Acts 1:1-11 The Holy Spirit and the Mission of the Church

October 5, 2026

The Ten Signposts of the Bible

CAMDE—400—CALY

Creation. Abraham. Moses. David. Elijah. 400. Christ.  APOSTLES. Letters. Yet-to-Come.

How did the church begin?  How did it grow? How did the church influence the world? 

Luke addresses these questions in his sequel to the Gospel of Luke. The foundation of the church is Jesus, and its establishment and growth rested on the apostles. They had been witnesses of Jesus. Now they became witnesses about Jesus. 

When Luke wrote the book of Acts around AD 60, the church was thirty years old and not without controversy. Theologian F. F. Bruce writes, 

…In the Roman Empire Christianity started off with a serious handicap. Its Founder had admittedly been condemned to death by a Roman governor on a charge of sedition. And the movement which He inaugurated seemed to be attended by tumult and disorder wherever it spread, both in the Roman provinces and in Rome itself. Luke sets himself to reduce this handicap, or rather remove it altogether. (Acts, p. 20)

Luke began his second volume with a brief summary of his first book by saying that in his Gospel he “dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen” (Acts 1:1–2). Over a forty-day period, Jesus presented himself alive “by many proofs” (tekmērion: demonstrative evidence).^[1] One commentator says, “the Resurrection was proven by touch, sight, and feel” (cf. Luke 24:39–40; 1 John 1:1).^[2] The resurrection proved the message of the Gospel was true.^[3]

Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus taught the disciples about the kingdom of God. Further teaching about the kingdom of God — the place where God rules and reigns — bookends the book of Acts. Before his ascension, Jesus still had more to share with his followers about God’s kingdom as they spent time together. By the end of Acts, Paul was “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” in Rome (Acts 28:31). 

The disciples were “ordered” to stay in Jerusalem and wait for “the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4). John the Baptist had baptized with water to prepare people for Jesus. Now believers would be “baptized with the Holy Spirit”^[4] to take the message of Jesus to the world. 

The disciples still believed that Jesus was going to establish an earthly kingdom. They asked, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). However, Jesus answered by focusing on the power to come that would enable his followers to expand his spiritual kingdom. He said, “But 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” (Acts 1:8). 

The Holy Spirit would empower believers to be bold witnesses for Jesus. The word “witness” is the Greek term marus, from which we get “martyr.” The emphasis that we are to be witnesses for Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit dominates the book,^[5] and teaches us that this same focus should dominate our lives. The Holy Spirit gives us power and boldness to never back down when sharing the good news about Jesus with others. 

Luke uses Jesus' final words as a geographical outline for his book. In Acts 1–7, the focus is on Jerusalem. Because of persecution and the scattering of believers, the narrative shifts to Judea and Samaria in Acts 8–12. Then in Acts 13–28, Paul’s missionary journeys and, ultimately, his imprisonment in Rome bring the gospel to the “end of the earth.” 

After Jesus gave the promise of the Holy Spirit, who would indwell every believer, “he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9). The apostles and those with them looked intently in the heavens for as long as they could see him. Then two angels got their attention: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). One day Jesus will come back again just like he left this earth—on the clouds of heaven.^[6] 

The ascension is significant for several reasons. First, Jesus was returning to his pre-existing glory as the God-Man enthroned in his rightful place at the right hand of God.^[7] Second, the ascension made it possible for the Holy Spirit to come.^[8] Finally, the work that Jesus began on earth within the limitations of the flesh now continues in heaven. The book of Acts is about Jesus accomplishing his work from heaven—work that is ongoing every moment of every day. 

Read and reflect on Acts 1:1–11: Jesus promised the disciples would receive power through the Holy Spirit to be his witnesses. Where do you need to depend more fully on the Holy Spirit rather than your own strength, confidence, or ability?

Talking to God: Ask God to help you depend on his Spirit for the strength and confidence you need. 

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