Acts 1:2

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Until {G891} the day {G2250} in which {G3739} he was taken up {G353}, after that he through {G1223} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} had given commandments {G1781} unto the apostles {G652} whom {G3739} he had chosen {G1586}:

Complete Jewish Bible

until the day when, after giving instructions through the Ruach HaKodesh to the emissaries whom he had chosen, he was taken up into heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.

American Standard Version

until the day in which he was received up, after that he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 1:2 serves as a crucial transitional verse, bridging the narrative of Luke's Gospel with the unfolding events of the Book of Acts. It precisely defines the temporal boundary of Jesus' earthly ministry, concluding with His ascension, and highlights the significant period between His resurrection and departure, during which He imparted authoritative instructions, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to His specially chosen apostles, thereby laying the foundational groundwork for the nascent church's mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Acts 1:1](/acts/1-1 "Acts 1:1 - Luke's Former Treatise"), where Luke addresses Theophilus and refers to his "former treatise" (the Gospel of Luke) as detailing "all that Jesus began both to do and teach." Acts 1:2 then specifies the temporal scope of that former work, stating it continued "until the day in which he was taken up." This establishes a clear narrative continuity, indicating that the Book of Acts will pick up precisely where the Gospel left off, focusing on the period between Jesus' resurrection and ascension, and then the subsequent actions of the apostles empowered by the Holy Spirit. It sets the stage for the outpouring of the Spirit and the global mission of the church, directly linking the completed work of Christ to the inaugurated work of His followers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Acts 1:2 is the forty days between Jesus' resurrection and His ascension, a time of intense instruction and preparation for the apostles. During this post-resurrection period, Jesus appeared to His disciples multiple times, offering "many infallible proofs" of His resurrection and speaking "of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God" ([Acts 1:3](/acts/1-3 "Acts 1:3 - Jesus' Post-Resurrection Appearances")). This was a critical time for solidifying their understanding of His identity, His completed redemptive work, and their future mission. Culturally, the concept of a divine figure being "taken up" or ascending to heaven was not entirely foreign in ancient thought, yet Jesus' ascension was unique, signifying His return to divine glory and His enthronement as Lord and Christ, a concept deeply rooted in Old Testament messianic prophecies and Jewish apocalyptic literature.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 1:2 encapsulates several pivotal themes that permeate the book. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Commission and Authority** of the apostles; Jesus' final instructions were not mere suggestions but authoritative "commandments," given with divine backing, emphasizing the divine origin and importance of their future mission. Secondly, it highlights the **Role of the Holy Spirit** as the divine agent in both Jesus' ministry and the apostles' empowerment, foreshadowing the Spirit's central role in the church's life and mission, particularly as detailed in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Power of the Holy Spirit for Witnessing"). Thirdly, the verse points to the **Ascension as a Defining Moment**, marking the completion of Jesus' earthly redemptive work and His return to the Father's right hand, from where He would send the Holy Spirit and reign as King ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")). Finally, it emphasizes the **Apostolic Foundation** of the church, as Jesus specifically gave these commandments "unto the apostles whom he had chosen," underscoring their unique role as authoritative eyewitnesses and foundational leaders for the early Christian community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **taken up (Greek, _analambánō'_):** From G353, meaning "to take up," "receive up." This word precisely denotes the supernatural event of Jesus' **ascension** into heaven, signifying the completion of His earthly ministry and His return to His pre-existent glory. It is not merely a departure but a divinely orchestrated elevation.
* **given commandments (Greek, _entéllomai'_):** From G1781, meaning "to enjoin," "to give charge," "to command." This word emphasizes the **authoritative nature** of Jesus' instructions to His apostles. These were not casual suggestions but divine mandates, underscoring the weight and importance of the teachings they received and were to transmit.
* **chosen (Greek, _eklégomai'_):** From G1586, meaning "to select," "to make choice," "to choose out." This highlights the **deliberate and divine selection** of the apostles by Jesus Himself. Their appointment was not accidental but a sovereign act, designating them as unique recipients of His final instructions and as foundational leaders for the nascent church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Until the day in which he was taken up,"**: This clause establishes the temporal boundary of Luke's "former treatise" (the Gospel). It signifies that the Gospel narrative covers Jesus' ministry up to, but not including, His ascension. The phrase "taken up" (ἀνελήφθη, _anelémphtē_) specifically refers to the ascension, a supernatural event marking the end of Jesus' physical presence on earth and His return to heavenly glory, as described in [Acts 1:9](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - Jesus' Ascension").
* **"after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments"**: This crucial phrase reveals the divine empowerment behind Jesus' final instructions. Even in His post-resurrection, pre-ascension ministry, Jesus was operating "through" (διά, _diá_) the Holy Spirit. This underscores the continuity of the Spirit's work from Christ's earthly ministry to His final directives, emphasizing the divine authority and spiritual nature of the commandments given to the apostles. It also foreshadows the Spirit's imminent empowering of the apostles themselves.
* **"unto the apostles whom he had chosen:"**: This specifies the recipients of Jesus' Spirit-empowered commandments. The term "apostles" (ἀποστόλους, _apostólous_) denotes those "sent out" with a specific commission and authority. The addition "whom he had chosen" highlights their unique, divinely appointed status. These were not random individuals but a specially selected group, entrusted with the foundational message and mission of the church, having been direct eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse. The use of **temporal framing** ("Until the day...") clearly delineates the scope of his previous work, providing a precise narrative transition into the Book of Acts. The phrase "through the Holy Ghost" serves as a form of **divine attribution**, emphasizing that Jesus' commandments were not merely human directives but divinely inspired and empowered. This also acts as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the pervasive role the Holy Spirit will play throughout the Book of Acts in empowering the apostles and the early church. Furthermore, the careful selection of the term "apostles whom he had chosen" functions as **characterization**, immediately establishing the unique authority and divine mandate of these individuals who will become the central figures of the subsequent narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 1:2 profoundly connects the finished work of Christ to the inaugurated work of the church, establishing a seamless theological continuity. It highlights that Jesus' earthly ministry, culminating in His resurrection and ascension, was not an end but a transition point for the Spirit-empowered mission of His followers. The divine authority of the apostles, rooted in Jesus' direct, Spirit-guided commandments, forms the bedrock of the church's foundational teachings and mission. This verse emphasizes that the church's mandate is not self-derived but flows directly from the sovereign will and specific instructions of its ascended Lord, mediated by the Holy Spirit. It sets the stage for understanding the Book of Acts as the continuing narrative of Christ's work through His body, the church, empowered by the same Spirit who guided Him.

