Luke Continues His Story (Acts 1:1-26)

Big Idea

Jesus commissions His followers, promises the Holy Spirit, and calls His people to be witnesses—preparing them through waiting, prayer, and trust in God’s plan.

How to Use These MTSM Study Notes

These study notes are designed to provide foundational insight into the passage you have read in The Gospels Discipleship Journal .

Before reading these notes, spend time with the Scripture itself. Wrestle with the text. Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you.

These notes are meant to supplement your reading — not replace it. They are a guide to help you understand the passage more clearly, not a substitute for personal engagement with God’s Word.

Introduction

Acts 1 is not the end of Jesus’ story—it is the continuation.

Luke picks up where his Gospel left off, showing that everything Jesus began to do and teach would now continue through His people, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The risen Christ is still at work—now through His Church.

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Setting the Stage for the Church (Acts 1:1–5)

Luke opens by reminding Theophilus of his first account:

Jesus’ earthly ministry was only the beginning.

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over forty days, giving convincing proof that He was alive and teaching them about the Kingdom of God.

This was not just about a future kingdom—it was about God’s rule advancing now through His people.

Before ascending, Jesus gave a critical command:

Wait.

They were not to rush into ministry but remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came.

This waiting was not inactivity—it was preparation.

The same Spirit who empowered Jesus would now empower them.

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A Mission Beyond Borders (Acts 1:6–8)

The disciples still had questions.

They asked if Jesus would now restore Israel’s kingdom.

Jesus redirected them:

The timing belongs to the Father—but the mission belongs to you.

Then He gave one of the most important verses in Acts:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.”

This verse becomes the outline of Acts:

• Jerusalem
• Judea
• Samaria
• the ends of the earth

Their mission was not political—it was global and spiritual.

Every believer would now be empowered and sent.

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The Ascension and the Promise of Return (Acts 1:9–11)

After commissioning them, Jesus was taken up into heaven.

A cloud received Him—symbolizing the presence and glory of God.

The disciples stood watching… until two angels appeared and said:

“Why are you standing here staring into heaven?”

Then came the promise:

Jesus will return in the same way He left.

The ascension marks a turning point:

• Jesus’ earthly ministry ends
• the Church’s mission begins

And everything now moves forward with the certainty of His return.

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A Community Preparing in Prayer (Acts 1:12–14)

The disciples returned to Jerusalem in obedience.

They gathered together in an upper room.

And they did something essential:

They prayed.

This group included:

• the eleven apostles
• women
• Mary, the mother of Jesus
• Jesus’ brothers

This is the final mention of Mary in Scripture.

But more importantly, it shows how the Church begins:

Not with strategy.
Not with activity.
But with unity and prayer.

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Replacing Judas and Trusting God’s Sovereignty (Acts 1:15–26)

Peter stood before about 120 believers and addressed the reality of Judas’ betrayal.

He didn’t ignore it—he explained it through Scripture.

Judas’ failure was tragic, but not outside God’s plan.

The group needed to replace him.

Peter laid out the qualifications:

• someone who had followed Jesus from the beginning
• someone who witnessed the resurrection

Two men were nominated:

• Joseph (Barsabbas/Justus)
• Matthias

Before deciding, they prayed:

“Lord, you know every heart.”

Then they cast lots, and Matthias was chosen.

This moment shows something important:

God is sovereign—even in leadership, even in failure, even in uncertainty.

The stage was now set for Pentecost.

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Conclusion

Acts 1 is a transition moment in God’s story.

• Jesus ascends
• the Spirit is promised
• the Church prepares

The mission is clear:

Wait for power.
Trust God’s timing.
Be His witnesses.

The story of Jesus is not finished.

It is continuing—through His people.

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Truths and Lessons for Today

1. God Equips Before He Sends

Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Spirit before stepping into mission.

🡲 Application: Don’t rush ahead in your own strength. Seek God’s power before stepping forward.

📖 “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” (Acts 1:8, NLT)

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2. Every Believer Is Sent as a Witness

The mission of sharing Jesus belongs to all believers.

🡲 Application: Look for opportunities to share Christ—right where you are and beyond.

📖 “You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NLT)

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3. Prayer and Unity Prepare the Way for God’s Work

Before the Church moved outward, it gathered upward in prayer.

🡲 Application: Prioritize prayer and unity—God often moves through a praying people.

📖 “They all met together and were constantly united in prayer.” (Acts 1:14, NLT)

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Want to go deeper?

Our MTSM 3-Tiered Commentary offers richer context and greater insight for those who want more than surface-level notes. It’s a great next step in studying God’s Word.

Acts 2 MTSM Commentary

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