Study notes
Here, Luke summarizes his first book, the Gospel of Luke, which he wrote for Theophilus. Luke also calls him “most excellent” (Luke 1:3). This title indicates that he was a person of very important social status (compare Acts 23:26; 24:2; 26:25). He was probably a financial donor or patron who helped Luke with the costs of publishing or distributing his work (see study note on Luke 1:3).
Luke began by reminding Theophilus about the first book he had written. Luke’s gospel told the story of Jesus’ life and work on earth.
In the book of Acts Luke wrote about the work of the Holy Spirit through Jesus’ followers. Jesus spent time with his disciples after he rose from the dead. The disciples were also called apostles. He ate meals with them and continued to teach them for 40 days.
The apostles didn’t fully understand the kingdom of God. They still thought Jesus was going to make Israel a powerful nation again. Jesus’ final instructions to them were to wait until they were baptised with the Holy Spirit. He was talking about when he would send the Holy Spirit to his followers. Their lives would be completely changed when this happened. They would have the strength and power they needed to continue Jesus’ work on earth. They would spread the message about Jesus in areas near and far.
The disciples were with Jesus on the Mount of Olives. Then they saw Jesus leave earth. He went to rule as King with God in heaven. The two men dressed in white clothing were angels. They reminded the apostles about Jesus’ return to earth in the future. This was good news that had to be announced to all the people in the world.
He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive: The Gospels provide evidence for Christ’s resurrection:
Jesus’s tomb was empty (Luke 24:3–4).
No one disturbed his grave clothes (John 20:3–9).
Many people saw him (see Matthew 28; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–53; John 20:11–21:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8).
Jesus appeared to the apostles to help them overcome their doubt (Matthew 28:17; Luke 24:17–24, 38, 41; John 20:27; see Mark 16:14).
the kingdom of God: This was the main theme of Jesus’s teaching (see Acts 1:6–8; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14–15; Luke 4:43).
wait for the gift the Father promised: See 2:1–13; compare with John 14:15–17.
baptized: See “Baptism” Theme Note.
He was taken up: Jesus ascended into heaven (see also Luke 24:50–53). This happened on the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:12; Luke 24:50). This was the last physical appearance of Jesus. He ascended into heaven, where he will stay "until the time comes for the restoration of all things" (Acts 3:21).
This key verse shows how the good news about Jesus extended from place to place:
It began in Jerusalem and Judea (1:6–8:1).
It then came to Samaria (8:4–25).
Next, it went to Antioch in Syria (11:19–30).
Later, it extended across the Mediterranean Sea to Rome (13:1–28:31).
Christ gave a similar mission to Saul of Tarsus (9:15). At first, Saul was well-known for persecuting Jewish Christians. After his encounter with Christ, he became the main person spreading the gospel to non-Jews (Gentiles).
when the Holy Spirit comes: The Holy Spirit provided the power for all these missionary efforts for the good news about Jesus.
as He was going: The ascension of Jesus into heaven shows his promotion to a position of ultimate authority (see Ephesians 1:19–23; Philippians 2:9–11).
in the same way: Jesus promised to return from heaven in the same way (see Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; John 14:3). Jesus has gone to heaven to prepare a place for his followers (John 12:26; 14:1–4; 2 Corinthians 5:4; Philippians 3:21; Hebrews 6:20).
Those who witnessed Christ going into heaven returned to Jerusalem with joy, worship, excitement, and praise to God (Luke 24:52). The angels' message eased their doubts (see study note on Acts 1:3).
Jesus had chosen 12 disciples to be his closest followers (Luke 6:12–16). Those were the 12 apostles.
After Judas killed himself there were only 11 apostles left.
Peter made it clear that there must be 12 apostles again. All 12 needed to have worked with Jesus from the beginning. All 12 needed to have seen him alive after he died. All 12 needed to have seen him be taken up to heaven.
To choose the person to take Judas’ place, the apostles spent time in prayer and reading God’s word. Then they cast lots.
This is the only story in the New Testament about Jesus’ followers casting lots. Other times church leaders were chosen in other ways.
All eleven of the remaining apostles were present (compare Matthew 10:2–4; Mark 3:16–19; Luke 6:13–16). Judas Iscariot is not on this list because he had already betrayed Jesus and killed himself (Acts 1:18–19).
The first disciples came together for worship, fellowship, and prayer (see also 2:42, 46–47; 4:24–31; 5:12; 12:5; 13:1–3). The faithful women who witnessed Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection were there (Luke 23:49, 54–56; 24:1–10, 22).
The brothers of Jesus did not believe in him during his earthly ministry (John 7:3–5; compare Matthew 12:46–49). But they became his disciples after his resurrection.
the Scripture had to be fulfilled: See 1:20.
The account in the Gospel of Matthew is slightly different (Matthew 27:3–10). We can match the two accounts by understanding the priests' purchase of the “Field of Blood” as if they acted on behalf of Judas. Also, Judas may have killed himself by hanging, but he later fell headfirst. Then his body split open, possibly when the rope broke.
May another take his position: It was extremely important to find someone to replace Judas so there would still be twelve apostles. The church was the new Israel so it needed twelve leaders chosen and appointed by God (see Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:29–30).
To qualify to be an apostle, a man needed to have been with the other apostles throughout the public ministry of Jesus. This period started from the time John baptized Jesus and continued until Jesus was taken up into heaven.
With prayer and humble dependence on God that he would reveal his will, the apostles cast lots (1:14, 24). This was a traditional way to discover God’s will (see Leviticus 16:8; Numbers 27:21; Deuteronomy 33:8; Joshua 14:2; 18:3–10; Proverbs 16:33). God chose Matthias by lot to replace Judas. After Pentecost, the Holy Spirit guided the followers of Jesus through dreams, visions, and prophecies instead of through lots (compare Acts 2:17–18; 13:2; 16:7–10).
You know everyone's heart: See also 1 Samuel 16:6–7; 1 Kings 8:39; 1 Chronicles 28:9; 2 Chronicles 6:30; Psalms 7:9; 44:21; Jeremiah 11:20; John 2:24–25; Revelation 2:23.
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources