Sermon Acts Chapter 1

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[2] The title of the sermon today is “ACTS CHAPTER 1.”

Luke Writes To Theophilus = Author Of Acts = Luke

• We’re going through Acts Chapter 1 verse by verse today.

[3] Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

• The former treatise is talking about the former composition or book that this person wrote to a man named Theophilus.
• This book is written directly to a man named Theophilus. Who is this Theophilus?
• The only other time in the Bible the name Theophilus is mentioned is in Luke Chapter 1.

[4] Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

• So, we see that Luke is writing to Theophilus.
• The book of Luke is the FORMER TREATISE being talked about in Acts Chapter 1.
• Acts 1:1 says the former treatise of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.
• The book of Luke tells us about everything that Jesus did and taught.
• So, Luke is the author of the book of Acts and is a continuance of the book of Luke.
• To prove this further, I want you to notice this when you’re reading the book of Acts.

[5] Acts 16:9-10 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

• “Immediately WE endeavored.” Throughout the book, the author says WE.
• Luke stays with Paul. Luke is a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

[6] 2 Timothy 4:10-11 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

• Verse 11 is talking about Luke staying with Paul. He didn’t leave Paul.
• With that said, let’s study the book of Acts, which is a continuance of Luke.

[7] Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

• Notice it says there at the end of verse 1: “Jesus began both to do and teach.”
• Don’t teach something and then do something different.
• Learn what the Bible says and do it. Don’t make up your own rules.

[8] Matthew 15:7-9 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

• If we teach something here and don’t do it, then we’re hypocrites.
• Jesus says so in Matthew Chapter 23 when he calls the scribes and Pharisees hypocrites.
• A hypocrite is someone who says one thing and does the other.
• “Oh yeah, I follow all the commandments. I’m earning my way to heaven. I’m a good person.”
• That’s a hypocrite. We’re only saved by God’s grace through faith in HIM to save us.

[9] Acts 1:2 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:

• So Jesus kept teaching and doing what he taught until the day he was taken up.
• Jesus gave commandments to the apostles he had chosen.

[10] Acts 1:3 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:

• Jesus showed himself to the apostles whom he had chosen.
• And he showed himself alive by MANY infallible proofs.
• In other words, he gave them undeniable proof that he was alive after he died on the cross.
• There’s no error in that proof. There’s no way he wasn’t alive. There’s no way it was a lie.
• Jesus showed himself to the APOSTLES for 40 days and taught them about the kingdom of God.

Jesus Didn’t Show Himself After His Resurrection To All People

Jesus didn’t show himself to all people. He only showed himself to the ones he chose.

• We learn this later in the book of Acts. And he doesn’t show up to us today and speak to us in person.
• We’re saved by believing in Jesus when we haven’t seen him.
• He wants you to have faith in his words. He doesn’t do miracles so you’ll believe.
• Yeah, God could speak from heaven right now and tell everyone that He is real.
• But he chooses not to do this because his way is better. We’re saved by his grace through faith.
• Who was on the receiving end of his miracles that he did? It was only those who had faith.

Something you need to see here in verse 3 is that Jesus showed himself to the apostles for 40 days.

• This is important for the timelines of things. Jesus died on the Passover day. 1/14.
• His soul was in hell for 3 days and 3 nights. Jesus arose on the first day of the week.
• The first day of the week after the Passover is the Firstfruits. That’s when Jesus arose.
• From there, you can count 50 days and you’ll see Pentecost.
• So, about 10 days after Jesus ascends into heaven, PENTECOST occurs.
• And we’re definitely going to learn more about Pentecost as we go through the book of Acts.

[11] Acts 1:4 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.

• Jesus was assembled together with the apostles and commands them to not leave Jerusalem.
• The Father is going to send them something they don’t want to miss.

[12] Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

• Jesus tells them to wait in Jerusalem because they are going to be BAPTIZED with the Holy Ghost.
• Now, with that said. Were the apostles not saved yet? Were they not baptized?
• Had they not yet received the indwelling of the Holy Ghost?
• If any of them would have died, would they have gone to hell?

If we go back just a few pages in the Bible to John Chapter 20, we’ll see that Jesus appears to the disciples.

• And this happens on the same day that Jesus arose from the dead.
• This was the first day of the week at evening.

