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Acts Chapter
One
Acts 1
Let us now examine the chapters in their course. Chapter
1 supplies us with the narrative of that which relates to Jesus risen, and the
actions of the apostles before the descent of the Holy Ghost. The Lord's
communications present several very interesting points. Jesus, the risen man,
acts and speaks by the Holy Ghost after His resurrection as before it. Precious
token of our own position, as reminding us that we shall have the Holy Ghost
after our resurrection, and that, being no longer engaged in restraining and
mortifying the flesh, His divine energy in us will be entirely consecrated to
eternal joy and worship, and to the service committed to us by God. The risen
Lord then gives His disciples commandments in connection with the new position
He assumes. Their life and their service are to be formed and guided in view of
His resurrection-a truth of which they had irrefragable proofs. They were still
on earth, but they were pilgrims there, having Him in view who had gone before
them raised from among the dead. Their relations with Him are still connected
with their position on earth. He speaks to them of the kingdom, and of that
which concerned the kingdom. Jerusalem was the starting-point of their
ministry, even more than of His own. For He had gathered together the poor of
the flock wherever He had found them, especially in Galilee; [1] but
now, resurrection having made Him in power the vessel of the sure mercies of
David, He calls Israel afresh to own as Prince and Saviour the One whom they
had rejected as the living Messiah on earth. The Epistles of Peter are
connected with the gospel in this point of view.
Nevertheless, to exercise this ministry, they were to wait for the
accomplishment of the Father's promise, the Holy Ghost, with whom they were to
be baptised, according to John's testimony, which the Lord assured them should
soon take place. The mission of the Holy Ghost led them, at the same time, out
of the Jewish field of purely temporal promises. The Father's promise of the
Holy Ghost was a very different thing from that of the restoration of the
kingdom of Israel by the power of Jehovah, the God of judgment. It was not for
them to know the time and season of this restoration, the knowledge of which
the Father kept in His own possession; but they should themselves receive the
power of the Holy Ghost, who would come down upon them; and they should be
witnesses unto Jesus (as they had known Him, and according to the manifestation
of Himself after His resurrection), both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth-thus making Jerusalem the
starting-point and first object, according to the mission, Luke 24:47.
Nevertheless, their testimony was founded on their beholding their Master and
their Lord caught up from their midst, and received into the clouds of heaven,
which hid Him from their sight. While looking steadfastly upwards, as this took
place, two messengers from heaven come and announce to them that He will return
in like manner. His manifestation in this lower world, beneath the heavens, is
therefore here intended. He will return to earth to be seen of the world. We
have not the rapture of the assembly, nor the assembly's association with Him
while absent. With the knowledge of Jesus taken up out of the world, and to
come again into the world, as the termini and elements of all their teaching,
they return to Jerusalem, there to wait for the Holy Ghost who was promised
unto them. It is not into Galilee that they go. They are to be witnesses in
Jerusalem of the heavenly rights of that Christ who had been rejected on earth
by Jerusalem and the Jews. [2] All
this clearly shews the position in which they were placed, and the mission
committed to them. But before they receive the Holy Ghost for its fulfilment,
some other characteristic circumstances find their place in this chapter. They
act, under the guidance of Peter, according to intelligence in the word, before
they are endowed with power from on high. These two things are therefore
distinct from each other.
It appears that, although Peter was not directly led of
the Holy Ghost, the Spirit put His seal on that which was done in accordance
with the word in the Old Testament understood by the apostle. We have before
seen that Christ, after His resurrection, opened the understanding of His
disciples that they might understand the scriptures. They now act, not having
received the Holy Ghost, according to a Jewish principle. They present the lot
to the Lord, that He may decide. Nevertheless the lot was not all, nor was it
drawn without making a distinction. Apostolic authority flowed from the
nomination of Christ Himself. Intelligence of the scriptures makes them
understand that which ought to be. The object which the Lord had assigned to
their service narrowed the choice to the little circle of those who could
fulfil that object. Their history made them capable, as Jesus had said, of
being His witnesses, because they had been with Him from the beginning, and
could now testify that this same Jesus, whom the Jews had rejected and
crucified, was indeed risen from among the dead.
Apostolic authority is exercised in Jerusalem on the
Jewish principle, before the gift of the Holy Ghost. In this there was neither
research nor the exercise of the human mind. "His bishopric let another
take" guided their conduct; the capacity to testify of Jesus in His life
on earth, and now of His resurrection and ascension, decided on the needed
qualifications; the lot of Jehovah determined the individual who was to take
Judas' place. Two are chosen, according to these needful qualifications, and
the lot falls upon Matthias, who is numbered with the eleven apostles. But they
were still without the promised power.
[1] The
mission given in Luke 24 is the one fulfilled both in Peter's and Paul's
discourses in the Acts, but especially in chapters 2 and 13, not that of
Matthew 28 which, indeed, was only to Gentiles. Luke's was on His ascension
from Bethany, Matthew's in resurrection from Galilee, where He had sought the
poor of the flock (compare Matt. 4:15).
[2] In
this sense it is not a continuation of Christ's mission on the earth, continued
in the Matthew mission from Galilee.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Acts》
Acts 1
Chapter Contents
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)
Commentary on Acts 1:1-5
(Read Acts 1:1-5)
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.
Commentary on Acts 1:6-11
(Read Acts 1:6-11)
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.
Commentary on Acts 1:12-14
(Read Acts 1:12-14)
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.
