Acts 1

Papyrus 46, one of the oldest New Testament papyri as a sample of the text. It contains some verses from the Pauline Epistles of Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Hebrews. Other papyrus documents are the earliest sources.
The early Christians by tradition accept that the Gospel of Luke - Acts were composed by the same author and many believe that to be Luke the evangels who often writes in the third person. It includes many of Paul's journeys but not all the apostles.
Comments
In verse 1 he refers to his "first account" (πρῶτον λόγον^[1], prōton^[2] logon^[3]) of Jesus preached and did. The term "logon" is "frequently used by classical writers in the sense of a narrative or history contained in a book; "^[4]
What Jesus did and taught (ποιεῖν τε καὶ διδάσκειν, poiein^[5] te kai didaskein^[6], began both to do and teach,)
There is also the question as to is Theophilus which means a friend of God. Is he writing to anyone who is a friend of God?
It is most significant in verse 2 marks the point at which afterwards the "Holy Ghost had given commandments(orders)^[7]" by which they were to act. Remember Christ had created ranks of service and His ministers were not to be exercising authority one over the other.^[8]
V3-5 They were to stay in Jerusalem until they would receive the baptism of fire.
Verse 6 shows the apostles asking if the kingdom be would be restored using a form of the verb apokathistémi (ἀποκαθιστάνω) in a unique form of apokathistaneis (ἀποκαθιστάνεις)
According to Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible, "And the nation in general was in great expectation, that upon the Messiah's coming they should be delivered from the yoke of the Romans, and that the son of David would be king over them." But this was the Nation of Judea they wanted restored.
From the beginning of Israel there was no king and the election to have that centralized power was not only an abandonment of the way of Moses it was a rejection of God.^[9]
Jesus was not coming to restore everyman to a central ruler or theocratic pontificate who might end up riding the back of an authoritarian government. Jesus was setting the Captive free and restoring everyman to his Family and to his possessions according to the perfect law of liberty.
In that Fatal Sequence^[10] there is a rejection of God.^[9] There is evidence that the people have or have not rejected God and Jesus and that is if they keep His commandments.^[11]

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

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(orders)^[7] unto the apostles whom he had chosen:^[12]

Shewed himself alive

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:

4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded^[13] 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 Ascension

6 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.^[14]

Receive power

8 But ye shall receive power,^[15] 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.

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;

Why stand ye gazing

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.

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.

13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

In one accord

14 These all continued^[16] with one accord^[17] in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Peter stood up

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David^[18] spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

The field of blood

18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity^[19]; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

Eyes darkened

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms,^[20] Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.^[21]

21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Ordained and appointed

22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

They may take part

25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

↑ Westcott and Hort 1881, ΤΟΝ ΜΕΝ ΠΡΩΤΟΝ ΛΟΓΟΝ, TON MEN PROTON LOGON, The former treatise have I made OR
↑ 4413 πρῶτος protos pro’-tos contracted superlative of 4253 pro before; adj; TDNT-6:865,965; {See TDNT 675 } AV-first 84, chief 9, first day 2, former 2, misc 7; 104
1) first in time or place
1a) in any succession of things or persons

2) first in rank
2a) influence, honour

2b) chief

2c) principal

3) first, at the first
↑
3056 ~λόγος~ logos \@log’-os\@ from 3004; n m AV-word 218, saying 50, account 8, speech 8, Word (Christ) 7, thing 5, not tr 2, misc 32; 330
1) of speech
1a) a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea

2) its use as respect to the MIND alone

3) In John, denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the personal wisdom and power in union with God, his minister in creation and government of the universe, the cause of all the world’s life both physical and ethical, which for the procurement of man’s salvation put on human nature in the person of Jesus the Messiah, the second person in the Godhead, and shone forth conspicuously from His words and deeds.
- 4487 ρημα rhema can mean word or saying.
↑ Expositor's Greek Testament
↑ 4160 ποιέω poieō poy-eh'-o, a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct); TDNT entry: 13:38,9; Thayer Definition:
1. to make
a. with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.