[13] John 20:21-22 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

• So, obviously, they just received the INDWELLING of the Holy Ghost.
• Jesus breathed on them, and it doesn’t say they did miraculous signs and wonders.
• This happens BEFORE the Acts Chapter 1 or Acts Chapter 2.
• So, when were these disciples and apostles saved? Was it in John Chapter 20 or Acts Chapter 2?
• The apostles were saved once they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as SAVIOR.
• They weren’t saved in John Chapter 20 or Acts Chapter 2. How were they saved?
• JOHN CHAPTER 20 tells us how all people are saved.

[14] John 20:30-31 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

• The apostles weren’t saved because they did everything Jesus said. They didn’t.
• Read the Gospels and tell me they were perfect. They didn’t do everything Jesus said.
• Their water baptism didn’t save them. They were already saved. Why? They believed.
• Let’s prove this even further using the Bible and not my emotions and feelings.

[15] John 7:37-38 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

• He that believeth on Jesus will have rivers of living water flowing out of his belly.
• What in the world does that mean? The Bible tells us what that means in the next verse.

[16] John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

• The river of living water flowing out of your belly is talking about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
• “Which they that believe on HIM should receive.”
• Does it say they that are baptized in water shall receive? They that go to church shall receive?
• They that repent of their sins shall receive? How much do you have to repent of your sins?
• You sin every day. Do you need to get on your knees every night and repent of your sin?
• If you miss a night, are you going to hell? If you die before you repent of all your sin, what happens?

Your Works Can’t Save You Or Send You To Hell

All of those beliefs are pure trash. The Bible doesn’t say any of that ANYWHERE.

• “He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, will receive the Holy Ghost.”
• Oh, does your church say something different than that? Who are you believing?
• I didn’t say it. The Bible clearly says so right there.
• It says, “The holy Spirit was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified.”
• In John Chapter 7, Jesus wasn’t in his new glorified body after his death, burial, and resurrection.
• In John Chapter 20, though, Jesus is in his glorified body. He breathes on the disciples.
• They receive the indwelling of the Holy Ghost at the moment Jesus gives it to them.

In Acts Chapter 1, we’re seeing something different.

• Jesus already gave these same men the INDWELLING of the Holy Spirit when he breathed on them.

[17] Acts 1:6-7 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.

• They didn’t know exactly what Jesus meant about being baptized with the Holy Ghost.
• They had already been baptized in water and received the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.
• So, what is Jesus talking about? They said, “Are you going to restore the kingdom of Israel?”
• He says, “It’s not for you to know the times or the seasons.” And then Jesus continues in the next verse.

[18] Acts 1:8 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.

• When Jesus breathed on them in John Chapter 20, the Holy Ghost didn’t come upon them.
• They didn’t receive this miraculous power when they received the Holy Ghost.
• Now, though, Jesus says: “Ye shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come UPON you.”
• Why is He giving them this power of the Holy Ghost? So they can be witnesses to Jesus.
• He wants them to spread the truth in Jerusalem, in all Judaea, in Samaria, and all the earth.

So, now, they’re going to receive the BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST. This is different.

• He’s going to come upon them with power so they can do great things and be witnesses for Jesus.
• This is what happens at Pentecost. He told them to wait there in Jerusalem until it happens.

[19] Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

• The Holy Ghost comes upon them. A rushing mighty wind. It filled the house where they were sitting.
• What does the word baptism mean? It means IMMERSION. To be immersed in something.
• Water baptism is to be immersed in water fully. Holy Ghost baptism is to be immersed in the Holy Ghost.
• Cloven tongues of fire were sitting upon each of the people. You could see the cloven tongues of fire.
• The Holy Ghost filled the house and He filled all the people. When that happens, miracles happen.
• They spoke with other tongues or other languages as Acts Chapter 2 clearly explains.
• It’s not babble. That’s not a tongue or a language. A tongue equals language with structure and meaning.

So, at that moment, they were baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire. The fire is sitting upon their heads.

• They’re doing miracles because people are hearing the others speak in their own languages.
• If we all spoke different languages but we started understanding each other, that’s a great miracle.
• Did this baptism of the Holy Ghost stay with them at all times? No, the Holy Ghost comes and goes.
• The indwelling of the Holy Ghost doesn’t leave you BUT the baptism of the Holy Ghost comes and goes.

No One Has Had A 100% Full Immersion Of The Holy Ghost But Jesus

A full immersion of the Holy Ghost at all times didn’t stay with any man at all times.

