Acts 1: Expository Preaching and Study Guide

Overview

Acts 1 opens the second volume of Luke’s writings, bridging the ministry of Jesus Christ to the mission of the early church. The chapter begins with the risen Lord Jesus giving final instructions to His apostles before ascending into heaven. He commands them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit and commissions them as His witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Key events include:

Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances over 40 days (vv. 1–3)
His command to wait for the Holy Spirit (vv. 4–5)
The apostles’ question about the kingdom (v. 6)
Jesus’ response and the Great Commission (v. 8)
The ascension of Christ (vv. 9–11)
The apostles’ return to Jerusalem and prayerful unity (vv. 12–14)
The replacement of Judas with Matthias (vv. 15–26)

Theologically, Acts 1 highlights the Lordship of Christ, the authority of His Word, the importance of Spirit-empowered mission, and the continuity of God’s redemptive plan through the church. It is foundational for understanding the church’s identity and purpose under the sovereign guidance of the ascended Christ.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Background:

Authorship: Luke, the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14), is the author of Acts, as part two of his Gospel account.
Date: Likely written around A.D. 62, before the martyrdom of Paul.
Audience: Theophilus and, by extension, early Gentile Christians needing assurance of the truth of the gospel and the church’s expansion.

Setting:

Acts 1 takes place in Jerusalem, shortly after Jesus’ resurrection. The Jewish expectation of the Messiah‘s kingdom was still high, and the apostles were grappling with understanding Jesus‘ mission in light of Old Testament prophecy.

Literary Features:

Narrative Genre: Acts is historical narrative, tracing the acts of the risen Christ through the apostles and the Holy Spirit.
Structure: Acts 1 is both prologue and transition. It moves from the Gospels’ focus on Jesus’ ministry to the church’s role in His ongoing work.
Unity with Luke‘s Gospel: Verse 1 explicitly links Acts to the Gospel of Luke, underscoring continuity between Jesus’ life and the Spirit’s work through the church.

The conservative evangelical reading affirms a literal, historical understanding of the text, rejecting any notion that Acts is merely theological fiction or ecclesiastical propaganda. Acts recounts what truly happened under divine inspiration.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. The Authority of the Risen Christ (vv. 1–3)

Jesus presents Himself alive after His suffering with “many convincing proofs,” reinforcing the truth of the bodily resurrection. His forty-day teaching about the kingdom emphasizes that the risen Lord continues to instruct His people.

Doctrinal Implication: Christ’s resurrection is not a myth—it is a historical fact that grounds our faith (1 Corinthians 15:17). His post-resurrection ministry validates His deity and our mission.

2. The Promise of the Holy Spirit (vv. 4–5, 8)

Jesus instructs the apostles to wait for the “gift” promised by the Father—the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This divine empowerment is not optional; it is necessary for the mission of God’s people.

Doctrinal Implication: The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, fully God, who indwells and empowers believers for witness and sanctification (John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9-11).

3. The Kingdom of God (v. 6–8)

The disciples’ question about the restoration of Israel reflects common Jewish messianic expectations. Jesus redirects their focus from political nationalism to spiritual witness, indicating the kingdom will advance not through military might but Spirit-empowered proclamation.

Doctrinal Implication: The kingdom of God is both already (in the church) and not yet (awaiting Christ’s return). The church advances the kingdom through gospel proclamation and discipleship, not social revolution.

4. The Ascension of Christ (vv. 9–11)

Jesus’ visible ascension confirms His exaltation, marking the end of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly intercession (Hebrews 7:25). The angels’ promise affirms His bodily return.

Doctrinal Implication: The ascended Christ reigns in glory and will return physically and visibly (cf. Zechariah 14:4; Revelation 1:7). This hope motivates our mission and sanctification.

5. Prayer and Unity Among Believers (vv. 12–14)

The disciples gather in an upper room and devote themselves to prayer in one accord. This posture prepares them for the coming of the Spirit and models the church’s dependence on God.

Doctrinal Implication: The church is a praying, unified community dependent on God’s power, not human plans. This principle is essential for church leadership and health.

6. Biblical Inerrancy and Apostolic Leadership (vv. 15–26)

Peter, grounded in Scripture, explains Judas‘ betrayal as fulfillment of prophecy (Psalm 69:25; 109:8) and leads the process of selecting Matthias. This demonstrates their commitment to biblical authority and God’s providence in leadership transitions.

Doctrinal Implication: Scripture is inerrant and sufficient for guidance in life and ministry. Church leadership must align with God’s Word and be guided by His sovereign hand.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis: Acts 1 (Selected Key Verses)

Acts 1:1-2

“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven…”

Explanation: Luke links Acts to his Gospel, showing that Jesus’ work didn’t end at the cross—it continues through the church. The phrase “began to do and to teach” implies an ongoing ministry, now carried out by the Spirit through His followers.
Doctrinal Insight: Christ is not absent—He continues to act in history through His Spirit and His people.
Cross-reference: Luke 1:1-4; John 14:12
Application: Church leaders must see their ministry as a continuation of Christ’s mission, not their own initiative.

