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The passage from Acts 1:12-26 marks a pivotal transition in the early Christian community following Jesus Christ’s ascension. After witnessing the risen Lord ascend into heaven from the Mount of Olives, the disciples returned to Jerusalem as instructed. This moment captures the disciples in a season of waiting for the promised Holy Spirit, during which they prepare themselves for the mission Jesus had given: to be His witnesses “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The text emphasizes that before the power of the Holy Sprit of Pentecost arrives, God prepares His people through ordinary yet essential practices. This preparation reveals five key qualities that Christians today must cultivate to be ready for God’s mission.

These are my notes from a sermon at my church Lakewood Baptist Church in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.

If you would like to listen to the full sermon you can do so here.

Acts 1:12-26 NASB

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. ¹³ When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. ¹⁴ These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. ¹⁵ At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, ¹⁶ “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. ¹⁷ For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.” ¹⁸ (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. ¹⁹ And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) ²⁰ “For it is written in the book of Psalms,
‘LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE,
AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT’;
and,
‘LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.’
²¹ Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— ²² beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” ²³ So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. ²⁴ And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen ²⁵ to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” ²⁶ And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

As we examine this passage from the book of Acts, we can draw insights into the practice of the early church, the Apostles, and, indeed, instruction for Christian practice in our personal and church lives even today. The principles illustrated here are still key to our lives as Christians today, indeed more so than ever. In our “modern” and, I think, “post-Christian” society, it is critically important to hold fast to God’s guidance for us, as expressed in His Word, the Bible.

Here are five principles that will serve us well.

1. Obedience to Christ

The disciples’ first action after the ascension demonstrates simple, faithful obedience. Jesus had commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised” (Acts 1:4). Instead of rushing ahead presumptuously or fleeing in fear, they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives—a distance of about a Sabbath day’s journey—and gathered in the upper room (Acts 1:12). This obedience was not flashy but foundational. The sermon highlights that Christ’s mission must be done Christ’s way. Jesus had taught, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15), and “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love” (John 15:10). The apostles could not teach others to obey Christ if they disobeyed Him first. Obedience begins with the smallest commands, such as waiting in Jerusalem, and sets the stage for the greater mission. For modern Christians, this challenges the tendency to prioritize zeal over submission. The people God uses are those who hear His commands and obey without delay.

2. Devotion to Prayer

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the disciples “went up to the upper room where they were staying” (Acts 1:13) and devoted themselves continually to prayer, joined by the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers (Acts 1:14). This group of about 120 believers (Acts 1:15) prayed with one mind, likely seeking the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and power for the coming mission. The sermon notes that Jesus Himself modeled prayer throughout His ministry—praying at His baptism (Luke 3:21), withdrawing to pray regularly (Luke 5:16), praying before the transfiguration (Luke 9:28-29), teaching the disciples to pray (Luke 11:1), and praying in Gethsemane (Luke 22:41-44). If Jesus, the perfect Son of God, depended on prayer, how much more should the church? The book of Acts is filled with prayer: before Pentecost, after Pentecost, when facing persecution, choosing leaders, and sending missionaries. We as Christians need to examine our lives: “I am devoted to blank.” Many of us are devoted to work, entertainment, or hobbies, but true preparation for mission requires devotion to prayer. This dependence on God, rather than self-reliance, is essential for the church to be ready for the Spirit’s power.

3. Unity in Christ

The gathering included a diverse group: the eleven apostles (Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James), women, Mary, and Jesus’ brothers (Acts 1:13-14). Despite their differences—impulsive vs. tender, educated vs. uneducated, family vs. non-family—the text states they were “with one accord” (Acts 1:14). Notably, Matthew (a former tax collector who profited from Roman oppression) and Simon the Zealot (a former revolutionary against Rome) were united in Christ. Their common bond was devotion to Jesus, whose priorities became theirs. The sermon draws parallels to modern churches, where diverse backgrounds (former mega-church attendees, Catholics, former cult members, new believers) can create tension. Yet biblical unity, as Jesus prayed for—” that they may be one, even as we are one” (John 17:21-22)—is maintained not by minimizing doctrine or holiness, but by standing in truth, forgiving one another, and prioritizing others’ needs (Philippians 2:2-5). Consumerism in the American church—treating church like a business to satisfy preferences—threatens unity. True unity sacrifices personal preferences for the greater mission of advancing the gospel.

4. Guidance by the Scriptures

Peter addressed the group of about 120 believers, explaining that Scripture must be fulfilled regarding Judas, who betrayed Jesus (Acts 1:16-20). Judas had been one of the twelve, sharing in the ministry, but he betrayed Jesus to the authorities. Peter cited Psalm 69:25 (“Let his homestead be made desolate, and let no one dwell in it”) and Psalm 109:8 (“Let another take his office”) as fulfilled in Judas’ betrayal and death (Acts 1:20). This showes sermon explains Peter’s high view of Scripture: it is inerrant, inspired by the Holy Spirit through human authors (2 Timothy 3:16), and authoritative. Peter viewed these Psalms as typological—patterns in David’s life (betrayed by a close friend) foreshadowing Christ’s betrayal. Judas’ death and replacement were necessary to restore the twelve apostles, fulfilling Jesus’ promise that they would sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30). Peter emphasized that the replacement must be a man who accompanied Jesus from John’s baptism to the ascension, witnessing His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). This shows that when faced with decisions, the early believers turned to Scripture, not to personal impulse. Christians today must similarly be guided by God’s Word, not merely proof-texts but the full revelation of God’s character and will.

5. Leadership by Qualified Men

To complete the apostolic group, the believers proposed two candidates: Joseph called Barsabbas (Justus) and Matthias (Acts 1:23). They prayed, asking God, who knows all hearts, to show His choice (Acts 1:24-25). Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias, who was added to the eleven (Acts 1:26). Casting lots, an Old Testament method (Proverbs 16:33), was used here before the Spirit’s indwelling of all believers. The selection also stresses that apostleship required eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry and resurrection; no one today qualifies. However, the church still needs qualified leaders—pastors who are above reproach, able to teach, and spiritually mature (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). The early church prepared for Pentecost by ensuring godly leadership. Modern churches depend on faithful shepherds who lead with biblical fidelity and servant-heartedness.

Conclusion: A Mirror for Today’s Church

Acts 1:12-26 depicts the early believers in a period of waiting, preparing for the birth of the church at Pentecost. Their preparation was ordinary—obedience, prayer, unity, Scripture, and qualified leadership—but essential for the extraordinary mission ahead. This passage poses probing questions for Christians today: Do we obey Jesus personally before expecting revival? Are we devoted to prayer meetings as much as planting churches? Will we sacrifice preferences for unity? Are we governed by Scripture, even when it requires hard choices? Do we care about leadership decisions? The Holy Spirit’s power is promised, but readiness depends on our preparation. Just as the early church waited in these five qualities, today’s church must do the same to be used powerfully in spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth.