Acts 1

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

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:

To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

What does Acts 1:3 mean?

Explanation

Acts 1:3 speaks about the period following Jesus Christ's crucifixion, termed "His passion," and His subsequent resurrection.

The verse emphasizes the legitimacy of Jesus' resurrection by mentioning "many infallible proofs." The "infallible proofs" reference a series of appearances and actions demonstrating to the disciples and others that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead.

The verse also points out a significant period: forty days, during which Jesus was said to have been seen by His followers. During these days, He spoke to them about the kingdom of God, highlighting His teachings about the coming reign and rule of God.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is set in the time immediately following Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, around 30-33 A.D.

The book of Acts was authored by Luke, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke. Luke was a careful historian who wrote to provide an orderly account of the events of early Christianity.

The cultural and historical setting was the Roman province of Judea, where there was a mix of Jewish religious expectation for a Messiah and Roman occupation.

The ascension of Jesus into heaven was critical, as it transitioned the focus from Jesus' finished work on earth to the coming role of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is central to Christian beliefs about the resurrection and the ascension of Jesus.

From a conservative Christian perspective, the appearances of the resurrected Christ are foundational events that testify to Jesus’ victory over death and His divine nature.

Mainline and liberal theologians might interpret the "infallible proofs" metaphorically or as an expression of the deep conviction in the early Christian community.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire faith in the resurrection for modern believers and affirm that Jesus’ teachings have enduring relevance. It also encourages Christians to be witnesses of Christ's impact in their lives.

Furthermore, the mention of the kingdom of God as a subject of Jesus’ post-resurrection teaching can motivate believers to reflect on and participate in the values of this kingdom, such as justice, peace, and love.

Cross-References

Luke 24:39 - "Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have." 2.

John 20:19-29 - This passage provides details of Jesus' appearances to His disciples, including the encounter with Thomas. 3. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - Paul lists various appearances of the resurrected Christ, emphasizing the multiple witnesses to these events. 4.

Acts 1:9-11 - Describes Jesus' ascension into heaven, witnessed by the apostles.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Acts 1:3 that are pivotal in understanding this verse include:

"Passion" (πάσχω, pascho): This can mean "to suffer," referring to Jesus' suffering and death.
"Infallible proofs" (τεκμήριον, tekmerion): Indicators or signs that provide certain evidence.
"Being seen" (ὀπτανόμενος, optanomenos): A passive participle which indicates Jesus was being perceived visually.
"Kingdom of God" (βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, basileia tou Theou): A central concept in Jesus' teachings, referring to God's sovereign rule.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

At the time of the early Christian movement, there were various interpretation of resurrection within Judaism, and many pagan religions had myths surrounding deities dying and rising.

However, the claims of Jesus' resurrection were unique in their historical grounding and personal appearances to numerous individuals.

Scientific Perspectives

Most modern scientific perspectives do not affirm or engage with supernatural elements such as resurrection.

However, the historicity of the events in Acts can be and has been investigated by historical methodologies. Claims of "infallible proofs" may also be scrutinized in terms of psychological experiences of the witnesses, though this is often debated.

Commentaries

Modern commentaries vary in their view of Acts 1:3.

Some conservative scholars, like John Stott, emphasize the historical reality and transformative power of the resurrection appearances.

Skeptical scholars like Bart D.

Ehrman may contest the historicity and suggest psychological or visionary explanations.

There are also varying interpretations of the term "kingdom of God," though it is widely agreed that it is a crucial theme in Jesus' ministry.

Acts 1

Acts 1

What does Acts 1:3 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 1:3 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?