Acts 1:9-26

The Book of Acts  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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In this section of the book of Acts, we cover the ascension of Jesus into heaven, the disciples waiting in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit’s arrival, and the choosing of a successor for Judas Iscariot.

1. The Ascension ()

Acts 1:9–11 CSB
9 After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.”

A. Jesus was “taken up” while the disciples were present with him. ()

The ascension of Christ is associated with his exaltation to a place seated at the right hand of the throne of God. The “taken up” is the idea of heavens above and earth below. Luke wanted his readers to know that Jesus’ ascension is an objective reality. What took place really happened. They all saw it happen.

B. Two messengers interrupt their gaze with a mild rebuke. ()

Their white clothes suggest that they were angels. The disciples needed a reminder. They always seem a little slow to grasp the reality of what is happening.

C. Jesus will return in the same way he was “taken”. ()

Jesus will return and it will be a public appearance no one will be able to deny.

2. Waiting and Praying ()

Acts 1:12–14 CSB
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

A. They returned to Jersualem from the Mount of Olives. ()

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The Mount of Olives is close by to Jerusalem. It is separated by the Kiddron Valley and the Damascus Road.

B. They retired to an upper room of a place they were staying. ()

Luke gives a list of who was with them. The list includes the 11 apostles. Noticeably absent is Judas. The order of the the list of the apostles has been changed from what was given in . Three principle apostles are listed first: Peter, John, and James. Women are also mentioned as being present. Given the normal downplaying of women in the Jewish culture, it is noteworthy that they are mentioned, especially that they were mixing with the men. Human barriers were continually broken down because of Jesus. Mary, the mother of Jesus is also mentioned. She played, not only a role in the birth of Jesus, but in the birth of the church as well. The undue reference given to Mary by the Catholic church should not prevent us from appreciating Mary as an example of faithfulness and dedication to her Savior. Jesus’ brothers are also mentioned, just about destroying the concept of the perpetual virginity of Mary.

C. Their gathering was characterized by prayer. ()

As they waited for the promised Holy Spirit, they bonded together in prayer. They were united in prayer. They were of the same mind and passion. Older translations say, “with one mind”.
Why do we need to keep on praying?
Prayer makes us ready. Prayer changes us and prepares us to receive. It attunes us to God’s will.

3. Choosing Judas’ successor ()

Acts 1:15–26 CSB
15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers and sisters—the number of people who were together was about a hundred and twenty—and said: 16 “Brothers and sisters, it was necessary that the Scripture be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David foretold about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” 18 Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst, his body burst open and his intestines spilled out. 19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field is called Hakeldama (that is, Field of Blood). 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: Let his dwelling become desolate; let no one live in it; and Let someone else take his position. 21 “Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day he was taken up from us—from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “You, Lord, know everyone’s hearts; show which of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic ministry that Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias and he was added to the eleven apostles.

A. Peter addressed a group of about 120 followers of Jesus. ()

The term “brothers” is used for the first time in Acts. It may have been the earliest designation of a church member. 120 is not significant. It is just an estimate of the gathering. However, it does carry with it the idea of a plurality.

B. Peter viewed Judas’ betrayal as a fulfillment of Scripture. ()

Peter’s word carried with them the reminder that Judas ministered with them.

C. Peter described the death of Judas. ()

Even though the betrayal was predicted by Scripture, it was a wicked act of treachery. Any view which removes the personal accountability of Judas for his actions is errant. It is important to note that Peter’s speech noting Judas’ death and Matthew’s account do vary. I am not going to spend much time on this because I think the differences are easily explained by understanding that the authors are representing two different perspectives. Just like two different eyewitnesses can view the same event and yet emphasize different facts.

D. Peter quotes from and . ()

David was writing about his enemies, but Peter takes those verses and applies them to Jesus and his enemies. David was an example of a righteous sufferer in and , likewise, Jesus is a righteous sufferer.

E. Peter thought is was necessary to choose a replacement for Judas. ()

Why? Likely because the idea of having 12 apostles carried the idea of having a faithful remnant of the 12 tribes of Israel. Even though Israel as a whole was unfaithful and apostate, they would have symbolically chosen 12. This is not giving us a model for church governance. Peter thought they should pick somebody who had been with them the whole time, so that the person would not be going off of hearsay, but off of his own personal eyewitness. Witnessing the resurrection was a key characteristic of an apostle.

F. Two candidates were selected and Matthias was added to their number. ()

Their view of divine sovereignty was so high and complete, they believed God had control over even dice rolls. They prayed for the right choice to be made according to God’s will and left it up to God to select the right one. Tradition says that Matthias would take the gospel to the Ethiopians.
Please don’t think as some have that the choosing of Matthias was wrong. Sure, he is not mentioned in the rest of the book, but neither are most of the apostles. Only Peter, James, and John had really much of a role mentioned.
Also, notice their use of lots was only after they prayed, examined their “hearts, and reviewed their credentials. Lots were used when two good candidates existed for the singular position. The language suggested that nominations came from the group as a whole. Leadership had a role in the selection, but so did the whole group. There was interplay from leadership and from the others in the participation.
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