Acts 1:3

“After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive…”

Explanation: The resurrection is the foundation of Christian faith. Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances were physical and verifiable.
Doctrinal Insight: The bodily resurrection of Jesus is a historical and theological non-negotiable (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
Cross-reference: Luke 24:36-43; John 20:27-29
Application: Teach and affirm the resurrection with confidence. It gives hope, courage, and purpose to ministry.

Acts 1:4-5

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised…you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…”

Explanation: Jesus commands them to wait, not act impulsively. The promise of the Father refers to the Holy Spirit, who will empower their witness.
Doctrinal Insight: The Holy Spirit is not merely a force but the personal presence of God sent by the Father and Son (John 14:26; Titus 3:5-6).
Cross-reference: Joel 2:28-29; Luke 24:49
Application: Effective ministry requires Spirit-dependence, not self-driven efforts.

Acts 1:6-8

“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”…“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”

Explanation: The disciples misunderstand the timing and nature of the kingdom. Jesus does not rebuke their hope in restoration but redirects their attention to mission.
Doctrinal Insight: The kingdom is spiritual, global, and inaugurated now through gospel proclamation.
Cross-reference: Isaiah 49:6; Matthew 28:18-20
Application: Church leaders must prioritize gospel mission over temporal politics or nationalism.

Acts 1:9-11

“…he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him…”

Explanation: The ascension is literal, bodily, and visible. The cloud represents God’s glory (cf. Exodus 13:21-22).
Doctrinal Insight: Christ is now exalted at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3) and will return in the same manner.
Cross-reference: Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 1:7
Application: Our Lord reigns today. Pastors must teach the ascension as part of the gospel and live with urgency for His return.

Acts 1:12-14

“They all joined together constantly in prayer…”

Explanation: The disciples, with Mary and Jesus’ brothers, wait in prayerful unity. This anticipates the Spirit’s coming.
Doctrinal Insight: Prayer is the lifeblood of the church; unity and dependence on God precede power.
Cross-reference: Psalm 133:1; John 17:20-23
Application: Every church must be a praying church. Leaders should cultivate spiritual unity and intercession.

Acts 1:15-26

“…the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David…”

Explanation: Peter interprets Judas’ betrayal as a fulfillment of Scripture. He shows a high regard for the Old Testament and God’s sovereignty.
Doctrinal Insight: God’s Word is inerrant, sufficient, and fulfilled in Christ (2 Timothy 3:16). Leadership transitions must be rooted in prayer and Scripture.
Cross-reference: Psalm 69:25; Psalm 109:8; Proverbs 16:33
Application: Church leaders must seek God’s guidance in leadership decisions and uphold Scripture as their standard.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Acts 1 is thoroughly Christ-centered. Though Jesus ascends to heaven, He remains the central figure in the book:

Risen Lord: He lives, teaches, and commissions even after death.
Ascended King: He takes His place at the right hand of the Father, fulfilling Psalm 110:1.
Promiser of the Spirit: He sends the Holy Spirit to carry on His work (John 16:7).
Lord of Mission: The gospel advances under His authority (Matthew 28:18-20).
Returning Judge: The angels affirm that Jesus will return physically and gloriously (Revelation 19:11-16).

Connection to the Cross and Resurrection: Acts 1 cannot be understood apart from the redemptive work of Jesus at Calvary and the empty tomb. His commission flows from His victory over sin and death. The church’s mission is rooted in proclaiming that victory to the nations.

Connection to the Father

Acts 1 subtly but clearly emphasizes God the Father:

The “Promise of the Father” (v. 4): The coming of the Spirit is initiated by the Father. This reveals the Father’s plan for empowering His people.
Sovereign Authority (v. 7): Jesus affirms that the Father sets the times and dates. He is sovereign over redemptive history.
Divine Unity: The work of redemption is Trinitarian—planned by the Father, accomplished by the Son, and applied by the Spirit.

Theological Implication: God the Father is not distant or passive—He is actively involved in the mission of the church. He governs the unfolding of history, empowers the church, and draws people to His Son.

Cross-References:

John 5:19-23 – The unity of the Father and Son in mission
Ephesians 1:3-10 – The Father’s plan to unite all things under Christ
1 Peter 1:2 – Salvation initiated by the Father, through the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus

Application: Christians must view the church’s mission as part of the Father’s eternal plan. Worship, leadership, and service should reflect reverence for the Father’s sovereignty and grace.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Although the Holy Spirit is not poured out until Acts 2, Acts 1 lays the theological and practical foundation for understanding the Spirit’s role in the life of the Church. Several connections stand out:

1. Promise of the Holy Spirit (vv. 4–5, 8)

Jesus refers to the coming of the Spirit as the “gift my Father promised” and speaks of a baptism that will change everything. The Spirit is the power source for the Church’s mission, not a secondary experience or optional addition.

