November 16

Acts 1-3 (biblegateway.com)

Empowered for the Mission

The Book of Acts continues the story begun in Luke’s Gospel, recording the risen Christ’s ongoing work through the Holy Spirit and His church. Written by Luke, it serves as both a historical record and a theological bridge between the Gospels and the Epistles. Acts traces how the gospel moved from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, fulfilling Jesus’ commission (Acts 1:8). It highlights the power of the Holy Spirit, the bold witness of the apostles, and the formation and expansion of the early church. Through persecution, miracles, and missionary journeys, Acts shows that God’s purpose cannot be stopped. Christ builds His church, and the gospel advances through Spirit-filled believers.

Acts 1 — The Risen Lord, the Promise of the Spirit, and the Mission to the Nations

Acts opens as the continuation of the Gospel of Luke, forming the second part of Luke’s record of “all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day when He was taken up” (v. 1–2). Luke’s Gospel ends with Jesus blessing His disciples near Bethany and being carried up into heaven (Luke 24:50-53). Acts begins by returning to that same moment, bridging the ministry of Christ on earth with His continuing work through the Spirit. What Luke recorded at the end of his first book as the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly mission, he now presents as the foundation of His heavenly ministry. The same Lord who ascended in glory continues to work through His Spirit and His church.

Jesus presented Himself alive after His suffering “by many proofs,” appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God (v. 3). His resurrection is confirmed by direct evidence. He is seen, heard, and touched (Luke 24:39–40; 1 John 1:1). The disciples’ faith rests on these undeniable realities. During this time, Jesus teaches again about the kingdom, including the rule of God begun in His ministry, present in the hearts of believers, and awaiting full fulfillment when He returns to reign. These days transform the disciples from fearful followers into bold witnesses, convinced that the risen Christ is alive and sovereign.

While staying with them, Jesus commands them “not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father” (v. 4). This promise refers to the Holy Spirit, whom the Father had pledged to send (Luke 24:49; John 14:16-17). They are not to act in their own wisdom or power; their ministry must begin with God’s enabling. Waiting is not passivity; it is obedient expectation, trusting God to equip them for the mission ahead.

Jesus reminds them, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (v. 5). John’s baptism symbolized repentance and readiness for the Messiah; Spirit baptism would unite believers with Christ and with one another, forming the body of the church and empowering them for witness. Through the Spirit’s coming, Christ would dwell within His people, enabling holy living and bold testimony.

The disciples ask, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (v. 6). Their question reflects their hope for the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people, though they still misunderstand the timing. Jesus replies, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority” (v. 7). The future belongs to God’s plan, but their present calling is clear. Rather than focusing on prophecy’s timetable, they are to live out the purpose God has assigned them: to bear witness to the risen Lord.

Jesus then gives His defining commission: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (v. 8). This verse provides both the structure of Acts and the scope of the gospel’s expansion. The promised power is not political or military but spiritual, the enabling strength to proclaim Christ with conviction and courage. God takes ordinary people, fills them with His Spirit, and uses them to reach the nations.

After He speaks these things, “He is lifted up, and a cloud takes Him out of their sight” (v. 9). The ascension described here revisits and expands what Luke briefly recorded at the end of his Gospel. There, the focus was on worship, with disciples rejoicing and blessing God; here, the focus is on mission, with disciples sent into the world with divine authority. The “cloud” signifies the visible glory of God’s presence, the same glory that once filled the tabernacle and temple. Jesus’ ascension is not merely His departure but His exaltation, and the moment when He takes His rightful place at the Father’s right hand to intercede for His people and rule over His church.

As the disciples stand gazing upward, two men in white robes appear and say, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven” (v. 10–11). The ascension assures believers of Christ’s ongoing reign, and the angelic promise assures them of His personal, visible return. The same Jesus who ascended will come again, not in humiliation, but in power and glory. Until that day, His people live between His ascension and His return, strengthened by His Spirit to carry His gospel to the ends of the earth. For believers today, these passages remind us that Christ’s work continues. The risen Lord reigns, the Spirit empowers, and the mission advances.

