Acts 1

The Ascension of Jesus

1 This is Luke, writing to you, Theophilus. I wrote about all the stuff Jesus did and taught from the jump,

2 until the day He went up to heaven after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He chose.

3 After He suffered, He showed Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over 40 days, speaking about the kingdom of God.

4 He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift His Father promised, which they heard about.

5 John baptized with water, but in a few days, you all will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

6 So, when they gathered, they asked Him, “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?”

7 He said, “That is not for you to know, fam. Only the Father knows the times and dates He is set.”

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and all over the world.”

9 After He said this, He was taken up before their eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.

10 They were all staring up into the sky when two men dressed in white stood beside them.

11 They said, “Why are you standing here looking up at the sky, This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go.”

12 Then they went back to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is about a mile out from the city.

13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those who were there were Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon the Zealot, and Judas (son of James).

14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.

15 In those days, Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about 120) and said,

16 “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as a guide for those who arrested Jesus.

17 He was one of our own and shared in this ministry.”

18 (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out.

19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)

20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ‘May another take his place of leadership.’

21 Therefore, it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.

24 Then they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen

25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”

26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.