Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work. Preparation for God’s kingdom begins with a foundation of faith, commitment to learning, and openness to change. Luke’s account shows how Jesus taught by example, empowered the disciples through the Holy Spirit, and called them to witness boldly. Believers must embrace God’s Word, pray for understanding, and rely on the Spirit’s leading to face challenges and fulfill their calling in the kingdom’s work.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Audio
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Acts 1:1-2, Acts 1:3, Romans 1:8, Acts 17:6, Matthew 23:36, Acts 1:4-5, Acts 1:4, Acts 1:6-8, Acts 1:9-11,
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Introduction to the Book of Acts
We begin our study on the Book of Acts. I want everyone to stand up and read Acts 1:1-2 with me. We will find them on page 1 of your notes. After reading, we will pray. It’s essential to locate these verses in your Bible. Once we finish praying, we will start our study. Please read loudly when we begin.
Opening Prayer
Let us pray together. Father, thank you for gathering us to look into your Word. We are not here to defend our beliefs but to grow in You. If there are ideas in us that are not from you, help us let them go. We want to change, and growth comes from change. Lord, give everyone here extra energy tonight. People are tired from work and have given up time to be here. Help us hear, think clearly, and gain a deeper understanding.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Enlighten our understanding, Lord. Help us hear what the Spirit is saying and keep our minds focused on your Word. For this hour, let us set ourselves apart to come into your presence. May your Word be planted in us and bear fruit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. If you agree, say Amen. Now, you may be seated.
Acts 1:1-2
1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
Authorship and Audience
The book of Acts is referred to as a treatise. It was written by Luke, the same author who wrote the gospel of Luke. Luke is unique because he is the only Gentile writer found in the Scriptures.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Understanding Luke’s Perspective
Most of us are Gentiles, not Jews. In the natural sense, we are not of the Jewish race. Paul teaches that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but Luke writes from a perspective without a Jewish background. This helps us connect with his writing because he presents things in a clear and accessible way.
Luke wrote both the book of Luke and Acts as one single work. Over time, these writings became separated into two distinct books. He addressed both books to Theophilus, who was also a Gentile. Theophilus was highly educated, a dignitary, and a person of high status and means.
Luke’s writing was directed at Theophilus to minister to him. He put a lot of effort into these books. Even after nearly 2,000 years, people continue to be blessed by Luke’s message to Theophilus.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Who is Theophilus?
The name Theophilus means “lover of God.” The word breaks down into “Theo,” meaning God, and “Phileo,” meaning lover or friend. So Theophilus is a dear friend or a lover of God.
It is essential to want to be an excellent Theophilus, someone who not only loves God but wants to learn everything about Him. The book of Luke recounts the story of Jesus from His birth to His crucifixion and resurrection. The book of Acts continues the story from Jesus’ ascension and shows how He gave commands to His disciples through the Holy Ghost.
A mature believer will not leave Jesus at the manger or hanging on the cross. True maturity means seeing Jesus not only in the throne but also guiding and giving commandments to His church through the Holy Ghost. Many people stop their journey at different points, but it is crucial to keep developing a relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
The book of Acts is about Jesus Christ speaking to His people by the Holy Spirit. This journey guides believers from focusing solely on the past or future revelations to a deeper understanding through the Holy Spirit. Reading this book is meant to bring revelation, just like the book of Revelation clarifies the end times. Now, we will gain a new understanding of the Holy Spirit, which is needed for today.
Luke wrote the book. Theophilus is a dignitary and an excellent person. The message is also shared with those who love God and seek a deeper understanding of Him. It is not enough to know only about Jesus’ birth, life, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. There is a desire to understand how to relate to Jesus and listen to Him today.
It is beneficial to write things down and share them with others. Do not do this only for future generations, but also to help people right now, just as Luke did for Theophilus. Write letters about what you know, because someone may read them long after you are gone and want to learn more about Jesus.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Acts 1:1
1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
The Importance of Doing and Teaching
Jesus began by doing and then teaching. That is the way the book of Luke describes Him. People listen more when they see someone live out what they teach. Jesus did not teach first and act later; He acted and then taught. Often in church, teaching happens more than doing. People hear a lot, but do not always live it out.
