Acts 1:1-26

In the opening verse Luke reveals the nature of his first treatise. It had to do with "all that Jesus began to do and to teach." This is followed by the last glimpse we have of the disciples before Pentecost, together with the account of the Ascension. We then see them during the period between the Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is interesting to study the list of those who are named as being gathered together with them. Their need for that Spirit for guidance is revealed in an election to fill the place of Judas. Casting lots was wholly out of place, and was never resorted to after the coming of the Spirit. That the action was a mistake is revealed in that in His own time and way God found and fitted an apostle. It is to be noted how in consequence of this initial blunder, Pad had constantly to defend his right to the place of apostleship.