Key Truth: The Holy Spirit is the promised divine Helper who will empower the Church to fulfill the Great Commission (John 14:26; Luke 24:49; Joel 2:28-29).

2. Power for Witness (v. 8)

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…”

The Holy Spirit does not merely produce ecstatic experiences—He equips believers to bear faithful, bold, global witness to Jesus. This marks the transition from fear to boldness, from hiding to heralding.

3. Preparation for the Spirit (vv. 12–14)

The disciples gather in united, persevering prayer. This posture of spiritual expectancy demonstrates that the Spirit is given not through ritual but through surrender and dependence on God.

Application: The Spirit empowers, convicts, sanctifies, and sends. Pastors and leaders must model Spirit-dependence in prayer, mission, and godliness.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Sermon Title: “Empowered to Witness: Christ’s Commission and the Spirit’s Power”
Text: Acts 1:1-11
Big Idea: Jesus commissions His people and empowers them by the Holy Spirit to be bold witnesses to the ends of the earth.

I. The Mission Continues (vv. 1–3)

“Jesus began to do and teach…”

Point: Jesus’ work didn’t end with the resurrection. It continues through the Church.
Illustration: Like a relay race, Jesus hands the baton to His followers, but He remains the Coach and Guide.
Application: Are we continuing the work of Christ, or are we standing still?

II. The Promise of Power (vv. 4–5, 8)

“Wait for the gift… You will receive power…”

Point: The mission must be Spirit-powered, not self-powered.
Illustration: A phone without a charged battery is useless. The church without the Spirit lacks power.
Application: Are we functioning in the flesh or by the Spirit?

III. The Priority of Witness (v. 8)

“You will be my witnesses…”

Point: The Spirit empowers us to testify about Jesus, beginning where we are and going global.
Example: From Jerusalem (home), to Judea (community), Samaria (enemies), and the ends of the earth.
Application: Are we gospel-focused, or distracted by secondary concerns?

IV. The Reign of the Ascended Christ (vv. 9–11)

“He was taken up… He will come back…”

Point: Jesus now reigns and will return. We live in the power of the Spirit and hope of His return.
Illustration: Like soldiers under a King’s command, we await His return but serve faithfully in His absence.
Application: Are we living with urgency, purpose, and hope?

Conclusion:

Jesus has entrusted His mission to us—but not in our strength. He gives His Spirit. He reigns from heaven. He’s returning soon. Let us pray, serve, and proclaim with boldness.

Call to Action:

For the church: Depend on the Spirit, pray in unity, and witness boldly.
For leaders: Equip the saints, preach Christ, and wait on God’s power before moving.
For unbelievers: This same Jesus who ascended will return—are you ready to meet Him?

Illustrations and Examples

1. Power Source Analogy

A vacuum cleaner may look powerful, but unless it’s plugged in, it’s useless. The Holy Spirit is the power source for the Church—without Him, all ministry is motion without life.

“The Church can have programs, buildings, and leaders—but without the Spirit, it’s like a car with no engine.”

2. GPS and the Great Commission

The disciples wanted a map (v. 6), but Jesus gave them a mission. Like a GPS recalibrates as you go, the Holy Spirit leads dynamically as we obey His direction.

“God often doesn’t give us the full picture upfront—He gives us the next step. The Spirit guides us moment by moment.”

3. Firefighter Example (Witness and Urgency)

Imagine a firefighter who knows a building is about to collapse but walks away silently. The urgency of the gospel calls us to warn and witness, not remain passive.

“You don’t need to be a theologian to be a witness—you just need to tell the truth about what you’ve seen Jesus do.”

4. Family Story (Waiting on God)

Tell of a time when rushing ahead of God led to failure, but waiting in prayer brought clarity and peace. Connect this to the disciples’ waiting in Acts 1:12-14.

Application for Today’s Christian

Acts 1 is not only a historical introduction—it is a practical manual for Christian life and leadership today. Here are key ways believers can apply the chapter:

1. Live as Christ’s Witness (v. 8)

Every Christian is called to be a witness—at home, at work, and in the world.

Discipleship: Take responsibility to disciple others—share your testimony, teach new believers, and model a life surrendered to Christ.
Practical Step: Begin with one person this week. Pray for them, share the gospel, or invite them into a spiritual conversation.

2. Wait on God in Prayer (vv. 12–14)

The early church didn’t rush into action—they waited prayerfully and unitedly.