b. to be the authors of, the cause

c. to make ready, to prepare

d. to produce, bear, shoot forth

e. to acquire, to provide a thing for one's self

f. to make a thing out of something

g. to (make, i.e.) render one anything
1. to (make, i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that

2. to (make, i.e.) declare one anything

h. to put one forth, to lead him out
1i. to make one do something
cause one to
i. to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about)

2. to do
a. to act rightly, do well
1. to carry out, to execute

b. to do a thing unto one
1. to do to one

c. with designation of time: to pass, spend

d. to celebrate, keep
1. to make ready, and so at the same time to institute, the celebration of the passover

e. to perform: to a promise
Origin: apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary
↑ 1321 ~διδάσκω~ didasko \@did-as’-ko\@ a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb dao (to learn); as a noun commonly tranlated "master" TDNT-2:135,161; {See TDNT 190} v AV-teach 93, taught + 2258 4; 97
1) to teach
1a) to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, deliver didactic discourses

1b) to be a teacher

1c) to discharge the office of a teacher, conduct one’s self as a teacher

2) to teach one
2a) to impart instruction

2b) instill doctrine into one

2c) the thing taught or enjoined

2d) to explain or expound a thing

2f) to teach one something
↑ ^{Jump up to: 7.0} ^7.1 1781 ~ἐντέλλομαι~ entellomai \@en-tel’-lom-ahee\@ from 1722 and the base of 5056; v AV-command 10, give commandment 3, give charge 2, enjoin 1, charge 1; 17
1) to order, command to be done, enjoin

For Synonyms see entry 5844
↑ Not exercise authority
Matthew 20:25 "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you:..."

Mark 10:42 "But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you:..."

Luke 22:25 "And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye [shall] not [be] so:..."
↑ ^{Jump up to: 9.0} ^9.1 Rejecting The Way
1 Samuel 8:7 "And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them."

1 Samuel 10:19 "And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, [Nay], but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands."

1 Samuel 12:17 "[Is it] not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness [is] great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king."

Numbers 22:20 "And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, [and] go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do."

Psalms 81:11 "But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me."

Isaiah 66:4 "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose [that] in which I delighted not."

Hosea 13:9 "O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me [is] thine help. 10 I will be thy king: where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes? 11 I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took [him] away in my wrath. 12 The iniquity of Ephraim [is] bound up; his sin [is] hid."

Matthew 13:13 "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand." (Mark 8:18)

Luke 6:27 "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."

Luke 8:21 "And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it."

Luke 10:16 "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me."

Luke 19:27 "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay [them] before me."

John 8:42 "Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me not."

Acts 1: 2 "Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments(orders) unto the apostles whom he had chosen: (keep my commandments.)
↑ This is called the "Tytler cycle" or "Fatal Sequence". Alexander Fraser Tytler.
↑ Keep Commandments
Exodus 15:26 "And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee."

Exodus 20:6 "And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."

Nehemiah 1:9 "But [if] ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, [yet] will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there."

Psalms 89:30 "If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; 31 If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; 32 Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes."

Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

Mark 7:9 "And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition."

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments... 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him...23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father s which sent me."

John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love."

1 Corinthians 7:19 "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God."

1 Timothy 6:14 "That thou keep [this] commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:"

1 John 2:3 "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

1 John 3:22 "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."

1 John 5:1 "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

Revelation 12:17 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."

