The Promise of Jesus’ Holy Spirit and Ascension

Acts 1:1-11

The Acts of the Apostles began as Luke, the author, referred to “the former account” he made to Theophilus (Luke 1:3) of all that Jesus began both to do and teach (v.1) until the day He ascended into heaven (Luke 24:50-52). Acts continues the story from the Gospel of Luke. Before His ascension, however, Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to His chosen apostles (v.2). Jesus allowed the Holy Spirit to lead Him in making preparation for the end of His earthly ministry. We, too, must allow the Holy Spirit, God’s inner agent, to lead us and work the works of God in our daily lives. After Jesus’ suffering, many infallible witnesses saw Him alive forty days, ministering about the kingdom of God (v.3).

While together, Jesus commanded His disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the soon coming Promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit, (v.4) “until they were clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49, NIV). Jerusalem was where their ministry would begin. He told them that John baptized with water, but they will be baptized, empowered, and united with the Holy Spirit soon (v.5, AMP). They asked Him if the kingdom of Israel would be restored at the coming of the Holy Spirit (v.6). Jesus said that the Father had authority over times and seasons, and it wasn’t for them to know (v.7). Instead of concern for what was totally in the Father’s hands, Jesus appointed them to the mission ahead of them to which He had made them responsible. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (v.8).

Jesus’ disciples watched while He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Two angels in white apparel said that that same Jesus will come back just as He left (vv. 9-11). This ended His earthly ministry. Now we are empowered through the Holy Spirit for witnessing. When He returns with the clouds, every eye will see him. Let’s get ready for when He comes.