Stewardship of Time: Prioritize time with God. Don’t move ahead of Him.
Practical Step: Set aside regular, focused time for personal and corporate prayer. Encourage your church or small group to follow the early disciples’ example.

3. Submit to the Authority of God’s Word (vv. 15–20)

Peter interprets Judas’ betrayal through the lens of Scripture, showing the early church’s reliance on God’s Word for decisions.

Discipleship: Build your life on Scripture. Let it shape your thinking, values, and leadership decisions.
Practical Step: Make Scripture central in your home, ministry, and leadership meetings. Let the Word of God, not human opinion, have the final say.

4. Recognize the Sovereignty of God (vv. 7, 24)

Jesus reminded the disciples that only the Father sets the times. God appointed the replacement for Judas. His purposes will prevail.

Stewardship of Control: Trust God’s timing. Do not manipulate outcomes—pray, obey, and trust.
Practical Step: In uncertain seasons, resist the urge to take control. Instead, respond in faith and patience.

Connection to God’s Love

Though Acts 1 is filled with mission and preparation, God’s love is deeply present:

1. Jesus’ Ongoing Presence and Instruction (v. 3)

Jesus didn’t leave His followers confused or abandoned. He continued to teach and reassure them after His resurrection.

Truth: God lovingly equips us for what He calls us to do. He does not send us out without clarity or help.

2. The Gift of the Holy Spirit (v. 4)

The Holy Spirit is called a gift from the Father—a sign of divine love and empowerment.

Truth: God’s love is not only shown in saving us from sin, but also in enabling us to live faithfully through the Spirit.

3. The Global Mission of Redemption (v. 8)

God’s desire to reach “the ends of the earth” shows His heart for all nations and peoples.

Truth: God’s love is not narrow or exclusive—it stretches across boundaries to redeem every tribe, tongue, and nation.

“God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Broader Biblical Themes

Acts 1 stands at a crucial point in the biblical story and connects deeply to major themes in Scripture:

1. Redemption

The resurrection and ascension of Christ complete the redemptive work He began. The commissioning of the apostles initiates the spread of redemption to all people.

Genesis 3–Revelation 22: From the Fall to the New Creation, God’s redemptive plan unfolds. Acts 1 is the hinge between Jesus’ redemptive act and its proclamation to the world.

2. Covenant Fulfillment

The promise of the Holy Spirit is rooted in the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26-27). God fulfills His promise by sending His Spirit to dwell within His people.

Old Testament Echoes: Joel 2:28-29; Ezekiel 36:27
New Testament Fulfillment: John 14:16-17; Acts 2

3. Kingdom of God

The apostles ask about the kingdom’s restoration (v. 6), and Jesus redefines it as a global, Spirit-empowered mission—not a political regime.

Theme: The kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36) but is established in hearts through the gospel and awaits full consummation at Christ’s return.

4. God’s Sovereignty

God governs the details of history, from Judas’ fall to the choosing of Matthias. Nothing is outside His plan.

Theme: God works all things according to His will (Ephesians 1:11). Leaders rise and fall by His decree. The mission advances not by accident but by design.

Reflection Questions

For Personal Study or Small Group Discussion

These questions are designed to encourage thoughtful reflection, group dialogue, and life transformation based on Acts 1.

1. What does Acts 1 teach us about the continuing work of Jesus Christ after His resurrection?

How does this impact your understanding of Jesus’ role today?
In what ways are you participating in His ongoing work?

2. Why do you think Jesus commanded the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit instead of immediately sending them out?

What does this say about our need for God’s power before engaging in ministry?
How can you learn to wait on God in your own decisions?

3. Read Acts 1:8. What does it mean to be a “witness” for Christ in your daily life?

Who are your “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and ends of the earth”?
What fears or barriers keep you from witnessing boldly?

4. How does the ascension of Jesus (vv. 9–11) shape the way you live now?

How should the promise of His return influence your daily choices, priorities, and relationships?
Are you living with a sense of urgency and hope?

5. Acts 1:14 highlights the early believers’ unity and devotion to prayer. What role does corporate prayer play in your spiritual life or local church?

How can your group grow in consistent, united prayer together?
What specific things should you be praying for as you prepare to serve?

6. Peter’s use of Scripture to interpret events (vv. 16–20) shows the church’s reliance on God’s Word.

How do you personally use Scripture when making decisions?
Is your view of the Bible consistent with how the early church treated it—as trustworthy, prophetic, and authoritative?

7. God was sovereign even over the betrayal of Judas and the selection of Matthias (vv. 21-26).

How do you respond when it feels like circumstances are out of your control?
In what ways do you need to trust more deeply in God’s providence?

8. The early church was committed to preparing for mission even before Pentecost.

What steps of preparation—spiritually, relationally, or practically—do you need to take to serve God more effectively?
Are you willing to be sent, empowered, and used by the Holy Spirit?