Revelation 14:12 "Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
↑ 1586 ~ἐκλέγομαι~ eklegomai \@ek-leg’-om-ahee\@ middle voice from 1537 and 3004 (in its primary sense); TDNT-4:144,505; {See TDNT 431} v AV-choose 19, choose out 1, make choice 1; 21
1) to pick out, choose, to pick or choose out for one’s self
1a) choosing one out of many, i.e. Jesus choosing his disciples

1b) choosing one for an office

1c) of God choosing whom he judged fit to receive his favours and separated from the rest of mankind to be peculiarly his own and to be attended continually by his gracious oversight
1c1) i.e. the Israelites

1d) of God the Father choosing Christians, as those whom he set apart from the irreligious multitude as dear unto himself, and whom he has rendered, through faith in Christ, citizens in the Messianic kingdom: (#Jas 2:5) so that the ground of the choice lies in Christ and his merits only
↑ 3853 ~παραγγέλλω~ paraggello \@par-ang-gel’-lo\@ from 3844 and the base of 32; v AV-command 20, charge 6, give commandment 1, give charge 1, declare 1, give in charge 1, vr command 1; 31
1) to transmit a message along from one to another, to declare, announce

2) to command, order, charge
For Synonyms see entry 5844
↑ 1849 ~ἐξουσία~ exousia \@ex-oo-see’-ah\@ from 1832 (in the sense of ability); n f AV-power 69, authority 29, right 2, liberty 1, jurisdiction 1, strength 1; 103 See Romans 13
1) power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases
1a) leave or permission

2) physical and mental power
2a) the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises

3) the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege)

4) the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed)
4a) universally
4a1) authority over mankind

4b) specifically
4b1) the power of judicial decisions

4b2) of authority to manage domestic affairs

4c) metonymically
4c1) a thing subject to authority or rule
4c1a) jurisdiction

4c2) one who possesses authority

4c2a) a ruler, a human magistrate

4c2b) the leading and more powerful among created beings superior to man, spiritual potentates

4d) a sign of the husband’s authority over his wife
4d1) the veil with which propriety required a women to cover herself

4e) the sign of regal authority, a crown

For Synonyms see entry 5820
↑ 1411 ~δύναμις~ dunamis \@doo’-nam-is\@ from 1410 meaning to be able; TDNT-2:284,186; {See TDNT 201} n f AV-power 77, mighty work 11, strength 7, miracle 7, might 4, virtue 3, mighty 2, misc 9; 120
1) strength power, ability
1a) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth

1b) power for performing miracles

1c) moral power and excellence of soul

1d) the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth

1e) power and resources arising from numbers

1f) power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts

For Synonyms see entry 5820
↑ Persevere continually
Mark 3:9 "And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on <4342> him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him."

Acts 1:14 "These all continued <4342> with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."

Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly <4342> in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Acts 2:46 "And they, continuing <4342> daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"

Acts 6:4 "But we will give ourselves continually <4342> to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

Acts 8:13 "Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued <4342> with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."

Acts 10:7 "And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on <4342> him continually <4342>;"

Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant <4342> in prayer;"

Romans 13:6 "For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually <4342> upon this very thing."

Colossians 4:2 "Continue <4342> in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"

Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance<4343> and supplication for all saints;"
↑ 3661 ~ὁμοθυμαδόν~ homothumadon \@hom-oth-oo-mad-on’\@ from a compound of the base of 3674 and 2372; adv AV-with one accord 11, with one mind 1; 12 1) with one mind, with one accord, with one passion
++++

A unique Greek word, used 10 of its 12 New Testament occurrences in the Book of Acts, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community. Homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to "rush along" and "in unison". The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonise in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ’s church which was including only those who were called out.
↑ Interpretation of Scriptures
2 Peter 1:20 "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation<1955>. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

2 Timothy 3:15 "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

Acts 1:16 "Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus."

John 14:26 "But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

John 15:26 "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:"

John 14:16 "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

John 16:7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."
↑ Righteousness vs Unrighteousness
Luke 16:9 "And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations."

Matthew 5:19 "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

2 Corinthians 6:14 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

1 Corinthians 6:9 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

2 Timothy 3:1 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

Romans 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,"

Romans 2:8 "But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,"

2 Thessalonians 2:10 "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"

Jeremiah 22:13 "Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;"

2 Peter 2:13 "And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness<3408>, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness<3408 >;"

Acts 1:18 "Now this man purchased a field with the reward <3408> of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out."

