In the first chapter of Acts, Luke addresses a man named, Theophilus who may have been a Roman official or perhaps governor (Luke 1). The first point of chapter one is the promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus orders His disciples after revealing Himself over a 40 day period to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father. Jesus told them that "John the Baptist baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Every believer is indwelled by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16) and is “sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30) at the moment they trust Jesus as Lord and Savior. From then on, the Spirit is conforming the believer to the image of Christ and empowering the believer for service. Where the power of the Holy Spirit is mentioned in Scripture, you see the Gospel of truth being shared, God being glorified, and people’s lives being changed. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer so we can do what the Lord commands us to do—specifically, to be His ambassadors in the world, introducing people to the love and grace of God available in Christ. We become effective witnesses only through the power of the Spirit.

In vv 6-11, when the disciples asked Jesus if He was restoring the kingdom of Israel. Jesus stated that it was not for them to know the Father’s will and wait until they received power from the Holy Spirit in order to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. After Jesus said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Two men in white clothing asked the disciples, “why do you stand looking into the sky? Jesus has been taken to heaven and will return in the same manner." Amen!

Once the disciples returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet they entered into the upper room. Peter who was among them and many others, stood and talked about Scripture being fulfilled, when the Holy Spirit spoke through David concerning Judas’ betrayal of Jesus that led to his physical falling in a field where all all of his intestines fell out (vv18-19). This field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, “May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it; and Let another take his office.” (Ps 69:25)

Judas needed to be replaced. So after meeting specific requirements, two men were presented, Joseph called Barsabbas who was also called Justus, and Matthias. Then the disciples prayed to the Lord asking Him who knows all hearts to pick one. Then the disciples casted lots for them and the lot fell on Matthias, who was selected as the Judas' replacement, and the twelfth apostle.

1 And when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all together in one place.

1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.
2 And a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried, whom they used to set down daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple.

1 Now as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them,
2 being greatly agitated because they were teaching the people and proclaiming ain Jesus the resurrection from the dead.