five biblical passages that illuminate and enrich our reflection.

Luke 24:49

"I send you the promise of my Father; but stay in the city of Jerusalem until you receive power from on high." This verse from Luke is directly linked to Acts 1:4-5, where Jesus exhorts his disciples to await the coming of the Holy Spirit, essential for their mission.

Mark 16:19

"After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God." This passage evokes Jesus' ascension, an event described in detail in Acts 1:9-11, thus confirming his divinity and authority.

Psalm 109:8

"Let your days be few; someone else takes his place." Peter refers to this psalm in Acts 1:20 to justify Matthias's choice, thus showing that the Scriptures are an essential guide for decision-making in the Church.

John 14:16

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever." This promise of Jesus concerning the Holy Spirit resonates with the instruction in Acts 1:4-5, emphasizing the importance of the divine presence among believers.

Daniel 7:13

"In my night vision, I saw one like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven." This vision of Daniel connects with the promise of the angels in Acts 1:11, which announces the glorious return of Jesus, strengthening our hope Christian.

Conclusion

Chapter 1 of the Acts of the Apostles is a precious foundation for the Christian faith. It reminds us of the importance of prayer, waiting, and spiritual preparation before embarking on the mission God entrusts to us. By meditating on these passages, we are called to renew our commitment to Christ and to live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, proclaiming the Gospel with courage and conviction.