Acts Chapter 1

Author: Historically, Luke

Date: About a.d. 62

Theme: The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Early History of Christianity

Author. The Book of Acts does not specifically mention its author, but many indicators point to Luke, “the beloved physician” (Col. 4:14). The author was the same person as the one who wrote the Third Gospel (1:1, 2). He was a close associate of Paul, as indicated in the “we” sections of the book. The writer was a man of culture, as indicated by his literary style; he had a universal outlook; and he revealed an interest in medical matters. In addition, church tradition uniformly declares that Luke was the author of Acts. Therefore, the bulk of the evidence, both external and internal, supports Luke as the author.

Date. Luke tells the story of the early church within the framework of geographical, political, and historical details that could only fit in the first century. For example, Luke’s use of regional Roman governmental titles, which only someone living at the time could know precisely, suggests that the book was probably written within its actual time frame. Furthermore, there is no mention of the fall of Jerusalem in a.d. 70, and Nero’s persecution of the Christians, which began about a.d. 64. Therefore, because of these facts, and because the book does not record the death of Paul but leaves him a prisoner in Rome, it is logical to date the writing of Acts near the end of the apostle’s imprisonment there in about a.d. 62. [1]

1. Introduction (vs1-7)
1. Luke is the author
2. Resurrected body (vs.4)

                                                               i.      Ate with them

                                                             ii.      Taught them more

                                                            iii.      40 days He appeared several times

1. Jesus proves to Apostles He has Risen on several occasions

1:7 In His reply Jesus corrects their misconception and adjusts their perspective concerning the kingdom of God. He declares that the kingdom is currently spiritual in its character, international in its membership, and gradual in its expansion. The Holy Spirit . . . upon one is an important concept in Luke and Acts, and Jesus is a primary example of the work of the Holy Spirit within and upon us. Jesus’ life was conceived by the Spirit, and the Spirit working within Him brought forth the fruit of good character (Luke 2:52). Later the Spirit came upon Jesus to bring forth a ministry of power (Luke 3:22; 4:18). The distinctive purpose of the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts is to empower the church for ministry. See Introduction to Acts: The Holy Spirit at Work. [2]

1. Jesus tells them to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit arrives #. Holy Spirit promised (v8-11)
2.  All were together #. The Cloud (Matt. 17:5)The Cloud of God’s special Glory (Shekinah)
3. Jesus Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:45-48; John 20:21-23; Acts 1:8) is superseded by this command to wait until the Holy Spirit has given them power. Jesus’ last words before leaving.
4. Standing Gazing into heaven-

                                                               i.      2 angels sent to tell them to stop staring

                                                             ii.      Jesus will do what He said

1. United in Prayer (vs. 12-26)
1. They went to the room they were staying
2. All were continually united in prayer
3. (vs.15-22) 120 followers were present. Chose a replacement for Judas.
4.  

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[1] Spirit Filled Life Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1991, S. Ac 1:1

[2] Spirit Filled Life Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1991, S. Ac 1:6-7