Jude 1:11 "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward <3408>, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."
↑ "Two prophecies are afterward quoted for this purpose, Acts 1:20, from Psalm 69:25; Psalm 109:8; (on which passages see the notes;) and it has been matter of much debate, whether they do, in their original sense, refer to Judas or to the enemies of David. It is certain the sixty-ninth Psalm is not to be confined to Judas; for Paul (Romans 11:9-10) has quoted the 22d and 23d verses of it as applicable to the unbelieving Jews in general: and “there are so many passages in both these psalms more applicable to David than to Christ, that I was very inclinable,” says Dr. Doddridge," Benson Commentary
↑ Context of Psalms 69:22 "Let their table become a snare before them: and [that which should have been] for [their] welfare, [let it become] a trap. 23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. 24 Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them. 25 Let their habitation be desolate; [and] let none dwell in their tents. 26 For they persecute [him] whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded. 27 Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness. 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

[1] Westcott and Hort 1881, ΤΟΝ ΜΕΝ ΠΡΩΤΟΝ ΛΟΓΟΝ, TON MEN PROTON LOGON, The former treatise have I made OR

[protos-2] 4413 πρῶτος protos pro’-tos contracted superlative of 4253 pro before; adj; TDNT-6:865,965; {See TDNT 675 } AV-first 84, chief 9, first day 2, former 2, misc 7; 104
1) first in time or place
1a) in any succession of things or persons

2) first in rank
2a) influence, honour

2b) chief

2c) principal

3) first, at the first

[logos-3] 3056 ~λόγος~ logos \@log’-os\@ from 3004; n m AV-word 218, saying 50, account 8, speech 8, Word (Christ) 7, thing 5, not tr 2, misc 32; 330
1) of speech
1a) a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea

2) its use as respect to the MIND alone

3) In John, denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the personal wisdom and power in union with God, his minister in creation and government of the universe, the cause of all the world’s life both physical and ethical, which for the procurement of man’s salvation put on human nature in the person of Jesus the Messiah, the second person in the Godhead, and shone forth conspicuously from His words and deeds.

4487 ρημα rhema can mean word or saying.

[4] 4487 ρημα rhema can mean word or saying.

[4] Expositor's Greek Testament

[poieo-5] 4160 ποιέω poieō poy-eh'-o, a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct); TDNT entry: 13:38,9; Thayer Definition:
1. to make
a. with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.

b. to be the authors of, the cause

c. to make ready, to prepare

d. to produce, bear, shoot forth

e. to acquire, to provide a thing for one's self

f. to make a thing out of something

g. to (make, i.e.) render one anything
1. to (make, i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that

2. to (make, i.e.) declare one anything

h. to put one forth, to lead him out
1i. to make one do something
cause one to
i. to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about)

2. to do
a. to act rightly, do well
1. to carry out, to execute

b. to do a thing unto one
1. to do to one

c. with designation of time: to pass, spend

d. to celebrate, keep
1. to make ready, and so at the same time to institute, the celebration of the passover

e. to perform: to a promise
Origin: apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary

[didasko-6] 1321 ~διδάσκω~ didasko \@did-as’-ko\@ a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb dao (to learn); as a noun commonly tranlated "master" TDNT-2:135,161; {See TDNT 190} v AV-teach 93, taught + 2258 4; 97
1) to teach
1a) to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, deliver didactic discourses

1b) to be a teacher

1c) to discharge the office of a teacher, conduct one’s self as a teacher

2) to teach one
2a) to impart instruction

2b) instill doctrine into one

2c) the thing taught or enjoined

2d) to explain or expound a thing

2f) to teach one something

[entellomai-7] {Jump up to: 7.0} ^7.1 1781 ~ἐντέλλομαι~ entellomai \@en-tel’-lom-ahee\@ from 1722 and the base of 5056; v AV-command 10, give commandment 3, give charge 2, enjoin 1, charge 1; 17
1) to order, command to be done, enjoin

For Synonyms see entry 5844

[exauth-8] Not exercise authority
Matthew 20:25 "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you:..."

