Acts Chapter 1.

Acts Chapter 1.

The Lord's final words to his disciples.  1:1-11.   Verse 8 gives the plan of witness, and is a clue to the literary plan of Acts.

           

The election of Matthias.  1:12-26. 

           

The Theological Assessment: 

The Ascension.   The writers of the New Testament interpreted the ascension as the fulfilment of Psalm 110.  This was to ascribe to Jesus supreme Lordship over all, and to apply to Him, language that the Old Testament applies to God alone.  It is a Psalm of the victorious Priest-King.

           

The Baptism of the Spirit.  1:5. It was a promise of the Father.  Prefigured by John's Baptism.  The place where it was to be fulfilled was Jerusalem.  The purpose was that the disciples be made strong and united for world-witness.   

The Baptism was specific as to:-

  *   The appointed place.

  *   The appointed time.

             

Evangelism.

  *   Personal witness - the method.

  *   Program, or plan of operation - its beginning, expansion and goal.  1:8.

  *   Power for witnessing.  Their success was due to the power of the Spirit.

             

Church Ministry.    

The apostolic group was once more made complete. 

Administration and organization was considered necessary.

  *  Their decision to appoint another in the place of Judas Iscariot arose from the conviction that God had a great plan of work for them.

  *    Peter spoke as recognized leader and invited the whole company to act in this matter.  He based the necessity of such an appointment upon the prophecy of Scripture.

  *   The number of the twelve apostles must again be made complete, that the new work of God be linked up with God's dealings with Israel of old, which had "Twelve Patriarchs."

  *   The apostolic circle must consist of men who had accompanied with them from John's Baptism and had been witnesses of the resurrection of Christ.  Personal, experimental knowledge is essential for an effective witness.  The apostle was, first of all, a witness.

  *   They first selected two men who met the requirements.  This choice depended upon their knowledge of the men and the qualifications required.  Then, secondly, they prayed that God's will should become manifest.  Finally, they cast lots that God's choice be confirmed. (see Prov.16:33).

Note, there is no recorded instance of casting lots, after the coming of the Holy Spirit.

           

An Enigma:  Judas  Iscariot.  B-D. 673.  Outward spiritual privileges and opportunities do not guarantee salvation.