After the ascension, the disciples return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, “a Sabbath day’s journey away” (v. 12). This phrase indicates a short distance, about two-thirds of a mile, permitted for travel on the Sabbath. The group obeys Jesus’ instruction to remain in the city and wait for the promise of the Father. Their obedience marks the beginning of the church’s posture: dependence, patience, and prayerful expectation. They enter the upper room, where they are staying, and Luke lists the apostles by name: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James (v. 13). This complete listing reaffirms their unity and continuity with the earthly ministry of Christ. Though Judas Iscariot has fallen, the remaining eleven remain steadfast, bound together in faith and obedience.

Luke notes that “all these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers” (v. 14). This marks the first mention of Jesus’ mother after the crucifixion and resurrection, showing her faith and participation in the early fellowship of believers. The inclusion of “the women” reminds us that those who faithfully followed Christ to the cross now stand with the apostles in prayer, showing the unity of believers and the shared devotion of men and women who serve together under God’s grace. His brothers, once skeptical of His ministry (John 7:5), now join the community of faith, evidence of the transforming power of the resurrection.

During these days, Peter stands among the believers, about one hundred twenty in all, and addresses them concerning the need to replace Judas (v. 15–16). Guided by Scripture, Peter explains that “the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas” (v. 16). The betrayal and death of Judas were not accidents but part of God’s foreknown plan. Peter’s leadership reflects the maturity of one restored by grace, no longer impulsive but grounded in the Word.

Luke recounts the grim outcome of Judas’s betrayal: “he acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out” (v. 18). This field, called Akeldama, or Field of Blood, became a somber reminder of the consequences of sin (v. 19). Scripture is then quoted to confirm the need for another to take his office: “Let another take his position of overseer” (v. 20; Ps. 69:25; 109:8).

Peter outlines the qualifications for the new apostle: he must be one who accompanied them during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among them, from the baptism of John until the ascension, and be a witness of His resurrection (v. 21–22). The apostles’ ministry rests on firsthand experience of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. This standard ensures continuity in teaching and testimony, emphasizing that apostolic authority was unique and foundational to the early church.

Two men are proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas (also called Justus) and Matthias (v. 23). Before making their decision, they pray: “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two You have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship” (v. 24–25). Their prayer acknowledges divine sovereignty in human appointment. Leadership in Christ’s church is never self-appointed; it is God-ordained. The disciples depend entirely on the Lord’s wisdom, trusting Him to reveal His will.

They cast lots, and the lot falls on Matthias, who is numbered with the eleven apostles (v. 26). Casting lots was an Old Testament method for discerning God’s choice. This act, performed after prayer and before the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, demonstrates their trust in God’s direct guidance. From this point forward, no such method is recorded again; the Spirit Himself will soon guide their decisions. Matthias’s selection completes the symbolic number twelve, representing the restored unity of God’s people and the continuing mission of Israel’s true Messiah through His church.

This passage reveals the early church’s dependence on prayer, Scripture, and obedience. They wait as one body, united in purpose, ready for the Spirit’s power. The same Spirit who inspired Scripture now prepares to indwell God’s people.

For believers today, these verses remind us that spiritual leadership and service begin with humble dependence on God’s direction. The church must seek the Lord in prayer, measure all action by His Word, and move forward in unity and faith. Christ calls His people to live expectantly between promise and fulfillment, trusting His wisdom, following His Word, and preparing to serve as His witnesses through the enabling of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1 sets the stage for the Spirit-empowered mission of the church. Jesus ascends to reign, promises power, commissions witnesses, and points to His return. The disciples obey, gather, pray, and prepare for the Spirit’s arrival. Leadership is established, Scripture is fulfilled, and unity marks the early believers. The risen and ascended Lord continues His work from heaven, and His followers await the power that will propel the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Acts 2 — The Holy Spirit Comes, Peter Preaches, and the Church Is Born

When the day of Pentecost arrives, the disciples are all together in one place (v. 1). Pentecost, also called the Feast of Weeks, came fifty days after Passover and celebrated both the wheat harvest and God’s giving of the Law at Sinai. Now, at this appointed time, God sends the promised Holy Spirit to write His law on human hearts. The disciples, gathered in obedience and unity, await what Jesus had promised.

Suddenly, a sound like a mighty rushing wind comes from heaven and fills the house where they are sitting (v. 2). Tongues as of fire appear and rest on each of them, and they all are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance (v. 3–4). At this moment, the Spirit enables the disciples to speak in real, recognizable languages, proclaiming the mighty works of God. This supernatural gift signals that the gospel is for all peoples, not confined to one nation or tongue. God’s redemptive plan, long foretold, now moves outward to the nations through His Spirit-empowered witnesses.