Faith in Action Versus Hearing Alone
If a person attends a church where God’s Word is taught and does not change over time, something is wrong. The problem is not with the Word itself. Many are hearers but not doers. James teaches that hearing the Word without putting it into practice leads to self-deception. That kind of irresponsibility does not build faith.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Building on a Solid Foundation
Jesus told a story about wise and foolish people. The wise person hears and acts. It’s like building their house on solid rock. The foolish person hears but does not act. It’s like building on sand. When storms come, only the house on the rock stands. The foolish person is deceived into thinking that just hearing is enough, but it is not. Hearing without doing leads to failure when challenges arise.
If a person has attended church for years but their life remains unchanged, something is amiss. It is essential to learn from individuals who have achieved success in the areas they teach. Advice loses value if it comes from someone who has not shown results in their own life. People are willing to listen when they see genuine experience and practice behind the words.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Jesus did things first and then taught about them. Many have already heard the teachings, but what the world needs is to see those teachings put into practice. When actions match words, people pay attention and are drawn to faith. The method of Jesus was to do, and then to teach. This creates actual influence and credibility.
Jesus’ Directions After the Ascension
The book of Acts focuses on what happened after Jesus was taken up. Its main emphasis is on how Jesus gave directions to the Apostles following His ascension. The book demonstrates how Jesus continues to guide people even today—through the Holy Spirit.
Guidance Comes Through the Holy Spirit
There is no other way mentioned. Direction from Jesus comes through the Holy Spirit, which is still true in the present time. The Holy Spirit is the means through which Jesus communicates and leads His church.
It is possible to gain understanding from reading the Word or listening to teachings.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
The Role of the Holy Spirit
However, communicating directly with Jesus requires going through the Holy Ghost. The way Jesus gives commandments and speaks continues to be through the Holy Spirit. This method remains unchanged.
Acts 1:2
2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
Verse two shows that after Jesus was taken up, He gave instructions to His chosen apostles by the Holy Spirit. This topic is central to the study. The Holy Spirit was not given just for feelings or special experiences. While sensations and gifts like tongues or prophecy are good, those are not the main reasons for the Spirit’s presence.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Communicating With God
The primary purpose of the Holy Spirit is to enable believers to communicate with the Lord, and He can respond. This understanding brings new meaning to the relationship between believers and God. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians chapter 14 that praying in tongues means talking to God, even if the mind does not understand the words. In those moments, the spirit is communicating directly with Him.
The Holy Spirit is given so believers can communicate with the Lord, and He can speak to them in return. This is how Jesus speaks to people today. The Word of God provides essential instruction, and preaching is vital because people must hear the message of the gospel.
However, the purpose of the Holy Spirit is to help believers talk directly with Jesus and receive His commands and directions. That is a central focus of this study. The Spirit was not only given for emotional experiences, though those are good things.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
The primary purpose of the Holy Spirit’s presence is to enable believers to hear from the Lord and be guided by Him. This allows a closer relationship and a clearer understanding of God’s will.
Acts 1:3
3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
This verse has been confusing. It is hard to understand why Jesus did not leave right after His resurrection. He could have just appeared to His disciples, told them He was alive, and then left. Instead, He stayed with them for forty days. Some suggest He did this because He loved them. Others think He needed to explain things to them. There is truth in those ideas.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Forty Days, Infallible Proofs, and Preparation
As these thoughts came, it became clear that Jesus had important reasons for staying. Luke gives an overview of these forty days in the first chapter of Acts. These days were crucial because the disciples were about to face great hardship. They would be martyred, beaten, and even abandoned by their families. Shipwrecked and challenged, they needed strong preparation for what was coming.
Jesus had already warned the Pharisees that their system was coming to an end. He told the disciples the temple would fall. The disciples asked when and what signs would point to it. Jesus then explained the signs: earthquakes, turmoil, and pestilence—the beginnings of sorrow. Examining those forty days helps illustrate how Jesus prepared the disciples for the trials and changes that lay ahead.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
When Jesus finished speaking about the signs of the end in Matthew 24, He stressed that those events were only the beginning of sorrows. They were not the real signal for the end. He explained that what must happen first is the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom to all the world as a testimony. Only then would the end come.
Many people today think this means every group on earth must hear the gospel for Jesus to return. But that interpretation is not correct.