Mark 10:42 "But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you:..."

Luke 22:25 "And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye [shall] not [be] so:..."

[rejectgd-9] {Jump up to: 9.0} ^9.1 Rejecting The Way
1 Samuel 8:7 "And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them."

1 Samuel 10:19 "And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, [Nay], but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands."

1 Samuel 12:17 "[Is it] not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness [is] great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king."

Numbers 22:20 "And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, [and] go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do."

Psalms 81:11 "But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me."

Isaiah 66:4 "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose [that] in which I delighted not."

Hosea 13:9 "O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me [is] thine help. 10 I will be thy king: where [is any other] that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes? 11 I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took [him] away in my wrath. 12 The iniquity of Ephraim [is] bound up; his sin [is] hid."

Matthew 13:13 "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand." (Mark 8:18)

Luke 6:27 "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."

Luke 8:21 "And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it."

Luke 10:16 "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me."

Luke 19:27 "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay [them] before me."

John 8:42 "Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me not."

Acts 1: 2 "Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments(orders) unto the apostles whom he had chosen: (keep my commandments.)

[fatal-10] This is called the "Tytler cycle" or "Fatal Sequence". Alexander Fraser Tytler.

[keepcom-11] Keep Commandments
Exodus 15:26 "And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee."

Exodus 20:6 "And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."

Nehemiah 1:9 "But [if] ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, [yet] will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there."

Psalms 89:30 "If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; 31 If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; 32 Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes."

Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

Mark 7:9 "And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition."

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments... 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him...23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father s which sent me."

John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love."

1 Corinthians 7:19 "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God."

1 Timothy 6:14 "That thou keep [this] commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:"

1 John 2:3 "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

1 John 3:22 "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."

1 John 5:1 "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

Revelation 12:17 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."

Revelation 14:12 "Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."

[eklegomai-12] 1586 ~ἐκλέγομαι~ eklegomai \@ek-leg’-om-ahee\@ middle voice from 1537 and 3004 (in its primary sense); TDNT-4:144,505; {See TDNT 431} v AV-choose 19, choose out 1, make choice 1; 21
1) to pick out, choose, to pick or choose out for one’s self
1a) choosing one out of many, i.e. Jesus choosing his disciples

1b) choosing one for an office

1c) of God choosing whom he judged fit to receive his favours and separated from the rest of mankind to be peculiarly his own and to be attended continually by his gracious oversight
1c1) i.e. the Israelites

1d) of God the Father choosing Christians, as those whom he set apart from the irreligious multitude as dear unto himself, and whom he has rendered, through faith in Christ, citizens in the Messianic kingdom: (#Jas 2:5) so that the ground of the choice lies in Christ and his merits only

[paraggellō-13] 3853 ~παραγγέλλω~ paraggello \@par-ang-gel’-lo\@ from 3844 and the base of 32; v AV-command 20, charge 6, give commandment 1, give charge 1, declare 1, give in charge 1, vr command 1; 31
1) to transmit a message along from one to another, to declare, announce

2) to command, order, charge
For Synonyms see entry 5844

[exousia-14] 1849 ~ἐξουσία~ exousia \@ex-oo-see’-ah\@ from 1832 (in the sense of ability); n f AV-power 69, authority 29, right 2, liberty 1, jurisdiction 1, strength 1; 103 See Romans 13
1) power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases
1a) leave or permission

2) physical and mental power
2a) the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises

3) the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege)

4) the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed)
4a) universally
4a1) authority over mankind

4b) specifically
4b1) the power of judicial decisions

4b2) of authority to manage domestic affairs

4c) metonymically
4c1) a thing subject to authority or rule
4c1a) jurisdiction

4c2) one who possesses authority

4c2a) a ruler, a human magistrate

4c2b) the leading and more powerful among created beings superior to man, spiritual potentates

4d) a sign of the husband’s authority over his wife
4d1) the veil with which propriety required a women to cover herself

