CHAPTER 1
On the teaching of Christ concerning the resurrection, and the appearance to the disciples; and concerning the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit, both in vision and in the manner of Christ's ascension; and concerning His glorious second coming.
Acts 1:1-2 In the first account, O Theophilus, I have made a record of all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen .
He spoke first of the word, not the Gospel, although Paul calls his own the gospel when he says: According to my gospel (2 Tim. 2:8); for the splendid flee everywhere; just as Matthew also, saying Book, of the genealogy (Matt. 1:1). But if Mark says, "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ," (Mark 1:1) but does not call his own writing a gospel, rather the proclamation of Christ; For the beginning of the preaching of Christ is the development from the baptism of John. But the beginning of the revelation of the mystery according to Christ and His incarnation is the birth from the Virgin, and all that follows. Matthew was the first to make use of the family records, and Luke himself also, which the faithful afterward rightly called Gospels, as the true gospel, that is, containing the teaching of Christ. As for having made a record of all , it seems to contradict the evangelist John, if he says that it is not possible to write everything; for the world could not contain the books that would be written (Jn. 21:25). Luke says that the account concerning all things was made from the beginning until the ascension. What then do we say? That concerning all these things he says nothing is left out, none of those things that make up the divine nature and truth of the proclamation. For John himself also dealt with all these things. For he omitted nothing of those things by which both the economy of the Word according to the flesh is believed and recognized, and the majesty according to his divinity shines forth and is revealed.
O Theophilus . This Theophilus was a governor. Do not be amazed if, for the sake of one man, Luke took such great care as to write two entire treatises; for he was also a guardian of the Master's voice who said: It is not the will of my Father that one of these little ones should perish. (Matt. 18:14)
to do and teach . He says that he who suffered also performed miracles. Or that he encouraged through what he was doing.
until the day . The following: Until the day he was taken up ; the rest are inserted by way of parenthesis. As for, Having commanded the apostles through the Holy Spirit, either because the commands are spiritual, showing nothing worldly; or, so that the Spirit also may show itself as inherent to itself, that nothing performed by God lacks the sanctifying essence. But what are the commands? Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 28:19) He was taken up , it is said, no, He ascended; for still he speaks of him as of a man..
Acts 1:3a By which he also showed himself alive, after suffering, in many proofs.
Jesus was taken up, so that no one would think that this happened by the power of another, and he immediately brought also the authority from his own power; to whom he also presented himself alive. Showing that same one as both having suffered and having risen, he convinced with the word, after suffering .
Acts 1:3b for forty days.
He said it was forty days , not in consecutive days; for he did not spend time with them continuously, as before the passion, but intermittently, at once preparing for them a more longing appearance of himself, and at the same time revealing a more exalted and divine appearance of himself.
Acts 1:3c appearing to them.
For whose sake did he not appear to all, but only to the apostles? Because it would have seemed like a ghost [φάντασμα] to the many, who did not know the secret of the mystery. For even if the disciples themselves did not believe at first and were disturbed, what was likely to happen to the many? Therefore, through the signs which the apostles received the grace to perform, he gives an unquestionable demonstration of the resurrection, and one exposed to all: so much so that the resurrection would be revealed not only to those who were then present by his very appearance, but also to all later generations. [CHRYSOSTOM]
Acts 1:3d And speaking about the kingdom of God.
From this we learn that even after the resurrection Jesus was teaching the disciples.
Acts 4:1a And dining together .
Consuming and drinking, that is, sharing salt, sharing the table.
Acts 1:4b He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise from the Father .
Not to depart from Jerusalem , Jesus encouraged them, wishing to establish the account of the resurrection more firmly for them through the miracles, which were done by the request of the crucified one, through the sufferings which they endured at the hands of the Jews, yet they did not depart from the friendship of the crucified and risen one, but rather died for him. For if they had immediately separated from Jerusalem, and nothing followed from them, the resurrection would have been suspicious. Likewise, many were about to trust there. At the same time, it was necessary to wait for them, so that some would not say that, having left their associates, they came to boast among strangers. And also, not yet having been armored with the power of the Spirit, they would become useless against the entanglements of their opponents.
the promise of the Father . And where did the Father promise this? We say, then, that either through omission, from the preposition " from ," the expression must be understood so that it means, to wait for the promise from the Father , which I made to you of the Holy Spirit; or also that, as he himself says, what I have heard from the Father, these things I proclaim to you. And the promise of the Holy Spirit, although it came through Him, was also from the Father. And if you seek the Spirit from Him, Joel guarantees the word to be trusted, saying, "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh." (Joel 2:28)
Acts 1:4c You have heard me .
