What is the context?
Acts opens by addressing Theophilus, the same person addressed at the beginning of Luke’s Gospel. The first account told what Jesus began to do and teach up to His being taken into heaven. This second account follows the work forward through His chosen witnesses.
The risen Jesus presents Himself alive with many convincing proofs. Over forty days He appears to the apostles and teaches about God’s kingdom. Their coming witness is grounded in encounters with the Lord who suffered and rose, rather than a message they developed on their own.
Before they begin, Jesus tells them to remain in Jerusalem for the Father’s promised gift. He contrasts John’s baptism with water and the baptism with the Holy Spirit they will shortly receive. Waiting is part of obedience: the mission must begin with what God gives.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly understand this opening as the bridge between Luke’s account of Jesus and the spread of the gospel in Acts. The promised Spirit will equip the apostles for the work Jesus entrusts to them. Wesley on verses 1–5 emphasizes both that continuity and the promised gift, including the extraordinary empowering of these witnesses.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Luke 24:44–49 brings together Scripture’s fulfillment, the Messiah’s suffering and resurrection, the proclamation of forgiveness to all nations, and the promise of power from God. Acts begins where that commission leads. The Spirit’s coming belongs to the way the risen Jesus carries His message beyond the first disciples.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.