* [Luke 24:44-49](/luke/24-44-49 "Luke 24:44-49 - Jesus' Final Instructions and Promise of the Spirit")
* [John 20:21-23](/john/20-21-23 "John 20:21-23 - Jesus Commissions His Disciples and Gives the Holy Spirit")
* [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 1:2 invites us to reflect on the deliberate and divinely guided foundation of our faith. Just as Jesus meticulously prepared His apostles with specific instructions and empowered them through the Holy Spirit before His physical departure, so too does God equip His people today for their unique callings and collective mission. This verse reminds us that Christian ministry, whether in leadership or as individual believers, is not a human invention but a divine enterprise, rooted in the authoritative commands of Christ and sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to value the authoritative teachings passed down through the apostles, to seek the Spirit's guidance in all our endeavors, and to recognize that our mission is a continuation of Christ's own work, empowered by the same divine presence. We are called to be faithful stewards of the "commandments" given, living out the implications of Christ's finished work and the Spirit's ongoing ministry in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus' Spirit-guided commandments to the apostles shape your view of the authority of Scripture and the church's mission?**
* **In what ways do you recognize the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in guiding and empowering believers today, similar to how He guided Jesus and the apostles?**
* **How might reflecting on the deliberate preparation of the apostles encourage you in your own spiritual growth and service?**

### FAQ
**What "commandments" did Jesus give to the apostles through the Holy Ghost?**

Answer: While Acts 1:2 doesn't list the specific commandments, the context of the Gospels and the subsequent narrative of Acts indicates these were instructions pertaining to the kingdom of God, the nature of their mission, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. For example, [Luke 24:44-49](/luke/24-44-49 "Luke 24:44-49 - Jesus' Final Instructions") records Jesus opening their minds to understand the Scriptures concerning Himself, commanding them to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations, and instructing them to wait in Jerusalem for the "promise of the Father," the Holy Spirit. Similarly, [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission") provides the "Great Commission" to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded. These commandments formed the core of their apostolic mandate and the foundation for the early church's evangelistic and teaching ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 1:2, though seemingly a simple transitional statement, is deeply Christ-centered, revealing the culmination of Jesus' earthly redemptive work and the inauguration of His continuing ministry through His Spirit and His church. The phrase "until the day in which he was taken up" points directly to Jesus' **ascension**, which is not merely a departure but His glorious enthronement as Lord and Christ at the right hand of God ([Acts 2:33-36](/acts/2-33-36 "Acts 2:33-36 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost: Jesus is Lord")). This ascension signifies the completion of His atoning sacrifice and His exaltation, from which He now reigns and intercedes for His people ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus' Eternal Priesthood")). Furthermore, the detail that Jesus "through the Holy Ghost had given commandments" underscores His divine authority and the Spirit's integral role in His ministry, foreshadowing the Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost, which is Christ's gift to His church ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")). The "apostles whom he had chosen" are Christ's chosen instruments, empowered by His Spirit to continue His work, extending His kingdom to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Power of the Holy Spirit for Witnessing")). Thus, Acts 1:2 beautifully encapsulates the transition from Christ's personal earthly ministry to His ongoing, universal reign and mission through His Spirit-filled body, the church, demonstrating that all redemptive history finds its purpose and fulfillment in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

John 20:21

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Isaiah 59:20

And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 59:21

As for me, this [is] my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that [is] upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

John 13:18

¶ I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.