What does Acts 1:4 mean?

Explanation

Acts 1:4 relates a significant moment when Jesus, following His resurrection, gathered His apostles and instructed them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the fulfillment of a promise from God the Father.

This promise refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit, which had been previously mentioned by Jesus during His earthly ministry.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and patience, as the disciples are told to remain in a specific place until they receive divine empowerment.

The verse captures the anticipation of a new chapter in the work of God through His people.

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, describes the early days of the Christian church following Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. This particular verse is set during the forty-day period when Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven.

It was a time of transition for the disciples, who were being prepared to take on the mission of spreading the gospel without Jesus' physical presence.

The city of Jerusalem holds significant historical and religious importance as the setting for major Biblical events and as the birthplace of the Christian church.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse captures the notion of divine promise and preparation.

From a Trinitarian perspective, it highlights the relationship between Jesus (the Son), God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, indicating the unity and distinct roles within the Godhead.

Some Christian traditions emphasize the concept of "waiting on the Lord" as a spiritual discipline, believed to involve reliance on God's timing and sovereignty. The promised Holy Spirit is seen as the comforter, guide, and source of power for the Christian mission.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Acts 1:4 encourages believers to seek divine guidance and await God's timing rather than rushing ahead with their own plans.

It suggests the importance of communal faithfulness and readiness for those who follow Christ.

The act of waiting is not passive; rather, it is a charged time of preparation and anticipation for what God is going to do.

Practically, this verse can inspire communal prayer, study, and strengthening of relationships within a faith community while waiting on God's movement.

Cross-References

• Luke 24:49 "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
• John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
• Joel 2:28-29 "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit."

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words to study include:

• "assembled together" (συναλιζόμενος, synalizomenos): to gather together, with connotations of being united in purpose.
• "commanded" (παρήγγειλεν, parēngeilen): gave orders, instructed with authority.
• "wait" (περιμένειν, perimenein): to wait for or await, implying expectant waiting.
• "promise" (ἐπαγγελία, epangelia): promise or announcement of future blessing.
• "Father" (Πατρός, Patros): God the Father, the first person of the Trinity.
• "heard" (ἠκούσατέ, ēkousate): to hear, used here regarding oral teaching previously given by Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of awaiting a divine encounter or gift is present in various ancient religions and myths.

These often include periods of waiting before receiving insight, power, or presence from a deity.

For instance, in some Greco-Roman traditions, there were expectations of certain signs or oracles to be fulfilled.

However, the Christian interpretation is unique in its understanding of a personal and relational God who makes a specific promise to empower His followers with His own Spirit.

Scientific Perspectives

While the narrative of Acts 1:4 deals with supernatural promises and religious experiences, these are outside the scope of empirical science which does not engage with or validate spiritual phenomena.

Contemporary discussions often revolve around the psychological aspects of communal beliefs and the effects of shared expectations and experiences in religious communities.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse offer various insights:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes Jesus' authority in commanding the disciples and the importance of them adhering to His instructions, underscoring obedience and dependency on God's promises.
• The Expositor's Greek Testament discusses the connection to the earlier promise of the Father, suggesting a continuity with Jesus' teachings in the Gospels, such as the discourse in John 14-16 about the coming Comforter.
• The Pulpit Commentary reflects on the disciples' obedience to remain in Jerusalem, which became the starting point for the spread of the Gospel to all nations, hence highlighting the strategic aspect of Jesus' commandments in the grand scheme of salvation history.