Gospel Preached to the Known World
Paul explained in Colossians that the gospel had already been preached to “every creature under heaven” (Colossians 1:23). The New Testament describes that the gospel had spread widely at that time.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Questions arise about whether distant populations, such as the Inuit (also known as Eskimos) or various indigenous peoples, had heard the gospel. The issue is not with the accuracy of Paul’s words. Instead, the biblical use of “world” refers to the known world of that era, specifically the Roman Empire at the time. Scriptural references to the “world” did not mean every place on the globe; instead, “world” referred to the four corners of their known world, which was not understood to be round.
Now, was the gospel preached to the whole Roman Empire when Paul wrote this? Absolutely.
Romans 1:8
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Everybody in the world was familiar with the Romans and their Christianity. Did the Aztec Indians know about it? Did the Eskimos know about it? No. But did the Roman Empire know about it? Absolutely.
Acts 17:6
6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
Turning the World Upside Down
Acts 17:6 describes how the early believers were accused of turning the world upside down. This means they had a significant impact across the Roman Empire. The “world” in this context does not refer to the entire globe, but rather to their known world at that time.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Preaching the Gospel in One Generation
The biblical understanding of “world” differs from how people perceive it today. It was not global. The key point is that the early church was tasked to preach the gospel to the whole world in a single generation. Jesus repeated that all these things would happen within that generation.
This shows how the message spread quickly and the prophecy was fulfilled for that time period. The focus was on reaching everyone in the area they considered “the world”—the Roman Empire.
Matthew 23:36
36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Matthew 23:36 records Jesus’ warning to the scribes and Pharisees that all the things He described would come upon their generation. He called them out for their hypocrisy and said they were responsible for all the bloodshed. These judgments would fall on the people alive at that time.
In Matthew 24, known as the Olivet Discourse, Jesus discusses the destruction of the temple and a time of great tribulation. He repeated that everything He foretold would happen within that generation. Matthew 24:34 confirms, “this generation shall not pass till all these things happen.” The disciples had the task of preaching the gospel throughout the entire Roman Empire in a single generation. If the early believers could accomplish that, surely it should motivate others to share the message in their own communities.
Three Key Events After the Resurrection
During the forty days following Jesus’ resurrection, three key events occurred. The first was the giving of many infallible proofs that Jesus was truly alive. These were not tricks or illusions. Jesus kept appearing to His followers: He met Mary at the tomb and appeared to the disciples multiple times. Even when Thomas doubted, Jesus showed him the wounds, and Thomas responded in faith, calling Him “my Lord and my God”.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Infallible Proofs
Jesus provided many infallible proofs after His resurrection. He walked with disciples on the road to Emmaus, appeared to groups and individuals, such as Peter and James, and, as Paul shares in 1 Corinthians 15, He was seen by more than 500 people at one time. He spent time eating and talking with them, encouraging them to confirm that He was truly alive. These repeated appearances were meant to give certainty.
This matters because the early believers needed a faith that could not be shaken. They faced intense pressure and severe tests, sometimes even persecution and death. They stood firm because they knew Jesus was alive and no threat could make them deny Him. Stories from Fox’s Book of Martyrs show how many refused to claim Christ’s resurrection was fake, no matter the cost. Their steadfast faith is the reason the Christian message continues today.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
These foundational experiences didn’t just benefit them; they are essential for present-day believers as well. Faith will constantly be challenged. If a person lacks certainty and clear evidence of God’s reality, doubt can take over, and faith cannot work alongside doubt. For real challenges—severe illness or other profound trials—there must be unwavering faith, grounded in the proofs God provides. Jesus walks with believers, shares communion with them, and enables them to experience the presence of Christ through fellowship and community.
Jesus rose from the dead. The resurrection is the foundation for everything else in the Christian faith. Without it, every teaching and truth would be nice, but not life-changing. If Jesus did not rise, He would not be the Son of God, but if He did, believers must respond. His resurrection and ascension declare Him as King of kings and Lord of lords—not just someday, but right now. This requires a faith that is strong enough to confess Him as Lord, especially when life’s challenges arise. The disciples faced many tests and assaults, yet their faith held firm.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Living Faith That Cannot Be Shaken
The conviction that Jesus rose from the dead was unmatched among the apostles and disciples. Nothing could ever change this fact for them. They faced martyrdom and suffered greatly, but they never renounced their faith. Stephen was stoned; James was beheaded; Thomas was killed in India; Simon Peter was crucified; Mark was burned; Bartholomew was beaten, crucified, and beheaded in Armenia; Andrew was crucified; Matthew was killed with a spear; Philip was stoned and crucified in Pergamum; James, the brother of Jesus, was thrown off the temple and then struck on the head. These men’s faith could not be shaken. They were willing to die rather than deny Jesus.