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem devout Jews from every nation under heaven (v. 5). At the sound, a multitude gathers and is bewildered, because each one hears them speaking in his own language (v. 6). They are amazed, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?” (v. 7). Galileans were not known for linguistic training or sophistication, yet God uses ordinary people to communicate extraordinary truth. Every hearer recognizes his own native tongue, including Parthians, Medes, Elamites, those from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, and beyond. All hear the disciples declaring “the mighty works of God” (v. 8–11).

This miracle demonstrates that the Spirit’s power transcends cultural barriers and unites people in the truth of Christ. Where Babel once divided humanity through confused language (Gen. 11:7–9), Pentecost brings unity through the clear proclamation of the gospel. The same God who scattered now gathers. The message of salvation is announced in every language, previewing the day when people from every nation will worship before the throne.

The crowd’s reactions vary: some are amazed and seek understanding; others mock, saying the disciples are filled with new wine (v. 12–13). Spiritual realities often divide those who hear. What one person receives in faith, another dismisses in unbelief. Yet even in their confusion, the stage is set for Peter’s bold sermon that will interpret the event through Scripture and proclaim the risen Christ.

The coming of the Spirit marks a new era in God’s redemptive plan. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now fills His followers to be witnesses. The gospel that began in Jerusalem will soon move outward, crossing boundaries of race, language, and culture. For believers today, Pentecost reminds us that the Spirit’s work is not limited to history; rather, it continues in the life of every believer, empowering, uniting, and sending the church to proclaim “the mighty works of God” until Christ returns.

Peter stands with the eleven, lifts his voice, and addresses the crowd (v. 14). Once fearful, now bold, Peter fulfills Jesus’ promise that the Spirit would give power to bear witness (1:8). The same disciple who denied Christ now proclaims Him publicly, evidence of transforming grace. He begins by denying the accusation that the disciples are drunk, explaining that it is only the third hour, about 9 a.m. (v. 15). What they witness is not disorder but divine fulfillment.

Peter declares that this outpouring fulfills what was spoken through the prophet Joel: “In the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh” (v. 16–17). The “last days” refers to the present era inaugurated by Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension, the time between His first and second comings when the gospel goes forth to the nations. God’s Spirit now indwells all believers, not just select prophets or kings. Sons and daughters prophesy, young men see visions, and old men dream dreams (v. 17). This marks a new dimension of God’s work and His presence with all His people, regardless of age, gender, or status.

Peter continues, “Even on My male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out My Spirit, and they shall prophesy” (v. 18). The Spirit’s work transcends all social and cultural boundaries. The early church will soon embody this truth as men and women alike testify to Christ’s saving power. This outpouring is inclusive but not automatic; the Spirit comes upon those who believe, demonstrating God’s enabling grace working through faith and obedience.

Joel’s prophecy also points forward to a future day of judgment when God will again act in power before “the great and glorious day of the Lord” (v. 19–20). Pentecost therefore carries both mercy and warning: mercy, because salvation is now offered to all; warning, because judgment awaits those who reject it. The section concludes with the great promise: “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (v. 21). The gospel invitation is universal, offered freely to all who repent and believe. Through the Spirit, God enables all to respond, yet He never forces the human heart. Divine grace enables, but never coerces.

After explaining that the outpouring of the Spirit fulfills Joel’s prophecy, Peter turns the crowd’s attention from the event they have witnessed to the Person who made it possible, namely, Jesus the Messiah.

Peter preaches Jesus as the promised Messiah, crucified and risen in fulfillment of God’s plan. Though attested by miracles and delivered up by God’s plan, He was crucified by human hands (v. 22–23). Yet “God raised Him up” (v. 24); death could not hold Him. Divine sovereignty and human responsibility meet here: God’s redemptive plan was carried out through human sin, but without excusing that sin.

The resurrection is the central evidence that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. Peter supports his claim by quoting Psalm 16: “You will not abandon My soul to Hades, or let Your Holy One see corruption” (v. 25–28). David’s words could not refer to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb was still known to them (v. 29). Instead, David looked ahead and spoke of the Messiah’s resurrection, foreseeing that His body would not decay and that His life would triumph over death (v. 30–31).

