Primary Scriptures: Acts 1
Story Summary: Jesus is returning, Pentecost, Choosing Matthias
Location: Roman Empire; Tetrarchy of Judea; Jerusalem
Time: 30 AD. Death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Pentecost.Acts is a history of the first three decades of the Church. It is the only existing history of the Church that was written in the first century. Although the Bible does not specify it, Church tradition and many scholars agree that Luke wrote both Luke and Acts.
In Luke, the author said he made a careful investigation of everything before writing. His three primary sources of information were: his own experiences, previously existing written sources, and careful listening to the stories of those who were personally involved. This series of stories illustrates what Luke might have heard from more than a dozen of the characters featured in Acts. Any reader of the Bible quickly notices it gives few details about most of its characters or events. These stories are true to the Bible, but personalities and personal details are given to its more illustrative characters.
Acts begins with a quick summary of Jesus’ last days on Earth. Three extremely important future events are revealed there. The apostles and followers are not to leave Jerusalem but are to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit, but they are not told how long to wait. They are also told that they will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to evangelize to the ends of the world. Lastly, Jesus tells them he would come back in the same way he ascended.
The followers of Jesus returned to Jerusalem after the ascension. Who were these followers? The apostles and certain people are specified as being among them, but there is not a comprehensive list given. Peter gave an impassioned speech about the betrayal of Jesus, and insisted that Judas be replaced with somebody else qualified to replace him. They chose two men who seemed to qualify, and then cast lots (like casting dice) to choose Matthias. This is the last record we have of early Christians making decisions by casting lots. After that time, they would rely on the Holy Spirit’s leading. It is interesting that Matthias and most of the apostles are never mentioned by name again in the New Testament.
Eyewitness Bible Series
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