To be effective in the kingdom, faith must be strong and certain. If believers want to impact their city and world, their relationship with the Lord must be built on infallible proofs. These proofs show that the truth of Jesus is real and reliable. The first key is having faith that does not waver, based on these solid evidences.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Teaching Concerning the Kingdom
The second key is understanding aspects of the kingdom of God. Great faith alone is not enough. Believers need to know how to communicate their faith and share their experiences. It is crucial to understand and teach the things of the kingdom, not just about the church or preachers. Jesus teaches about every part of life—finances, family, business, and relationships. There is much to learn about kingdom living from Him.
Having faith and knowledge must lead to action. If believers only hear and do not live out the truth, then they are deceiving themselves. People need to know what to say and how to live their lives. Accurate teaching about Jesus and the kingdom must be true, helpful, and positive. It should build others up, not tear them down. The disciples needed both infallible proofs and understanding of the kingdom. They were called not only to talk about the kingdom, but to live it in every area of life.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Acts 1:4-5
4 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.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost
The third main point is that Jesus taught the disciples about being baptized with the Holy Ghost. While gathered together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the Father’s promise. He said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Ghost soon.” These verses are sometimes misunderstood as a last-minute instruction. In reality, Jesus had already discussed this with them before. He said, “These things you have heard of me,” meaning it was an important topic during the forty days after His resurrection.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
The promise of the Holy Ghost was not a sudden idea but a central part of Jesus’ teaching during those forty days. It was essential for the disciples to have the power of the Holy Ghost to be witnesses and preach the gospel of the kingdom to their world in that generation. Jesus spent time explaining that receiving the Holy Spirit was necessary to accomplish their task. The Holy Ghost gave them the strength and ability to witness and share the message powerfully.
Look at different translations. That’s the King James version. Let’s look at some other translations.
(NIV) Acts 1:4
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
The NIV Bible says, “on one occasion while he was eating with them.”
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
(NLT) Acts 1:4
4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before.
The New Living Translation says, “Once when he was eating with them.” The Phillips Modern English says, “on one occasion while he was eating a meal with them.” The RSV Bible says, “and while staying with them.” This wasn’t something he sprung on them as he was about to lift off. This is something he had worked into them to expect, and he told them what was going to happen and explained what it would do in their lives.
Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit would be the means by which He could communicate with all believers simultaneously. He said it was better for Him to leave so that everyone could hear from Him through the Spirit, instead of just one person at a time. The disciples received careful instructions about these things, and Jesus made it clear what was necessary.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
The Command to Wait and Receive the Holy Spirit
This was not just a suggestion. The disciples had already seen infallible proofs and had strong faith. They believed and knew Jesus was risen. They had the best teaching anyone could have received. That teaching and salvation were important, but the baptism in the Holy Ghost was something separate, something necessary. Jesus wanted their whole lives to be consumed by the Spirit, empowering them to receive His commands and communicate with Him.
This baptism did not occur at the moment of initial salvation or solely through good teaching. It was a distinct experience. Jesus commanded—not suggested—that they return to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit. Though it was uncomfortable and risky, especially since Jerusalem was full of those who opposed Jesus, the command was clear. Receiving the Holy Spirit meant pressing beyond religious and cultural obstacles to seek God’s presence in a whole new way.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
The topic of tongues is not a primary focus in this lesson, but it often brings questions. Some do not understand why tongues are included. It feels unavoidable, like a pair of shoes that always come together. The act humbles a person, and if one is willing to surrender their tongue to God, it shows complete submission. This experience is humbling, yet it brings new power and communication with God that was not present before. Something real and life-changing takes place.
Acts 1:6-8
8 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
The main points covered so far are infallible proofs, teaching about the kingdom, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost. On Ascension Day, the disciples gathered on Mount Olivet with Jesus. They asked if He was going to restore the kingdom to Israel at that time. This question was confusing and seemed out of place, given everything Jesus had taught them. Even after all they experienced, they still thought of a physical, earthly kingdom. Many believers today continue with that kind of thinking.