“This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses” (v. 32). The apostles testify not to an idea but to an event they have seen and experienced. The resurrection vindicates Jesus’ identity and mission and stands as the foundation of the gospel. Peter continues: “Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing” (v. 33). The ascended Christ now reigns, intercedes, and sends the Spirit to empower His church.

Peter cites Psalm 110:1—“The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool” (v. 34–35), to show that David acknowledged a greater Lord than himself. The Messiah, risen and enthroned, is none other than Jesus. Peter concludes with a piercing declaration: “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (v. 36). The gospel both confronts sin and exalts the Savior. The One rejected by men has been exalted by God.

When they hear this, the listeners are “cut to the heart” and say, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (v. 37). Peter replies, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (v. 38). Peter adds that “the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself” (v. 39). The invitation is universal: the gospel extends to every generation and every nation.

With many other words, Peter bears witness and exhorts them, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation” (v. 40). His appeal is urgent and compassionate. About three thousand receive his word, are baptized, and are added to the fellowship that day (v. 41). The first gospel sermon results in a great harvest of souls, the beginning of the church’s global mission.

Following the outpouring of the Spirit and the response of repentance and faith, Luke describes how these new believers begin to live out their new life in Christ. The Spirit who brought them to salvation now forms them into a unified, worshiping, and witnessing community.

The new believers devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers (v. 42). This verse outlines the essential rhythms of early Christian life: learning God’s truth, sharing life with one another, worshiping through communion, and praying together. The apostles’ teaching centered on Christ’s death, resurrection, and commands, grounding the new believers in truth. Christian growth depends on these same disciplines today: consistent study of God’s Word, fellowship with believers, communion in worship, and prayer that keeps hearts dependent on the Lord.

Awe comes upon all, as many wonders and signs are done through the apostles (v. 43), confirming that the risen Christ continues His work by the Spirit. All who believe are together and hold all things in common, selling possessions and distributing to anyone in need (v. 44–45). Their sharing is voluntary and joyful, an expression of love rather than command. Day by day, they continue in the temple and break bread from house to house, receiving food with glad and sincere hearts (v. 46). Their worship is both public and personal, joyful, simple, and sincere. They praise God and enjoy favor with all the people, and the Lord adds to their number daily those who are being saved (v. 47). Growth came not through human strategy but through God’s work. The Spirit used their worship, unity, and witness to draw others to faith. A healthy church attracts others when believers live out authentic devotion, love, and joy in Christ.

The chapter closes with a portrait of the church as God designed it to be: Spirit-empowered, Scripture-anchored, prayer-sustained, and mission-minded. The same Lord who added daily to their number still calls and saves through His Spirit today. The Spirit-formed church worships, learns, prays, gives, and proclaims Christ, living as a visible expression of His continuing work in the world.

Acts 2 marks the dawn of the church age. These verses call the modern church to return to the simplicity and strength of its beginning, and to the pattern Jesus established through His Spirit and His apostles. The first believers were not driven by programs or popularity, but by devotion to Christ, unity of heart, and dependence on the Spirit’s power. Their fellowship flowed from awe of the risen Lord, and their mission grew out of love for the lost.

The church today is called to recover that same passion, and to be steadfast in the Word, joyful in worship, generous in sharing, and bold in witness. When believers live with the mindset of the resurrection, and are convinced that Jesus is alive, reigning, and returning, the church once again becomes what He designed it to be: a Spirit-filled community that displays His life, proclaims His truth, and draws the world to the Savior who still adds to His church daily those who are being saved.

Acts 3 — A Miraculous Healing, Peter’s Second Sermon, and a Call to Repent and Receive the Messiah

As the life of the new church unfolds, the power and presence of the risen Christ continue to work through His Spirit-filled people. The believers who devoted themselves to worship and fellowship in private now carry that same faith into the public square. The gospel that transformed hearts within the house of God begins to reach outward, displaying the same compassion and authority that marked Jesus’ own ministry.

Acts 3 opens with Peter and John going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, where the Spirit uses them to perform a miraculous healing that points all glory back to Christ. The story moves from worship to witness, showing that the same resurrection power that filled the upper room now moves into the streets, calling the church in every generation to live out faith that acts, prays, and proclaims in the name of Jesus.

Peter and John go up to the temple “at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour” (v. 1). Even after Pentecost, the apostles continue in prayer and worship, not abandoning their Jewish roots but fulfilling them in Christ. Their devotion shows that faith in Jesus does not replace prayer; it deepens it.