When did they hear? When he said: It is to your advantage that I go away. For if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you (Jn. 16:7); and again: I will ask the Father, and He will send you another Advocate (Jn. 14:16). But if the Spirit had not yet come, how could he say, "Receive the Holy Spirit"? (Jn. 20:22) Either because he said this, making them receptive and suitable for receiving the Spirit; and they received it when he descended; or because he spoke of the future as if it were already present; or because the giving of the Spirit is both purifying and perfecting. Therefore, the perfecting and completing descent of the Spirit upon the apostles, so as to perfect others as well, occurred at the time of Pentecost; it did not come while he was present; for if he had departed and it remained, the comfort would not have been so great; for they held on to it very firmly and inseparably. But the Spirit did not descend immediately, but after about eight or nine days, so that, having been somewhat discouraged, and having come to desire and need the promise, they might receive the joy at the presence pure and complete. Otherwise, it was necessary for our nature to appear in heaven, and for the reconciliations to be completed, and then for the Spirit to come. Consider, so that after the ascension they might not flee again, how this expectation holds them all there like a certain bond. [CHRYSOSTOM]
Acts 1:5a For John baptized with water .
At first, the apostles were baptized with water; but afterward also with the Holy Spirit. Here clearly already the one who surpasses John presents himself, not as when he said: "The lesser in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John." (Matt. 11:11)
Acts 1:5b But you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now .
You will be baptized , he said, but not I will baptize, embracing meekness and fleeing arrogance: especially since John had previously taught this, saying: "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire," (Matt. 3:11) it would be unnecessary for him to add this himself. But does he baptize without water by the grace from above? Certainly; for the principal thing is the Spirit, of which the water is also an effect, since Christ himself was also anointed without oil.
Acts 1:6 Then those gathered asked him, saying, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"
Look here. Since before the passion they asked about the end of the world, they no longer ask about this, but about the earthly kingdom ; for they were still less complete. And having come together, they asked, so that they might confuse the crowd. But having heard before the passion that no one knows the day (Matt. 24:36), yet even now they ask again. For when they heard that they were about to receive the Spirit, as worthy ones, they wished to learn more and desired to be freed from hardships. They did not ask, "When?" but rather, "Is it at this time ? Is it now?" they said. Therefore they longed for the day! But it seems to me that it was not even possible for them to fully grasp what the kingdom was at that time. For the Spirit had not yet taught. And they said, You restore ; for they imagined something greater concerning it. Therefore He also spoke to them plainly. For He did not say, Not even the Son knows; but, It is not for you to know . And so that they would not be discouraged, He added; But you will receive power, and the things that follow (Acts 1:8). And they did not ask about the end, but He Himself, who was not asked, teaches: that it is the mark of a good teacher not to teach what the students want, but what it is beneficial to learn. Therefore, He did not answer the question as if it had no value; rather, He taught what was urgent, for they especially needed the Spirit at that time.
Acts 1:7a He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons . "
Everywhere there is a barrier of knowledge separating them from what is to come, not as if they are ignorant, but as if they gain nothing from this knowledge concerning salvation of the soul; therefore he speaks to them vaguely and more generally: "But you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." (Acts 1:5) If you ask, "Why then does the Spirit not descend immediately, or does this not also indicate a delay?" Learn that the Spirit does not come immediately after the ascension, so as to make the reception of it more eagerly desired; not on a definite day, but making them more earnest and more fittingly prepared for the coming.
Acts 1:7b which the Father appointed to his own authority .
It must be noted whether this statement brings any importance to those wishing to remove the certain limit or fate of human affairs. For to say, " which the Father appointed to his own authority ," abolishes fate. But if the father has placed, it is clear that the son also; for all things that belong to the Father also belong to the Son.
