General Comments on Acts 1-5 With these five chapter we see a reformed and spiritual Peter take the lead in the Church. Luke repeatedly identifies the Spirit as motivating Peter throughout these chapters. We saw Peter formerly in the Gospels having some revelation (cf. Matt 16:17), but nothing approaching the present events. Peter is born again and driven by the Spirit to accomplish the Lord's will concerning the Church. Comments on Acts 1 v1 Luke, the author of the Gospel, is the author of the book of Acts as well, cp. Luke 1:1-4. v3 "passion", those familiar with Roman Catholicism will recognize the title of "Christ's Passion" in reference to the final days of his mortal ministry. However, "passion" in this usage is a archaic English term that doesn't fit the vernacular usage. The original KJV translated it to "passion" from the Latin "passio", which means "suffering" or "submission". The LDS Edition KJV points out a better translation is "suffering" and indicates the IV/JST changes the term to "sufferings". This suggests at least some of the IV/JST changes were academic. v4 "the promise of the Father", is making reference to the promised Holy Spirit to be poured out in this new dispensation of the gospel to all nations, which is referenced in the next verse. Also cp. 2:33, 2:39, Luke 24:49, John 7:39. v6-11 The apostles are still very much focused on the physical kingdom of Israel and the restoration of the Davidic king, as they had been previously, cf. Luke 24:21, and the IV/JST on Mark 14:32. And so they ask the resurrected Jesus if he is going to restore the kingdom now (v. 6). Jesus' reply is that its not for them to know all the times and plans God has established for accomplishing His goals (v. 7). What they are to do is receive the Spirit and become witnesses to all nations, testifying of the things they have seen (v. 8). In other words, Jesus is telling them that the restoration of the physical kingdom is not any time soon, so they are called to go out and proselyte. After telling them this, Jesus departs by ascending up into heaven (v. 9). Stunned by this miraculous departure the apostles are standing around gaping when two angels, who apparently just showed up on the scene (v. 10), inform them that Jesus will come again in a similar manner that he just departed (v. 11). The angels are presumably making reference to the Second Advent, which is when the physical kingdom of Israel will be restored, which is what the apostles asked about in the first place. So, the angels are giving a sign of when the physical kingdom will be restored, but they aren't telling them when, they are only giving them a sign. v15-26 Peter institutes succession among the apostles. With the apostasy and death of Judas Iscariot comes a vacancy in the apostleship, one which Peter sees necessary to fill. Peter quotes two Psalms (cp. Ps. 69:25 and Ps. 109:8) as proof texts and the other apostles concur and they choose one by lots from among two of the more devout disciples. Overall, the action seems to be ad hoc as opposed to one of established Church policy, especially given the lack of any statement indicating revelation prompting Peter to action. Peter uses a proof text to substantiate replacing an empty seat, they choose by nomination, pray for inspiration, and subsequently cast lots. This early in the history of the ancient Church there would have been no established policy aside from granted revelation. Given the apparent lack of such, they nominate, appeal for inspiration, and vote. v15-16 The KJV on these two verses is poor. The parenthesis on the number of people present would better be translated (Concordant Literal NT): (besides there was a throng in the same place of about a hundred and twenty names) So, in addition to "the disciples" there was another 120 people. Then, when Peter speaks he addresses "Men and brethren". The Greek terms are "aner" and "adelphos". The Greek "aner" is strictly in reference to males, but "adelphos" can include both males and females when used in the plural. The result is it is unclear who Peter is addressing when he calls for nominations and who exactly is participating when they subsequently casts lots. Note in v. 23, 24, and 26 the ambiguous pronoun "they" is employed. The preceding v. 13-14 definitely presents women as congregated with the apostles when worshiping. And the use of both "aner" and "adelphos" suggests inclusion well beyond the remaining 11 apostles. v18-19 is a parenthetical insertion by Luke explaining the fate of Judas Iscariot. Luke's account is considerably more gory and detailed than was that of Matt. 27:5, the only other Scriptural account of his demise. Luke's account tells us what happened after Judas hanged himself. v26 "gave forth their lots", lots were sometimes used in a random fashion for divining the Lord's will. But, in this case the lots appear to represent the people's vote for either of the two disciples as "they gave forth their lots". Had it been a random draw there wouldn't have been any "they gave forth". Copyright © 2002 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.