A man “lame from birth” is carried to the Beautiful Gate, where he is placed daily to beg from those entering to worship (v. 2). His physical condition mirrors the world's spiritual condition, helpless apart from divine grace. Seeing Peter and John, he asks for alms (v. 3). Peter, with John, fixes his gaze on him and says, “Look at us” (v. 4). The man gives them his attention, expecting to receive something material (v. 5). Need expects coins; grace gives Christ.

Peter declares, “Silver and gold I have none, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (v. 6). The authority is not in Peter but in the name and power of Jesus. Taking him by the right hand, Peter lifts him up, and “immediately his feet and ankles were made strong” (v. 7). The healing is instant and complete. God’s power restores what had been broken from birth. This act demonstrates that the risen Christ continues His ministry through the apostles by the Spirit.

The man leaps up, stands, walks, and enters the temple with them, “walking and leaping and praising God” (v. 8). His joy fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy that when the Messiah comes, “the lame man shall leap like a deer” (Isa. 35:6). “All the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate” (v. 9–10). The crowd is filled with wonder and amazement at what has happened. A transformed life becomes the clearest testimony of Christ’s power.

This scene reminds the church that the same Spirit who empowered the apostles still works through believers today. Though methods change, the message does not: what the world needs most cannot be bought with silver or gold, but is found only in the risen Christ. The church’s mission is to extend a hand in His name, and to meet needs, restore lives, and point every heart toward the One who makes the lame walk and the sinner whole.

As the healed man clings to Peter and John, the astonished crowd gathers at Solomon’s Portico (v. 11), giving Peter another opportunity to proclaim that the power behind this miracle is the risen Christ Himself. Peter explains that the healing of the lame man was not by human power or godliness but through faith in Jesus Christ, the One whom God glorified and the people rejected (v. 12–13). They denied the Holy and Righteous One and killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and the apostles are witnesses (v. 14–15).

Peter explains, “And His name—by faith in His name—has made this man strong whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all” (v. 16). The emphasis rests not on the apostles’ faith but on the power and reliability of the name of Jesus, the expression of His authority and presence.

Peter tempers his rebuke with mercy: “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers” (v. 17). Ignorance does not excuse guilt, but it allows for grace. God fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer (v. 18). Human sin nailed Him to the cross, but divine purpose used that very act to accomplish redemption. God’s plan was not thwarted by human unbelief, but it was fulfilled through it.

Peter urges them, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” and that “times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (v. 19–20). Heaven has received Jesus until the time for the restoration of all things promised by God through His prophets (v. 21). The risen Lord now reigns, and full restoration will come when He returns.

Peter appeals again to Scripture. Moses said, “The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to Him in whatever He tells you” (v. 22). Those who refuse that voice will be cut off from God’s people (v. 23). All the prophets from Samuel onward have proclaimed these days (v. 24). Peter reminds them that they are heirs of the covenant God made with Abraham: “And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed” (v. 25). God sent His Servant first to Israel, to bless them by turning them from their wickedness (v. 26). The message is one of grace. Judgment is real, but mercy is offered first.

Peter’s sermon bridges promise and fulfillment. The same God who spoke through the prophets has acted in Jesus. The covenant blessings promised to Abraham now find their fulfillment in Christ, and the invitation remains open: repent, believe, and be restored.

For the church today, this passage calls believers back to the heart of the gospel. The power that healed the lame man is the same power that transforms sinners into new creations. God still calls His people to proclaim Christ, not with human strength or religious formality, but with Spirit-filled boldness and compassion. True revival begins when hearts are cut to the core by conviction, turn to Christ in repentance, and experience the refreshing presence of the risen Lord.

Conclusion

Acts 1–3 reveals the foundation and power of the early church. Jesus ascended as Lord and poured out the Holy Spirit to empower His followers to continue His mission. The gospel was preached with boldness, lives were transformed, and the church lived with unity, devotion, and joy. The healing at the temple gate shows that Jesus continues His work through His people by the power of the Spirit.

For believers today, these chapters remind us that the church does not operate in human strength but in the power of the Holy Spirit. The same message that changed lives in Jerusalem still changes lives today. We are called to be Christ’s witnesses with courage, faith, and love. The mission He gave His disciples is the same mission entrusted to us, and through the Spirit, we are fully equipped to fulfill it.