Acts 1:1-2:
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

The book of Acts, often titled “The Acts of the Apostles”, was written by a Gentile doctor named Luke, a travel companion of the Apostle Paul. This connection gave him a unique perspective on the early church. Luke is also the author of the Gospel of Luke, and both works were addressed to a man named Theophilus. Theophilus, which means "lover of God," was probably a Greek believer, a man of considerable wealth and influence. Alternatively, it could be a symbolic name representing Christian seekers. Luke begins by highlighting that his former book was about what Jesus began to do and teach. Jesus' ministry was characterized by mighty deeds and powerful words, so it’s clear that this new book would be about what Jesus continues to do and teach through the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts is marked by mighty deeds, powerful words, boldness, and courage, as we will see while exploring the text.

Acts 1:3:
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.

After Jesus' death, the disciples were fearful of the Jews and hid themselves. For many, it seemed that it was all over because they hadn’t yet grasped the concept of the resurrection. Luke emphasizes that Christ presented Himself alive, and this is a crucial point because Christ’s death and resurrection form the cornerstone of our faith and message. The foundation of Christianity is the death and resurrection of Jesus. His death pays for our sins, and His resurrection gives us hope for eternity. Paul reiterates this in 1 Corinthians 15:14: And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. Without Christ's resurrection, there would be no hope.

Praise be to God that with infallible proof, Christ appeared to His disciples. For example, in Matthew 28:9-10, Luke 24:36, John 20:1-18, and one of my favorite passages, John 20:24-27, where Thomas—often called “Doubting Thomas”—refuses to believe until he sees and touches Jesus' wounds. Jesus appeared to him and said, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." May God help us, for sometimes we are like Thomas, doubting God’s power in our lives. But I remind you today, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in your life—so believe!

Acts 1:4-5:
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. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

For forty days, Jesus repeatedly told His disciples to "Go," as seen in the various iterations of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:46-49). But now, He instructs them to stay. Not just stay, but to remain until they receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Their effectiveness in going would now depend on their staying and waiting. Waiting isn’t easy, especially when we feel ready. Even though the disciples were prepared, they had to wait for the Holy Spirit. This teaches us that the task ahead cannot be completed by human effort alone.

Interestingly, in John 20:22, Jesus had already breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” So the disciples already had the Holy Spirit. Yet, Jesus still told them to wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This shows us that there are different ways the Holy Spirit interacts with believers: with, in, and upon/fill. When you receive Jesus, the Holy Spirit indwellsyou. This happens once, as the Bible teaches we become temples of the Holy Spirit. However, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, using the prepositions "upon" or "fill," can happen repeatedly. The purpose of this filling is for the task ahead, empowering us.

Luke 24:49 says, “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” This shows that we can ask God to clothe us with the Holy Spirit, based on the challenges we face. Whether it's an interview, a difficult decision, or any other task, we can ask God to empower us through the Holy Spirit. The disciples had no technological advantage, no support from the rulers, and no widespread approval. They had an enormous task ahead of them that could not be accomplished by human effort—they needed the Holy Spirit's power.

Acts 1:6-8:
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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.”

Here, we see the scope of God’s mission: "the ends of the earth." Yet, the work begins at home (Jerusalem). Every church has its own Jerusalem. For us, our Jerusalem is Syokimau. The work must start here and spread outward. We can plant churches across Kenya, Africa, and even globally—but this cannot be achieved through human strength alone. When you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, you receive power, and this power drives you to participate in God’s mission.

A church that focuses only inward will die, but a church on mission will flourish. A church committed to reaching "the ends of the earth" will always have life.

Acts 1:9-11:
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “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.”

Jesus will return, and we will all give an account. May we be found faithful when He does.

Acts 1:12-14:
Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Our waiting should never be passive. The disciples were waiting actively through constant prayer. We, too, receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit through earnest, consistent prayer.

Acts 1:15-26:
Peter stood up and spoke about the need to replace Judas. The disciples nominated two men and prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was chosen to replace Judas.

We can learn something valuable from their process. In life, we will face decisions—whether choosing a leader, a business partner, a life partner, or a career. How did they make their choice? They were in fellowship and constant prayer. Corporate prayer is powerful, especially when discerning God’s direction. 

They used common sense to narrow their choices, valuing loyalty and experience. But they didn’t stop there. They asked for God’s guidance, praying, “God, show us your choice.”Common sense is just the starting point; we must seek God's will. Many of us choose first and then ask God to endorse our decision, but we should be asking for His choice from the beginning.

Although they cast lots, this doesn’t mean we should do the same today. When we pray, God will guide our steps, but how that looks may vary. Some may feel a deep conviction, while others may seek wise counsel. Whatever the method, God will help you discern the next step.

Takeaway: Wait on the Lord, stay in prayer, and seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment for the tasks ahead.

By Pastor Shadrack T. Ashaiyo {Pst Shaddie}

Reference: Biblegateway