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Since before this he commanded: Do not go on the way of the Gentiles (Matt. 10:5), and the following things: for he was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel; now with these, the preaching is shared also with the Samaritans and the other nations. At the same time, Jesus foretells that the word of holiness will be preached throughout the whole world. For what else does " to the ends of the earth " signify?
Acts 1:9a And having said these things, while they were watching, he was taken up;
And having said these things, while they were watching, Jesus was taken up; leading them to another place on the shore, so that they would not question him again, he immediately began his ascent into heaven. And he adds, while they were watching : since here the whole beginning of their faith and need was established, but not the end of the matter. For this reason also the angels explained that Jesus rests in heaven; for they were unable to see him that far away. In the resurrection, however, it was the opposite: the beginning indeed was not seen by them; for it would have been unnecessary, since the one who had risen appeared alive, and the tomb was empty; but the end was apparent, for the living one was revealed to them.
Acts 1:9b And a cloud received him out of their sight .
Indeed, a cloud received the Lord, to demonstrate the equality of honor to the Father. For it is said of the Father: A cloud and darkness are round about Him. (Ps. 97:2) And indeed God who became flesh, having used a cloud as a chariot, for He was the Lord: but Elijah, fire. (2 Kings 2:1) For Jesus, being the Master of all, and ascending by his own power, takes a somewhat earthly and lower path toward the ascent, not being carried but carrying the vehicle; but Elijah is a servant, and therefore needing an unprofitable chariot and horses, the speed of which aids him in the upward journey. Therefore, it is said of him: Elijah went up in a whirlwind as into heaven; but of the Lord it is said, As He was going up into heaven. Two white-haired men are attested to confirm the Lord’s restoration into heaven, “a matter is established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” (2 Cor. 13:1)
Acts 1:10 And as they were gazing into heaven while he was going, behold, two men stood by them in white garments .
Men , appearing as angels because of the vision, speak through the experience, according to the kindred nature of the vision, so that they do not completely astonish those already struck by the uniqueness of the ascension.
Acts 1:11a They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?"
Men spoke to men , yet they were not similar in substance.
Acts 1:11b This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.
So that the disciples might not be disturbed, and as the teacher had departed, and his body was being taken from them, they would not thereby become hopeless of the expectation of him, and for this reason be scattered elsewhere by faint-heartedness and fear; for this cause the angels present themselves, declaring to them his ascent into heaven, and the abiding and salvation of the body that had been taken up, by which they say: This Jesus will therefore come again. And by saying, Why do you stand ? they admonish them, freeing them from that preoccupation, to come to Jerusalem, according to the command of the Lord, namely, Do not depart from Jerusalem. Therefore, when they arrived, still fearful because of the teacher’s absence, they did not return to the city but went up to the upper room, as to a safer and more hidden place. Chrysostom says that the ascension took place on the day of the Sabbath. Therefore the phrase “a sabbath day's journey away” (Acts 1:12) is noted, so that they might not seem to have been using more of the ordinance from the law on the Sabbath by walking.
Acts 1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away.
One mile, which was the distance of the Sabbath’s journey, as Origen 1 says in the fifth Homily, was two thousand cubits. And moreover the holy tent and the ark occupied this same space before the encampment, and from that distance they encamped. The distance permitted those who worshipped the holy tent to walk on the Sabbath.
Acts 1:13-14 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter and James and John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. All these were continually devoting themselves with one accord to prayer and supplication, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers .
Peter , interpreting or knowing: James , supplanter of labor. John , by the grace of God: Andrew , becoming powerful or condemned: Philip , the mouth of widows or the mouth of the lamp: Thomas , the abyss or twin or doubting. Bartholomew , son of him who suspends waters: Matthew , gifted: James son of Alphaeus , supplantation. Simon the Zealot , discipline of life: Judas son of James , he was also called Thaddeus. He names the disciples individually to show that, since they had fallen away at the time of the passion, Judas indeed completely cast himself out from the band of the apostles. But Peter agreed, and through the threefold question was summoned back to the Teacher. And if John is recorded among the same as taking the Mother of Christ, yet with John present to the apostles, she herself was also present.