• The indwelling of the Holy Ghost does stay with you once you put ALL YOUR TRUST on Jesus.
• Once you believe on Jesus, you receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. John Chapter 7 just said so.
• But in the Book of Acts and the entire Bible, you’ll see the Holy Ghost coming upon people with power.
• And then he leaves and goes away. Then he comes back. Then he leaves. Over and over again.

[20] Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

• The people in Acts 4:31 are the same people in Acts Chapter 2.
• Once they had prayed, the place was shaken and they were all FILLED with the Holy Ghost.
• And what was the result? They spake the WORD OF GOD with boldness.
• They were scared because they were being threatened. They prayed so they could speak with boldness.
• God sent the Holy Ghost upon them to fill them so they preach the word of God.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is new once Jesus is glorified.

• But the Holy Ghost coming upon people happens throughout the Bible.
• And it doesn’t go away because we see it throughout the Old and New Testament.
• So, at the moment you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ are you BAPTIZED with the Holy Ghost?
• Does the Holy Ghost come upon you with POWER at the moment you’re saved?
• No, that’s not in the Bible. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is what we see in Acts Chapter 2.
• Jesus tells the apostles to wait there as THEY are going to baptized with the Holy Ghost.
• Jesus never tells you to go wait in Jerusalem until you’re baptized with the Holy Ghost.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is permanent and never goes away.

• The baptism of the Holy Ghost is not permanent. The Book of Acts proves that.
• And the baptism of the Holy Ghost didn’t result in people speaking in babble, rolling around on the floor, flopping around, screaming and yelling, acting like maniacs, or anything else like that.
• Acts Chapter 2 very clearly explains what happened.
• I’ve seen people talk in babble. I didn’t hear a mighty rushing wind. I didn’t see cloven tongues of fire.
• I didn’t see anything spectacular. All I saw an idiot speaking in babble like a 6-month old baby.

[21] Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

• Jesus finished telling the apostles that they would receive power with the Holy Ghost.
• The apostles WATCHED Jesus ascend into heaven. A cloud received Jesus and took him out of their sight.

[22] Acts 1:10-11 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.

• The apostles continue to stand there looking up into heaven.
• I can only imagine that they were in awe as they watched this.
• Two men in white show up and ask, why are you standing there gazing up into heaven?
• This also proves that some angels or messengers are men from heaven.
• The two men prophesy and tell the apostles that Jesus will come in like manner.

Jesus Is Coming Back In Like Manner

At the second coming of Jesus Christ, he’s going to come in like manner.

• This means Jesus will come back in the clouds. Verse 9 says, “A cloud received him out of their sight.”
• We see that the second coming of Jesus Christ is WITH THE CLOUDS all throughout the Bible.
• And the second coming of Jesus Christ hasn’t happened yet, and it’s not going to be a secret.

[23] Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

[24] Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

[25] Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

[26] Luke 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

• We know that false preachers love to teach that the rapture happens next.
• They’ll say that 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 is talking about the rapture and not the second coming.
• They say that the rapture doesn’t count as the second coming.
• But, I want you to notice what 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 actually says.

[27] 1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

• This is the Rapture chapter, or you can call it the resurrection as the Bible actually calls it.
• Notice that it says “THE COMING OF THE LORD.”
• But pre-tribulation false preachers say it’s the coming of the Lord.
• So, whose right? The word of God when God calls it the “coming of the Lord” or the preachers?

[28] 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

• We see Jesus descending from heaven in the clouds. This matches Acts Chapter 1 perfectly.
• This is the second coming of Jesus Christ when he comes in the clouds for the rapture.
• And we know that this happens AFTER THE TRIBULATION.

[29] Mark 13:24-26 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

• And how do we know that it won’t be a secret rapture?

[30] Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

• It’s going to be a great and terrible day. Great for the saved and terrible for the unsaved.
• Just as the apostles watched him with their own eyes when he ascended into heaven;
• Every eye shall see him when he cometh with clouds.
• The Bible doesn’t say that only the real Christians will see him when he returns. It’s not a secret.
• So, Jesus is coming back the same way he left. He’s coming in the clouds.

[31] Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.

• Where did Jesus ascend into heaven? It tells us right there that they came from Mount Olivet.
• Mount Olivet is very close to Jerusalem. A sabbath day’s journey is a short journey. It’s not a full day.
• How far is Mount Olivet from Jerusalem? The Bible tells us directly.
• The we’ll know what a sabbath day’s journey means.
• In the last verses of the book of Like, we see Jesus ascending into heaven. Same event in Acts Chapter 1.

