Acts 1

Resurrection

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Acts 1:1–3

Luke says Acts continues what Jesus "began" to do, now through His apostles. The risen Jesus proved He was alive over forty days and taught about His kingdom.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 — the list of those who saw the risen Christ

Jesus

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. Acts 1:4–5

Jesus tells the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Ghost, the gift the Father promised. The Savior prepares His Church to be led by the Spirit after He leaves.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Luke 24:49 — "tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high"
• fulfilled by Acts 2:4 — they were all filled with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost

Jesus

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? Acts 1:6–8

Jesus redirects the apostles from asking about timing to their mission: be His witnesses everywhere. This verse outlines the whole book of Acts, and the Church's mission today.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Matthew 28:19 — "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations"
• alludes to Luke 24:47-48 — preaching among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem; "ye are witnesses"

Ascension

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Acts 1:9

The apostles watch the resurrected Jesus rise into heaven until a cloud hides Him. He returns bodily to His Father.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Luke 24:50-51 — He was parted from them and carried up into heaven
• the same event in Mark 16:19 — received up into heaven, sat on the right hand of God
• fulfils John 20:17 — "I ascend unto my Father, and your Father"

Second Coming

And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Acts 1:10–12

Two heavenly messengers promise that the same Jesus will come back in the same way He left, in glory with the clouds. The Mount of Olives is also where prophets foresaw His feet standing at His return.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Zechariah 14:4 — "his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives"
• the same event in D&C 45:48 — "then shall the Lord set his foot upon this mount"
• the same event in Matthew 24:30 — the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven

Jesus

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts 1:14

Jesus' mother and His brothers, who once did not believe (John 7:5), are now united in prayer with the apostles. His family has become His disciples.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to John 7:5 — "neither did his brethren believe in him"

Jesus

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. Acts 1:16–20

Peter explains that the betrayal of Jesus by Judas was foreseen by the Holy Ghost through David. Even the betrayal of the Savior fit within God's foreknowledge.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Psalm 69:25 — "Let their habitation be desolate"
• quotes Psalm 109:8 — "let another take his office"
• alludes to Psalm 41:9 — the familiar friend who lifted up his heel; applied by Jesus to Judas in John 13:18
• the same event in Matthew 27:3-8 — Judas' end and the field of blood

Resurrection

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Acts 1:21–22

The central job of an apostle is to be a special witness of Jesus' Resurrection. The replacement for Judas must have known the Lord Jesus from His baptism to His Ascension.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to D&C 107:23 — the Twelve are "special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world"

Lord

Lord — Greek Kyrios, Master

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, Acts 1:24

The disciples pray to the Lord who knows hearts to choose the new apostle. Since verse 2 says Jesus chose the apostles, this "Lord" may be Jesus, though it could be the Father.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 15:16 — "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you"