Acts 1:1-5
We begin our journey in the history of the church with the final words of Jesus to His disciples before His ascension. In Acts 1:1-11, Luke recounts how Jesus, after His resurrection, spent 40 days teaching about the Kingdom of God. He instructed the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. As Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples watched in awe, and two angels appeared, assuring them that He would return in the same way they saw Him go. This moment marked the beginning of their mission and the birth of the church.
INTRODUCTION
Author: Luke
Theme: The Triumphant Spread of the Gospel Through the Power of the Holy Spirit by the Apostles and Disciples of Jesus Christ
Date of Writing: 63 AD (covering a 30-year span from 33 AD to 63 AD)
Background: The book of Acts is a sequel, or continuation, of the Gospel of Luke and is addressed to the same man named “Theophilus” (1:1; see the introduction to Luke). Although the author is not identified by name in either book, the opinion of the majority of early Christians and the supporting evidence from within the two books point to Luke, “our dear friend … the doctor” (Col 4:14), as the author of both books.
The Holy Spirit inspired Luke to write to Theophilus to fill a need in the church–particularly among the first Gentile (i.e., non-Jewish) Christians throughout the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions of the Roman Empire. Luke’s books provide a full and accurate account of the beginnings of Christianity. (1) His “former book” (Luke) is his Gospel (i.e., his account of the “good news”) about Jesus’ life. (2) His latter book (Acts) is his account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Jerusalem (i.e., when God sent the Holy Spirit to fill and empower his first followers). Acts also gives account of the growth and development of the early church that followed. It is obvious that Luke was a skilled writer, a careful historian and an inspired theologian (i.e., a student of matters relating to God, particularly the Christian faith and God’s relation to the world).
Acts covers selected portions of the first thirty years of the history of the church (i.e., the broad community of Christ’s followers with the shared purpose of worshiping God and the primary mission of spreading the message of Jesus worldwide... As a church historian, Luke traces the spread of the message about Christ from Jerusalem to Rome. In the process, he mentions 32 countries, 54 cities, 9 Mediterranean islands, 95 different persons by name and a variety of government officials by their specific titles. Modern archaeology continues to confirm the amazing accuracy of the details recorded by Luke. In addition to historical details, Luke insightfully describes the meaning and importance of various experiences and events in the church’s early years.
In its first stages, the NT Scriptures were available in two collections: (1) the four Gospels–the accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and (2) the letters of Paul–a pioneer missionary and Christian leader who started many NT churches among Gentiles (those who were not Jews). As the very important connecting link between these two collections, Acts is placed among the writings that are accepted as God’s proven and authoritative Word. Chs. 13–28 provide the historical background necessary for a more complete understanding of Paul’s ministry and letters to various churches. The “we” references found in Acts (16:10-17; 20:5–21:18; 27:1–28:16) reveal that Luke participated personally in Paul’s travels.
(Taken from, The Fire Study Bible)
ACTS 1:1-11
1 In my former book ["The Gospel of Luke"], Theophilus ["Friend of God"], I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. [John 20:19-29 & 1 Corinthians 15:3-5]
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” [Mark 3:11 & Luke 24:49]
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” [2 Samuel 7:12-13, Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:10-12, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Ezekiel 37:21-24, & Daniel 2:24]
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” [Matthew 28:19-20]
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. [Mark 16:19-20 & Hebrews 4:14]
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” [Matthew 16:27; 24:26-31 & Revelation 1:7]