[32] Luke 24:50-51 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

• Bethany is at the Mount of Olives or Mount Olivet.

[33] Mark 11:1-2 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, 2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.

• So, how far is Bethany from Jerusalem?

[34] John 11:17-19 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

• 15 furlongs is about a sabbath day’s journey. 1 furlong is 1/8 mile. So, 15/8 is 1.875 miles.
• So, it’s a little less than 2 miles away. You can easily walk a mile in 20 to 30 minutes.
• The journey was most likely around an hour or less. Here’s a picture from Mount Olivet today.

[35]

• Notice the dome of the rock over in the distance. Downtown Jerusalem is beyond that.
• You can put this in Google maps today, and you’ll see this.

[36]

• Jesus made this similar journey many times. When you read the Bible, notice where Jesus is located.
• So, Jesus ascended into heaven from Mount Olivet. The apostles returned to Jerusalem.
• Remember, Jesus tells them to wait there in Jerusalem until the baptism of the Holy Ghost comes.

[37] Acts 1:13 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.

• 11 of the original 12 disciples are all gathered together there in an upper room.
• The only one of 12 missing is Judas Iscariot because he hanged himself.

[38] Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

• All of the disciples were there, the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brethren.
• HIS BRETHREN means Jesus had brothers. The Bible tells us directly that Jesus had brothers and sisters.

[39] Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

• So, you have all these people coming together with one accord in prayer and supplication.

[40] Acts 1:15 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,)

• Peter stands up to preach to about 120 people.
• Think about that number, though. It’s not a huge number.
• John the Baptist baptized multitudes of people. The disciples of Jesus baptized large numbers of people.
• But, where were all of them? There were just 120 people there that day.
• Those 120 people wanted to follow Jesus. They wanted to hear the truth.

People Can Be Saved And Never Come To Church

So, people can be saved, get baptized, and never come to church. They aren’t disciples of Jesus.

• But they’re still going to heaven. They just don’t want to follow Jesus. That’s too much work.
• But these 120 were followers and disciples of Jesus Christ.
• You can’t say those multitudes of people that believed on Jesus and didn’t come to church weren’t saved.
• Do you see this? There were just 120 people there. Did Jesus not do a good enough job convincing them?

Was John the Baptist not a very good preacher? So, look, if people aren’t here, is it your fault?

• No, it’s not. Jesus preached directly to multitudes of people and they didn’t show up to church.
• Some followed him for a little while, but then they stopped.
• But were there more than 120 saved? Oh yes there was.
• But false preachers say, “Once your saved, you will do good works.”
• “You will be baptized. You will go to church. You will take action. Real faith must have works.”
• Well, there were only 120 there that day.

So, I guess John the Baptist, Jesus, and his disciples were baptizing unsaved people, right?

• Think about that. Many people that are saved stop going to church.
• That doesn’t mean they’re going to hell.
• Being saved is one thing. Then, following Jesus is a totally different thing.
• You don’t have to be a follower of Jesus your entire life to be saved like Kyle Idleman says.
• To be a true disciple of Jesus, he says that you have to give everything up and follow me.

[41] Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

• That includes your family. He says, “All that he hath.” The vast majority of people aren’t going to do that.
• Did Kyle Idleman do that? No, he hasn’t. But I guess he’s going to be saved and others aren’t.
• So, back to Acts Chapter 1. Peter stands up to preach to about 120 people. Here’s what he says.

[42] 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.

• The SCRIPTURES will be fulfilled. God says in Isaiah 55, “It shall not return unto me void.”
• Things that haven’t happened yet that are in the Bible; they will happen. Revelation will happen.
• It says, “Which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake concerning Judas.”
• So, when David speaks in the Bible, that’s God speaking through David.
• You don’t get to say, “Oh, well, that was JUST David speaking. So what?”
• This verse tells us that God speaks through us. When I read a verse, that’s God speaking.
• If you read the Bible out loud to me, that’s God speaking to me. The Bible is the word of God.

At the end of the Scripture there it says, “Which was guide to them that took Jesus.”

• This Scripture is talking about Judas Iscariot who was the guide to them that took Jesus.
• What did David speak concerning Judas? We’ll find out in a few verses. Let’s keep going.

