A.C.T.S. reflection

Acts 1:1–5

¹In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, ²until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. ³He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. ⁴And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; ⁵for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Adoration

Adore Jesus as the risen Lord Who continues to lead and teach His people. His suffering did not end His work: He is alive, and His kingdom remains at the heart of His care.

The opening words describe what Jesus “began to do and teach,” drawing our attention to both His works and His words. The phrase “many proofs” emphasizes that His resurrection was not presented to the apostles as a vague hope. Over “forty days,” the risen Jesus appeared to them, patiently establishing their confidence in His life. His teaching about “the kingdom of God” invites us to adore Him as the One Whose purposes reach beyond our immediate concerns.

Confession

Let this passage gently uncover the ways you rush ahead instead of waiting for God. Confess where you have trusted your own strength more than His direction and promised help.

Jesus ordered the apostles “not to depart from Jerusalem,” giving them a clear boundary rather than permission to rush ahead. They were told “to wait for the promise of the Father,” even though they had already seen the risen Lord. That command can help us recognize how easily we mistake activity for obedience. The promised baptism “with the Holy Spirit” also challenges our impulse to treat our own abilities as sufficient. Although this passage does not explicitly call for confession, it gives us a gentle opportunity to acknowledge impatience and self-reliance before God.

Thanksgiving

Thank Jesus for giving His apostles assurance that He was alive and for preparing them for what lay ahead. Give thanks that the Father’s promise points to His generous provision, not to something His people must earn.

Jesus appeared to the apostles after His suffering “by many proofs,” giving them grounds for confidence that He was truly alive. The mention of “forty days” shows that His preparation of them unfolded over time rather than in a single hurried encounter. We can thank Him for that patient care and for continuing to teach them about “the kingdom of God.” The words “the promise of the Father” also give us reason for gratitude: the apostles’ next step rested on what God had pledged to provide. The promise of baptism “with the Holy Spirit” reveals that they were not being left to carry out His commands through human effort alone.

Supplication

Ask God for patience to wait when He calls you to wait, and readiness to obey when He calls you to act. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to follow Jesus rather than rely only on yourself.

The command “to wait for the promise of the Father” gives us a clear starting point for asking God for patient trust. Waiting here was not indifference or avoidance; it was the particular obedience Jesus required of His apostles. The contrast between John’s baptism “with water” and their coming baptism “with the Holy Spirit” directs our prayers toward God’s provision rather than our own sufficiency. Jesus’ words “not many days from now” concerned those apostles in that moment, so we need not turn them into a timetable for our own lives. Instead, we can ask God to help us trust His timing and depend on the Holy Spirit as we follow Jesus.

Prayer prompt

In your own words, praise the risen Jesus and tell Him where waiting or trusting feels difficult. Thank Him for His care, and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to obey with patience and confidence.

Make this reflection your own

Reflect on Acts 1:1–5

Reflections on this page are generated with AI to guide your own prayer — always read the passage yourself first. Scripture quoted from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.