Chapter at a glance
Luke opens Acts by recalling how the risen Jesus appeared to His disciples over forty days and taught them about God's Kingdom. Jesus tells them to await the promised Holy Spirit and to bear witness to Him from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. After He is taken up from their sight, they return to Jerusalem and devote themselves to prayer, together with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers. Peter then addresses the vacancy left by Judas. Citing the Psalms, the group prays and casts lots, and Matthias is counted with the eleven apostles.
Read the chapter
Read Acts 1 in your Bible. Notice that when the disciples ask about the timing of the Kingdom's restoration to Israel, Jesus does not supply a date; He directs them toward the coming Spirit and their commission to bear witness. Observe also the prayer, Scripture, and concern for faithful testimony that follow His ascension.
Key Scripture connections
- Acts 1:3–11 — the risen Jesus, promised Spirit, witness, and ascension
- Acts 1:12–14 — the gathered believers' prayer
- Acts 1:15–26 — Peter's appeal to Scripture and the appointment of Matthias
- Psalm 69:25 (69:26 in some editions) — cited in Acts 1:20
- Psalm 109:8 — cited in Acts 1:20
Respond to the Word
The instruction to wait in Jerusalem was given to those disciples in their particular circumstances. The chapter nevertheless invites us to examine our dependence on God: Are we more preoccupied with knowing a timetable than with obeying what Jesus has made clear? Pray faithfully, speak truthfully about Jesus, and seek to serve others with humility rather than drawing attention to yourself.
Prayer for this chapter
Father, thank You for raising Jesus and for His promise of the Holy Spirit. Keep me from placing speculation about times above the obedience You have made clear. Teach me to pray when I must wait and to act faithfully when You have shown the next step. Give me courage to bear witness to Jesus with humility and love. Guard me from self-importance. Help me encourage other believers, carry my neighbor's burdens, and trust You with what I cannot control. May my words and actions honor You. Amen.
Continue walking
Read Acts 1:8 and 1:14 again. Ask God for courage, patience, and a sincere heart. Choose one practical way to encourage or help someone today.