[43] Acts 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

• Judas Iscariot was numbered with the other 11 disciples. Judas obtained part of this ministry.
• So, you have all these preachers out here today preaching different things.
• They then try to twist SCRIPTURE and tell all of their church that everything they say is the authority.
• “Don’t question an elder,” they say. “I know more than you,” they say.
• Well guess what, you don’t know more than the word of God.

Don’t Say Something Different Than The Word Of God

When a preacher says something different than the word of God, they’re just like Judas Iscariot.

• Judas was out teaching and preaching the Gospel. But he didn’t believe Jesus was the Savior.
• You have all these Judas Iscariot’s all throughout the world today and all around here.
• “THEY OBTAINED PART OF THIS MINISTRY.” That’s what the all the false preachers are doing.
• And Judas Iscariot represents all of them. Jesus knew he would never believe.
• Judas is the example of a false preacher. Yeah, they say some things right.
• But they’ll go away from the word of God. Just wait and listen. You’ll see.

[44] Acts 1:18-19 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; 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.

• Judas gained a reward for his betrayal of Jesus. He was paid thirty pieces of silver.
• He felt so bad he brought the thirty pieces of silver back and hanged himself.
• After he hanged himself, his body fell headlong and he burst asunder and all his bowels gushed out.
• The chief priests then took the silver and purchased the field of blood or ACELDAMA.

[45] Matthew 27:7-8 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.

• The field of blood was used to bury strangers unto the day that Gospel was written.
• And notice it was a field used to bury STRANGERS. Judas is a stranger to Jesus.
• Unless you believe on Jesus, you will be a stranger to him. “I never knew you.”
• Judas repented of his sin. It didn’t save him. Repenting of sin and being baptized doesn’t save you.
• Believing on Jesus to save you is what saves you. “Jesus is my savior alone.” That saves you.

[46] Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

• Let’s read some of Psalm 69 in which this quotes David.

[47] Psalm 69:22-24 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.

[48] Psalm 69:25-28 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.

• King David is talking about the people who won’t believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
• These verses are talking about more than one. Judas Iscariot is just an example of one of these people.
• And then, let’s look at Psalm 109 which is also related to Acts 1:20.

[49] Psalm 109:6-10 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand. 7 When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin. 8 Let his days be few; and let another take his office. 9 Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow. 10 Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.

• In Acts 1:20, you’ll see “and his bishoprick let another take.”
• That’s his calling to be one of the 12 disciples. Jesus chose him to be one of the 12 disciples.

[50] John 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

• Peter stands up to preach and they’re going to choose a new man to replace Judas Iscariot.

[51] Acts 1:21-22 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 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.

• Peter is looking for an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot.
• He asks, “Which of these men have been with us all the time when Jesus was with us?”
• “Which of these men have been here since the baptism of John all the way until Jesus was taken up?”
• The man they were looking for must have been a witness with the others to the resurrection of Jesus.

[52] Acts 1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

• They appointed two men who they called Justus and another man named Matthias.

[53] Acts 1:24-25 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 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.

• Notice who chooses the replacement apostle. They pray and ask God to choose. All 120 are praying.
• Judas fell by transgression and went to his own place, which was hell and everlasting punishment.

[54] Acts 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

• The people gave forth their lots. They do this randomly and let God choose.
• For example, they might have put forth both their names onto paper into pots.
• And then they chose the name out of the pot. Casting lots allows God to choose.
• And the lot fell upon Matthias. So, now he is with the 12 apostles.
• And it’s very interesting that we never hear anything else about Matthias in the Bible.

Jesus Breathed On His Disciples Before Acts Chapter 1

So, I want you to remember what we’ve seen in Acts Chapter 1.

• I want you to notice that Jesus breathed on the disciples in John Chapter 20.
• He gave them the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in John Chapter 20.
• That chapter happens before the book of Acts.

We see 120 people gathered together in Acts Chapter 1. That continues into Acts Chapter 2.

• You’ll see the same group of people in Acts Chapter 2 that we see in Acts Chapter 1.
• The same ones that Jesus breathed on with the Holy Spirit in John 20 are there in Acts 2.

We see 2 different ways the Holy Spirit works throughout the Bible.

• 1) There’s the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when you’re saved.
• That only happened AFTER Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected in his glorified body.
• 2) And there’s the Holy Spirit coming upon them and filling them.
• The BAPTISM of the HOLY GHOST is different than the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.
• And we’re going to see that in Acts Chapter 2, but you can read about it throughout the entire Bible.

Let’s pray.