Commentary on Acts 1:15-26
(Read Acts 1:15-26)
The great thing the apostles were to attest to the world,
was, Christ's resurrection; for that was the great proof of his being the
Messiah, and the foundation of our hope in him. The apostles were ordained, not
to wordly dignity and dominion, but to preach Christ, and the power of his
resurrection. An appeal was made to God; "Thou, Lord, who knowest the
hearts of all men," which we do not; and better than they know their own.
It is fit that God should choose his own servants; and so far as he, by the
disposals of his providence, or the gifts of his Spirit, shows whom he was
chosen, or what he has chosen for us, we ought to fall in with his will. Let us
own his hand in the determining everything which befalls us, especially in
those by which any trust may be committed to us.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Acts》
Acts 1
Verse 2
[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:
After having given commandment — In the 3d verse Acts 1:3 St. Luke expresses in general terms
what Christ said to his apostles during those forty days. But in the 4th Acts 1:4 and following verses he declares what
he said on the day of his ascension. He had brought his former account down to
that day; and from that day begins the Acts of the Apostles.
Verse 3
[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:
Being seen by them forty days — That is, many times during that space.
And speaking of the things pertaining to the
kingdom of God — Which was the sum of all his discourses
with them before his passion also.
Verse 4
[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.
Wait for the promise of the Father, which ye
have heard from me — When he was with them a little before, as
it is recorded, Luke 24:49.
Verse 5
[5] For
John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost
not many days hence.
Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost — And so are all true believers to the end of the world. But the
extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost also are here promised.
Verse 6
[6] When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord,
wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Dost thou at this time — At the time thou now speakest of? not many days hence? restore the
kingdom to Israel? - They still seemed to dream of an outward, temporal
kingdom, in which the Jews should have dominion over all nations. It seems they
came in a body, having before concerted the design, to ask when this kingdom
would come.
Verse 7
[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.
The times or the seasons — Times, in the language of the Scriptures, denote a longer; seasons, a
shorter space.
Which the Father hath put in his own power — To be revealed when and to whom it pleaseth him.
Verse 8
[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.
But ye shall receive power — and shall be witnesses to me - That is, ye shall be empowered to witness
my Gospel, both by your preaching and suffering.
Verse 12
[12] Then
returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from
Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
A Sabbath-day's journey — The Jews generally fix this to two thousand cubits, which is not a mile.
Verse 13
[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.
They went up into the upper room — The upper rooms, so frequently mentioned in Scripture, were chambers in
the highest part of the house, set apart by the Jews for private prayer. These,
on account of their being so retired and convenient, the apostles now used for
all the offices of religion. Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:14; Luke 6:13.
Verse 14
[14]
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women,
and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
His brethren —
His near kinsmen, who for some time did not believe; it seems not till near his
death.
Verse 15
[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,)
The number of persons together — Who were together in the upper room.
were a hundred and twenty — But he had undoubtedly many more in other places; of whom more than five
hundred saw him at once after his resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:6.
Verse 16
[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.
Verse 18
[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.
This man purchased a field with the reward of
iniquity — That is, a field was purchased with the
reward of his iniquity; though very possibly Judas might design the purchase.
And falling down on his face — It seems the rope broke before, or as he died.
Verse 19
[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.
In their own tongue —
This expression, That is, the field of blood, St. Luke seems to have added to
the words of St. Peter, for the use of Theophilus and other readers who did not
understand Hebrew.
Verse 20
[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.
His bishopric —
That is, his apostleship. Psalms 69:25.
Verse 21
[21]
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord
Jesus went in and out among us,
All the time that the Lord Jesus was going in
and out — That is, conversing familiarly: over us -
as our Master. Psalms 109:8.
Verse 22
[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.
To be a witness with us of his resurrection — And of the circumstances which preceded and followed it.
Verse 23
[23] And
they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and
Matthias.
And they appointed two — So far the faithful could go by consulting together, but no further.
Therefore here commenced the proper use of the lot, whereby a matter of
importance, which cannot be determined by any ordinary method, is committed to
the Divine decision.
Verse 25
[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.
Fell — By
his transgression - Some time before his death: to go to his own place - That
which his crimes had deserved, and which he had chosen for himself, far from
the other apostles, in the region of death.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on
Acts》
Chapter 1.
Peter Stood Up
Judus Burst Open
I. Promise the
Coming of the Holy Spirit
II. Join
Together Constantly in Prayer
III. Select
Witness Companion
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
Chapter One General Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To begin our study of Acts with a review of things taught by Jesus between His resurrection and ascension: the kingdom of God Promise of The Father, being baptized by the Spirit 2) To note the role and qualifications of the apostles as witnesses of the resurrection of Christ 3) To see how Luke sets the stage for the great events described in chapter two SUMMARY
Luke begins his second book to Theophilus by alluding to the first (thegospel of Luke, Lk 1:1-4). He briefly reviews what occurred during theforty days between the resurrection and ascension of Christ (cf. Lk24:1-53). Special attention is given to the Promise of the Father
regarding the apostles being baptized by the Holy Spirit, who wouldempower them as witnesses for Christ in Jerusalem , Judea, Samaria even to the end of the earth (1-8). The ascension of Jesus is then described (cf. also Lk 24:50-51), alongwith the promise of His return by two men in white apparel standing by(9-11). Obeying the command of the Lord, the apostles return to