This would be the last time the disciples asked this question about restoring Israel’s kingdom. Jesus did not get upset, even though the question showed misunderstanding. He knew the Holy Ghost would soon guide them into all truth. That trust in the Spirit’s leadership was essential for them to grow beyond old ideas.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
The disciples did not ask Jesus if He “could restore” the kingdom. Their question was if He “would restore” – about timing, not ability. People today think the same way. They believe Jesus can restore the kingdom and continue to wonder if He will do it now. The issue is never about Jesus’ power. The real hang-up is on expecting a natural, earthly kingdom. Even now, Christians try to guess when Jesus will return and restore a temple and restore a physical kingdom. But the teaching is clear: that time will never come. Jesus will not set up a natural kingdom. The idea must be let go.
Jesus taught that His kingdom is not of this world. He told Pilate that if His kingdom were worldly, His servants would fight. But His kingdom does not come in visible, earthly ways. When the Pharisees demanded an explanation, Jesus answered that the kingdom would not come by observation. It comes in an invisible way, because it is within believers (Luke 17:21). The power and presence of the kingdom fill their lives and then influence others. Believers act as salt and light, changing those around them.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
After the Holy Spirit was given, the disciples’ understanding underwent a profound change. They never asked about a natural kingdom again. They realized the kingdom was much larger. It was not just for the Jews; it was for everyone. In Christ, there is no division between Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or free. The kingdom of God is for all people, and its work is spiritual and transformative.
When the disciples asked about restoring the kingdom, Jesus told them not to worry about the timing. He said, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons, which the Father has set by His own authority.” Instead, He promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon you, and you will be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8).
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Jesus shifted focus away from trying to understand future events and prophecies. He was not concerned with eschatology—the study of end times. Power does not come from knowing those things. The real issue is distraction; people often let their interest in complex topics get in the way of their understanding. Understanding theology and prophecies is beneficial, but it is not the primary source of spiritual life or growth.
Receiving Power, Not Just Knowledge
Jesus wanted His followers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and show real power in their lives. The call is to be effective witnesses and bring change to their communities and beyond. The forty days of teaching were preparation. Now, it was time to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit and learn about His work. The challenge is to move beyond just interest in doctrine and let the Spirit work in powerful ways.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Acts 1:9-11
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Jesus’ Ascension and the Cloud
Jesus ascended on a cloud, but this cloud is more than a white shape in the sky. In Scripture, the cloud separated Israel from Egypt, bringing blessing to some and destruction to others. Jesus once told the high priest that he would see Him coming on the cloud. The cloud symbolizes more than a physical object; it is a symbol connected to judgment and glory.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Kingdom Inauguration: Daniel’s Vision and Revelation Fulfilled
The cloud references back to Daniel chapter 7, where Daniel describes the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven to the Ancient of Days. This vision is about Jesus’ ascension. After He ascended, He received dominion, glory, and a kingdom that all peoples should serve. This kingdom is everlasting. When Jesus went up, His kingdom began. Believers now live and walk in that kingdom—the promises and blessings are present right now, not just in the future.
Kings and Priests in the Kingdom
John’s vision in Revelation 5 matches this truth. The lamb takes the book, signaling the inauguration of the kingdom. Revelation 5:10 confirms believers are made kings and priests at Christ’s ascension.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
Replacing Judas: Selecting New Leadership
After Jesus ascended, around 120 followers returned to Jerusalem and gathered in the upper room. They realized that Judas needed to be replaced because he had held a ministry position and had a group of people to serve. Peter explained why someone needed to replace Judas among the apostles.
Principles for Choosing Leaders
To choose a new leader, they followed a process with clear steps. They did not vote; instead, they set qualifications. The candidate needed to have been with them from the time Jesus was baptized up to His ascension. It is essential to know those who work among you, just as they did. The group lived closely together, and today, believers should also get to know those in leadership roles.
Acts Chapter 1: How to Prepare for Kingdom Work
The Role of Prayer in Decisions
Prayer played a crucial role in their decision. No leader should be chosen without it. After seeking God, they cast lots, trusting the Lord to guide the outcome. If we know the people and devote the choice to prayer, we can trust God’s hand in the decision. These steps are crucial for selecting great leaders.
Wrapping Up: Reflection and Engagement
Feedback from the lesson matters. Participants are invited to fill out notes, either now or later, to ensure clarity and understanding. Sharing notes helps confirm that the message is communicated clearly and prevents misunderstanding of what was taught.
Acts Chapter 1 Audio
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