In another way . He does not compile a list of the disciples in vain: but wishing to show that they had suffered something human, yet had not remained in apostasy. For indeed Peter, who had denied, was absolved from his denial by bitter tears, as is made evident from this, that shortly afterwards the spiritual flock was entrusted to him. Thomas, who had been unbelieving, was healed of his unbelief when the wounds and the side were touched with his hands. Therefore, although all the others were present together, Judas alone was missing. And Mary, Mother of God, was present, as indeed was John, who had received her into his house, and the brothers were present. What if Joseph, the bridegroom, had been alive, certainly he would also have been present: especially he, who, when his sons doubted, never doubted concerning the privilege. But it is clear that he had long since died: for he himself was not then present, when his kinsmen wished to see Jesus teaching. For what does he say? “Your mother and your brothers are seeking you outside,” (Matt. 12:47) nor is it added: “And your father.”
A brief dialogue addressed to the disciples concerning the death and mission of Judas the betrayer; in which, concerning the substitution of Matthew, it was appointed by the grace of God through prayer.
Acts 1:15 And in those days Peter, having risen, stood in the midst of the disciples and said: and there was a multitude together in one place, about one hundred and twenty .
Then Peter arose, not James, and as if more zealous, and as one to whom the leadership of the disciples had been entrusted. Moreover James was modest, more suited to speech and quiet, while the others handled affairs. Therefore they yield the seat 2 [καθέδρας] of Jerusalem to him. But see how he acts by common decree in all things, and not from primacy nor by his own authority. One hundred and twenty were together present of those who had believed in the Lord. For indeed there were seventy, and five hundred whom Paul says he saw the Lord after he had risen 3 . (1 Cor. 15:6) But it is likely that these were among those who had been more approved and were more fervent in speaking freely.
Acts 1:16a Brothers, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, as the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David .
Peter consoles them with prophecy. Nor does he say: As David said, but the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David. What then were these? Whatever the one hundred and eighth psalm contains: of which he will also make mention after a little bit. Speaking of Judas, however, he treats the matter both temperately and without vilification. For he does not say “the accursed, the filthy one,” but simply indicates what happened. And having introduced the phrase, “This man therefore acquired a field with the wages of unrighteousness,” (Acts 1:18) and that becoming prone he was rent, or, as some read, “was split,” he did not refer the keeping of it to Judas. For he himself did not buy the field, but the priests, from the silver thrown down by him in the temple 4 . Since, then, these things are the wage of Judas’ betrayal, the acquisition is also reckoned to him. And again, since this has been destined for burial, Scripture is fulfilled: “his habitation be desolate.” (Ps. 69:25; Acts 1:20) For what is more desolate than a grave? By saying that “and having fallen headlong he burst open in the middle,” it showed that, together with the act of betrayal, he had brought about this end through excessive disregard and slackness born of indifference. And when they say that he used a rope and hung himself, the sacred Gospels also record that if he now fell forward and everything that follows, there is no contradiction. For both happened: the cord by which the hanging occurred broke, and therefore he was carried forward onto the ground and had fallen. And insofar as these things are related about him some days later, it is thereby confirmed that they happened immediately after the betrayal.
