Acts 1:2
“Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen”
Context:The book of Acts, written by Luke, serves as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke. It provides an account of the early church and the spread of the gospel message following Jesus’ ascension.
Jesus’ Ascension:In Acts 1:2, it is referring to the period between Jesus’ resurrection and His ascension into heaven. After His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days appearing to His disciples and teaching them about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). During this time, Jesus provided instructions and commandments to His chosen apostles, preparing them for their future ministry.
The Holy Spirit’s Role:Acts 1:2 highlights that Jesus gave these commandments to the apostles “through the Holy Ghost.” The Holy Spirit played a crucial role in the early church, empowering and guiding the disciples in their mission. The Holy Spirit is the promised Helper (John 14:16) who would come to indwell and empower believers after Jesus’ departure.
The Chosen Apostles:Jesus specifically selected and appointed the apostles to carry out His mission. They were chosen witnesses who had firsthand experiences with Jesus and were entrusted with spreading the good news of salvation to all nations. These apostles would play a vital role in establishing and leading the early church.
Application for Today:a. The role of the Holy Spirit: Just as the Holy Spirit played a significant role in the early church, He continues to guide and empower believers today. We can rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and wisdom in our own lives and ministries.
b. Our mission as chosen disciples: While not all of us are apostles in the same sense as the original twelve, as followers of Christ, we are called to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8) and to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). We have a responsibility to share the good news of Jesus’ salvation with others and demonstrate His love through our actions.
c. Learning from Jesus’ teachings: Just as Jesus taught the apostles during the forty days after His resurrection, we should study and learn from His teachings recorded in the Scriptures. The Bible serves as our guide and source of wisdom for living a life that honours God and aligns with His will.
Remember to always read and study the Bible in its broader context, as understanding the surrounding verses and the overall message of the book of Acts will provide further insights and a deeper understanding of Acts 1:2.