4e) the sign of regal authority, a crown

For Synonyms see entry 5820

[dunamis-15] 1411 ~δύναμις~ dunamis \@doo’-nam-is\@ from 1410 meaning to be able; TDNT-2:284,186; {See TDNT 201} n f AV-power 77, mighty work 11, strength 7, miracle 7, might 4, virtue 3, mighty 2, misc 9; 120
1) strength power, ability
1a) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth

1b) power for performing miracles

1c) moral power and excellence of soul

1d) the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth

1e) power and resources arising from numbers

1f) power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts

For Synonyms see entry 5820

[Persevereq-16] Persevere continually
Mark 3:9 "And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on <4342> him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him."

Acts 1:14 "These all continued <4342> with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."

Acts 2:42 "And they continued stedfastly <4342> in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Acts 2:46 "And they, continuing <4342> daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"

Acts 6:4 "But we will give ourselves continually <4342> to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

Acts 8:13 "Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued <4342> with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."

Acts 10:7 "And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on <4342> him continually <4342>;"

Romans 12:12 "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant <4342> in prayer;"

Romans 13:6 "For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually <4342> upon this very thing."

Colossians 4:2 "Continue <4342> in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;"

Ephesians 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance<4343> and supplication for all saints;"

[homothumadon-17] 3661 ~ὁμοθυμαδόν~ homothumadon \@hom-oth-oo-mad-on’\@ from a compound of the base of 3674 and 2372; adv AV-with one accord 11, with one mind 1; 12 1) with one mind, with one accord, with one passion
++++

A unique Greek word, used 10 of its 12 New Testament occurrences in the Book of Acts, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community. Homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to "rush along" and "in unison". The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonise in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ’s church which was including only those who were called out.

[scriptint-18] Interpretation of Scriptures
2 Peter 1:20 "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation<1955>. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

2 Timothy 3:15 "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

Acts 1:16 "Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus."

John 14:26 "But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

John 15:26 "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:"

John 14:16 "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

John 16:7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."

[unright-19] Righteousness vs Unrighteousness
Luke 16:9 "And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations."

Matthew 5:19 "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."

2 Corinthians 6:14 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

1 Corinthians 6:9 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

2 Timothy 3:1 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

Romans 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,"

Romans 2:8 "But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,"

2 Thessalonians 2:10 "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"

Jeremiah 22:13 "Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;"

2 Peter 2:13 "And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness<3408>, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness<3408 >;"

Acts 1:18 "Now this man purchased a field with the reward <3408> of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out."

Jude 1:11 "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward <3408>, and perished in the gainsaying of Core."

[20] "Two prophecies are afterward quoted for this purpose, Acts 1:20, from Psalm 69:25; Psalm 109:8; (on which passages see the notes;) and it has been matter of much debate, whether they do, in their original sense, refer to Judas or to the enemies of David. It is certain the sixty-ninth Psalm is not to be confined to Judas; for Paul (Romans 11:9-10) has quoted the 22d and 23d verses of it as applicable to the unbelieving Jews in general: and “there are so many passages in both these psalms more applicable to David than to Christ, that I was very inclinable,” says Dr. Doddridge," Benson Commentary

[21] Context of Psalms 69:22 "Let their table become a snare before them: and [that which should have been] for [their] welfare, [let it become] a trap. 23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. 24 Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them. 25 Let their habitation be desolate; [and] let none dwell in their tents. 26 For they persecute [him] whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded. 27 Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness. 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

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Acts 1

Contents

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Shewed himself alive

The Ascension

Receive power

Why stand ye gazing

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

In one accord

Peter stood up

The field of blood

Eyes darkened

Ordained and appointed

They may take part

Navigation menu

Acts 1

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Shewed himself alive

The Ascension

Receive power

Why stand ye gazing

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

In one accord

Peter stood up

The field of blood

Eyes darkened

Ordained and appointed

They may take part

Navigation menu

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