Listen

The Book of Acts, often titled “The Acts of the Apostles,” serves as the sequel to the Gospel of Luke, written by Luke—a medical doctor and faithful follower of Christ. This second volume, dedicated to a man named Theophilus (meaning “lover of God,” likely a sponsor or convert who supported Luke’s research), traces how the gospel of Jesus Christ spread from Jerusalem through Judea and Samaria to the ends of the earth, ultimately reaching Rome and setting the stage for global proclamation. Rather than focusing solely on the apostles’ deeds, Acts reveals the ongoing work of the risen Christ through His Spirit-empowered people, demonstrating that God is on the move and the church is commissioned for mission. This page is a summary of my notes from a sermon at my church, Lakewood Baptist Church in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. If you would prefer to listen to the whole sermon, you can do so here. Acts 1:1-12 NASB ​¹ The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, ² until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. ³ To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. ⁴ Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; ⁵ for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” ⁶ So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; ⁸ but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” The Ascension ⁹ And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. ¹¹ They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:1-11 forms the foundational introduction to the book, where Luke recaps Jesus’ earthly ministry, highlights the post-resurrection period, and outlines the church’s mission. These verses structure the narrative around three key movements of Christ’s work: what He began in the past, what He continues in the present, and what He will accomplish in the future. What Christ Began to Do in the Past (Acts 1:1-5) Luke begins by referencing his first book (the Gospel of Luke), which detailed “all that Jesus began to do and teach” until His ascension (Acts 1:1-2). This recap addresses Theophilus, emphasizing Jesus’ life, teachings, miracles, death, resurrection, and commands given through the Holy Spirit to the chosen apostles. The Gospel of Luke, the longest book in the New Testament, covered Jesus’ ministry until His ascension after the resurrection. Luke then zooms in on the 40 days between the resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:3-5). During this time, Jesus presented Himself alive through “many proofs,” appearing to His followers and speaking about the kingdom of God. He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the Father’s promise—the baptism with the Holy Spirit, which John the Baptist had foretold (Acts 1:5; cf. John 1:33). Jesus provided three key preparations:

1. Confidence in the Resurrection: He offered tangible evidence, such as eating with them and inviting them to touch His wounds (Luke 24:36-43). This countered doubts after His crucifixion, as seen in the Emmaus road encounter (Luke 24:13-35). These proofs strengthened the apostles’ faith, enabling them to preach boldly despite persecution.
2. Clarity on the Kingdom of God: Jesus taught about the kingdom—the realm of God’s rule, inaugurated through repentance and faith in Him (cf. Colossians 1:13). This kingdom is both present (in believers’ hearts) and future (when Jesus returns to reign from Jerusalem). The apostles needed this understanding to proclaim it accurately, as seen throughout Acts (e.g., Acts 8:12; 19:8; 28:31).
3. Promise of Power through the Holy Spirit: The apostles were to wait in Jerusalem for the Spirit’s baptism, providing empowerment beyond human ability (John 14-16). This promise set the stage for Pentecost and the church’s mission.

These 40 days were the “beginning” of Jesus’ work after His resurrection, setting up what was to happen later in Acts. What Christ Continues to Do in the Present (Acts 1:6-8) On the Mount of Olives, the apostles asked, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Their question reflected Old Testament prophecies of a restored Israel (e.g., Romans 11:26). Jesus redirected their focus from timing—reserved for the Father’s authority (Acts 1:7)—to their mission: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This verse serves as the outline for the entire book of Acts:

• Jerusalem (Acts 1-7)
• Judea and Samaria (Acts 8-10)
• The ends of the earth (Acts 11-28, with Paul’s missionary journeys and arrival in Rome)

Jesus predicted the apostles would testify as eyewitnesses to His life, death, resurrection, and teachings (cf. Acts 2:32; 3:15; 10:39). The Spirit’s power would enable bold proclamation, fulfilling Jesus’ promise (John 15:26-27). Acts 1:8 is not a command but a future statement of what God would accomplish through them. The mission continues today. While the apostles’ foundation reached many, over 7,500 unreached people groups (representing billions) remain without the gospel, according to organizations like Joshua Project. The church’s task—making disciples of all nations—persists until Christ’s return. What Christ Will Do in the Future (Acts 1:9-11) As Jesus blessed them, He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9). A cloud hid Him from view, and two angels appeared, declaring, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10-11). The ascension enthroned Jesus at the Father’s right hand, affirming His reign and authority (cf. Mark 13:26; Revelation 1:7). It assured the apostles of His power amid their weakness, motivating fearless witness. The angels promised His return in glory, linking the ascension to the second coming. This future hope fuels perseverance: Jesus reigns now and will return to establish His kingdom fully. Application for Today’s Church Acts 1 challenges believers to engage in Christ’s mission:

1. Patrons: Like Theophilus, support gospel work through resources.
2. Preachers: Proclaim the gospel boldly, not merely through humanitarian efforts.
3. Power: Rely on the Holy Spirit’s indwelling for effectiveness.
4. Perseverance: Anchor in resurrection, ascension, and second-coming truths.
5. Passion: Spread the gospel to unreached peoples until all hear.

Acts 1:1-11 introduces the story of the early church as the ongoing Acts of the risen Christ. Through the Spirit, believers are empowered to witness from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, participating in God’s redemptive plan until Jesus returns.