Acts 1:16-20 Concerning Judas, who became the guide to those who arrested Jesus, for he was numbered among us and had obtained the lot of this ministry. This man therefore acquired a field with the wages of unrighteousness, and having fallen headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all who dwelt in Jerusalem, so that that field was called in their own dialect Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms: Let his habitation be desolate, and let no one dwell in it; and let another take his oversight . (Ps. 109:8)
Judas did not die by hanging, but survived, having been crushed before being strangled. This is indicated by the Acts of the Apostles, which say that, having fallen forward, he burst open in the middle. This is narrated more clearly by Papias 5 , a disciple of the apostle John, who says: “An example of great sin walked in this world in Judas. For having been pressed upon his flesh to such an extent that he could not pass through, as a wagon passed over him he was pressed by the wagon, so that his guts were emptied.” [APOLLINARIS OF LAODICEA]
In another way . “For his flesh had swollen to such an extent that not even where a wagon easily passes could one pass him, nor was it only the swelling of the head. For they say the eyelids of his eyes had so become blinded that he did not at all see the light. Nor could his eyes be seen even by a medical lens, they were so deep from the outer surface; and his genitals appeared more loathsome and larger than anything shameful. And they say that from it there issued, from all parts of the body, corruptions and worms in abundance, by them alone of necessity. And after many tortures and punishments, they say he died in his own place, and because of the smell the village became deserted and uninhabited until the present. But not even today could anyone cross that place unless he stopped up his nostrils with his hands.” [APOLLINARIS OF LAODICEA]
And Luke here records immediately the suffering of Judas. For the souls of the weaker are most disgraced by present things. He increased not the sin, calling him a traitor, but the punishment, because he endured this and that in full detail. And the place called Akeldama was not named by Judas, but by the Jews. For he says, in their own dialect , the Jews bearing witness to the lawlessness.
Acts 1:21-25 It is therefore necessary, with us assembled as men in all the time during which the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day in which he was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with you of his resurrection. And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And having prayed they said, "You, Lord, who knows the hearts of all, show which of these two you have chosen to take the lot of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas fell away to go to his own place."
Peter announces to them, so that the matter may not become a subject of bitter contest, and that they may not fall into quarreling. For this reason he also begins, "Men, brothers," he says, "it is necessary to choose from among you, entrusting the decision to the multitude, and at the same time making the chosen ones respectable, and freeing himself from hate toward the others." And that which needed to happen, he even introduces by quoting the prophet: "Another will take his office." (Ps. 109:8) But from whom must he be chosen? From those who, by their assembly with them, have shown themselves tried over time. Therefore he did not even say "from the respectable," so as not to seem to insult the others.
Having begun he added: " From the baptism of John ." For concerning this, none of them knew, having learned and being present, except only the one chosen; but the Spirits perceived. And he declared him a witness of the resurrection. For this is above all the chief point of Jesus' divinity. Since also regarding his miracles before the passion, many were witnesses and even the unbelieving who had seen them. And they hastened to fill up the number of the apostles, for fear that the teacher's choice be as if harmed. They did not, however, appoint many, but only two alone, so that greater hopelessness would not arise from many being passed over.
Barsabbas and Joseph and Justus , either names of distinction or of zeal. They call him a discerner of hearts at the right time; and they do not say, “Choose,” but, “Appoint the one chosen .” For all things are known and the best are with God, and before our considerations. And he calls it an inheritance, showing the whole of God’s love and choice, and recalling the ancients, that he likewise allotted the Levites in this way.
Specifically, he says, “ In this ministry ,” for there were also others. And he calls his own place the gallows, that is, the one for which Judas prepared himself by his betrayal. Or because Judas was cast out, he might have his own place, receiving the office that belonged to him.
Acts 1:26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell upon Matthias: and by the votes he was added to the eleven apostles .
Since they are not yet perfected, they learn who is worthy by lot and not by miracle. Yet it should not be faulted that it is done by lot. For if the lot had power concerning Jonah when rejected and profane men cast lots, (Jonah 1:7) what then must be thought when they permit the saints to prayer? Indeed, if only the right mind of those men rightly directed the matter, much more so that of divine men.
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Translator notes for Acts chapter 1.
1. Origen, De Principis 4.2.17. And therefore those who belong to the circumcision, and all who desire that no meaning should be exhibited, save the literal one, do not in­vestigate at all such subjects as those of the goat-stag and griffin and vulture, but indulge in foolish talk on certain points, multiplying words and adducing tasteless traditions; as, for example, with regard to the Sabbath, saying that two thousand cubits is each one's limit .
2. “seat” [καθέδρας]. Origin: The word "cathedra" refers to the official seat (throne) of a bishop.
3. 1 Cor. 15:6 says, After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
4. While Matthew 27:7 states the chief priests bought the field with the returned money, Acts 1:18 attributes the purchase to Judas, as it was bought with his money.
5. In Cramer’s Catena for Matt. 27 and Acts 1, this tradition from Papias is attributed to Apollinaris of Laodicea.