Lesson 3 : The Ascension of Jesus & Appointment of Matthias

1. Lesson 3:The Ascension of Jesus & Appointment of Matthias

2. The Planned Outline for Each Study • Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • Practical Points of Application for Our Lives

3. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The Book of Acts is a sequel to the Gospel of Luke (1:1). • “The former account” in 1:1 is the Gospel of Luke. • About “all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (1:1). • Concluded with the commission and ascension of Jesus (1:2). • The “latter account,” then, is the Book of Acts; both were addressed to Theophilus. • Before ascending, Jesus made several post-resurrection appearances to disciples (1:3). • He was seen by them for 40 days after His resurrection (1:3). • 10-day period between ascension & Pentecost (means “50th”). • Between His resurrection & ascension, Jesus spoke about the kingdom/church (1:3).

4. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Jesus ascended into heaven from Mt. of Olives (1:9-12). • In a cloud, He was “received up in glory” (1:11; cf. 1 Tim. 3:16). • The apostles “looked” (“watched” in v. 9), “looked intently/steadfastly” (v. 10), “looked earnestly” (“gazing” or “looking into the sky” in v. 11), and “looked contemplatively” (“saw Him” in v. 11). • Two angels came and spoke to the apostles (1:9-11). • 120 disciples assembled in “the upper room” in Jerusalem after His ascension (1:12-14). • Jesus told them to stay in Jerusalem (Luke 24:49). • The 120 included the 11 apostles. • The 120 included Jesus’ mother and His brothers.

5. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • The apostles set out to replace Judas(1:15-20). • Judas was chosen by Jesus (1:2), numbered & received a part in the ministry (1:17). • The betrayal by a friend was prophesied (1:16; Ps. 41:9). • A prophecy could/would not fail; otherwise, Jesus not Messiah. • The prophecy, tho’ by mouth of David, came by inspiration (1:16). • Judas sinned by own free will (cf. Matt. 27:4), not by compulsion. • When Judas realized what he had done, he hanged himself (Matt. 27:5). • His body eventually fell and “burst open” and “gushed out” (1:18). • The “wages of iniquity” (silver) taken to buy a potter’s field (1:18). • The field was called “the Field of Blood” (1:19; Mt. 27:6-10).

6. Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study • Matthiaswas chosen to take Judas’ place as an apostle (1:21-26). • The next apostle had to meet divine qualifications (1:21-22). • Two men were proposed: Joseph Barsabas (surnamed Justus) and Matthias (1:23). • God’s will was sought (by the casting of lots) and God chose Matthias (1:24-26). • When Acts 1 ends, the context is specifically dealing with the 12 apostles (1:26). • The last verse of chapter 1 says, “He was numbered with the eleven apostles” (1:26). • When chapter 2 begins with “they” (v. 1), the apostles are the antecedent of “they.”

7. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • The resurrection of Jesusis absolutely certain. • After Jesus died: • “He presented Himself alive…by many infallible proofs” (1:3). • The demonstrative “proofs” were indubitable and infallible. • He was “seen” (over and over) during 40 days (cf. 1 Cor. 15:5-8). • The “witnesses” of His resurrection included those who would easily identify Him: • “The apostles whom He had chosen” (1:3) • His mother • His brothers • The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the gospel preached throughout Acts.

8. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • The teaching about the kingdom was still first and foremost in the mind of Jesus (1:3). • With only a limited amount of time (40 days) to impart final instructions, the kingdom and the commission were the emphases in Jesus’ final days on earth (1:2-3). • The “kingdom” is the “church” (cf. Matt. 16:18-19), which was established in Acts 2. • Jesus will come again, just as He promised (cf. John 14:3). • He will return literally – “in like manner” as He was “taken up” (1:11, 2, 9, 22). • He will return visibly – “watched…sight…looked…gazing…saw Him” – same at return. • He will return from heaven with a cloud and every eye shall see Him (cf. Rev. 1:7).

9. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • Mary presented as an ordinary woman (1:14) • Not mentioned again in the New Testament after Acts 1:14 • Not a “perpetual virgin” (cf. Mk. 6:3; Mt. 12:46-47). • Luke, the historian, did not call her by any special names or give her any special honors. • Being an apostle was a qualified position for a limited time (1:21-22). • To be an apostle, these divine qualifications had to be met: • Must have been among Jesus’ disciples from the beginning of His ministry to the end of His ministry (1:21-22). • Must have been a witness of Jesus’ resurrection (1:22). • There is no Scriptural way for any person today to be called an “Apostle”!

10. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • The Bible teaches that it is possible for one to be saved and then fall away (1:15-25). • Judas was chosen by Jesus, as much as He chose all the other apostles (1:2). • He was numbered with the apostles and received a part in the ministry (1:17). • To claim Judas was not “saved” would equally claim all apostles were not “saved.” • Judas “turned aside” (NASB) by his own sin and “fell away” (ASV) (1:25). • Judas made his own choice to sin, falling from that which he had “obtained.” • By the choice that he made, Judas determined “his own place” (destiny) (1:25).

11. Practical Points of Applicationfor Our Lives • It is hard to teach what you do not first live! • Jesus “began both to do and teach” • “Do” it first, then “teach” it. Practice it, then preach it! • Jesus is coming again! • Be ready! Be looking! • If Jesus’ brothers could repent and change, so can you! So can anyone! • After being so hostile toward Him, Jesus’ death and resurrection changed them! • The only way to truly get to someone’s heart is with the message of Jesus’ death, burial & resurrection. • God knows your heart (1:24)! • He looks inside (1 Sam. 16:7) & knows you deeply (Jn. 2:24-25). • When you have a big decision to make, take it to God for His help (1:23-26)! • Pray! Ask for His help and guidance! Then, trust Him!