until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is that Jesus' final instructions weren't just ordinary advice from a departing leader. They were given "through the Holy Spirit," highlighting that even in His earthly humanity, Jesus was Spirit-filled and His commands carried divine authority, anticipating the very Spirit He would later pour out on His followers.
until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse bridges Luke's Gospel to the beginning of Acts, detailing Jesus' final instructions to his chosen apostles before his ascension. It emphasizes that these commands were given through the power of the Holy Spirit, highlighting their divine authority and purpose. The passage sets the stage for the apostles' future mission and the outpouring of the Spirit they are to receive.
Did Jesus' final words to his followers come from his own wisdom, or something more divine? This verse highlights the source of his authority.
In Acts 1:2, Luke emphasizes that Jesus' commands to the apostles were given 'through the Holy Spirit.' This isn't just a minor detail; it underscores the divine nature of the mission Jesus entrusted to his followers.
Divine Authority
Why did Luke specifically mention that Jesus chose these apostles? What does their selection signify for their mission?
The verse highlights that Jesus gave commands 'to the apostles whom he had chosen.' This emphasis on their selection is crucial for understanding their unique authority and responsibility.
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Purposeful Selection
Understand the original words
pneuma hagion · Greek Noun Phrase
The third person of the Trinity, the active agent of God in creation, revelation, and the empowering of the Church. He is the divine presence who indwells, guides, and equips believers.
apostolos · Greek Noun
Those 'sent out' or commissioned; specifically, the primary followers chosen by Jesus to be authoritative witnesses of his life, death, and resurrection. Their unique authority is grounded in their direct observation of the risen Christ.
This verse bridges Jesus' earthly ministry and the beginning of the Church's mission, highlighting the divine empowerment through the Holy Spirit that enabled his chosen apostles to carry on his work after his ascension.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ascension to Heaven
After his resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days teaching his apostles before ascending into heaven. This event marked the end of his physical presence on Earth and the beginning of the apostles' ministry.
c. 30 AD
The Great Commission
During the period between his resurrection and ascension, Jesus gave his apostles their primary mission: to spread the Gospel to all nations and make disciples. This charge was empowered by the Holy Spirit.
c. 30 AD
Promise of the Holy Spirit
Jesus instructed his apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. This empowerment was crucial for them to fulfill the Great Commission and carry on his work.
c. 30 AD
Pentecost and Empowerment
Ten days after the Ascension, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them with spiritual gifts and boldness to preach. This event is often considered the birth of the Church.
c. 30-62 AD
Early Church Growth
Following Pentecost, the apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, established and expanded the early Christian community, facing both miracles and persecution as they spread the message of Jesus.
This passage details Jesus' commands to his disciples after his resurrection, explaining the Scriptures and promising the Holy Spirit, directly paralleling the 'commands' mentioned in Acts 1:2. It shows Jesus equipping them for their mission before his ascension.
John 20:21-23Here, Jesus commissions his disciples and explicitly breathes the Holy Spirit onto them, saying, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.' This act highlights the 'through the Holy Spirit' aspect of the commands given in Acts 1:2, showing the Spirit's empowerment for their mission.
Matthew 28:18-20This is the Great Commission, where Jesus declares all authority has been given to him and sends his disciples out to make disciples of all nations. It represents the core 'commands' Jesus gave, which were empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:38This verse describes Jesus as 'anointed by the Holy Spirit' and 'doing good.' It reinforces the idea that Jesus, even in his post-resurrection ministry and giving commands, operated and spoke under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
cambridgeActs 1:2: "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:"
2 . the day in which he was taken up ] The Gospel of St Luke closes with a very brief notice of the Ascension: of which event fuller details are given in this chapter, so as to form a connection between the two treatises and to indicate the purpose with which the latter was written. See below on Acts 1:8 . through the Holy Ghost ] That the whole i…
meyerActs 1:2: "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:"
Acts 1:2 . Until the day on which He was taken up, after that He had commissioned by means of the Holy Spirit the apostles whom He had chosen , belonging to ὧν ἤρξατο κ . τ . λ . ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας ] a usual attraction, but to be explained as in Acts 1:22 ; Luke 1:20 ; Luke 17:27 ; Matthew 24:38 . ἐντειλάμενος ] refers neither merely to the baptismal…
What's striking here is that Jesus' final instructions weren't just ordinary advice from a departing leader. They were given "through the Holy Spirit," highlighting that even in His earthly humanity, Jesus was Spirit-filled and His commands carried divine authority, anticipating the very Spirit He would later pour out on His followers.
This verse bridges Luke's Gospel to the beginning of Acts, detailing Jesus' final instructions to his chosen apostles before his ascension. It emphasizes that these commands were given through the power of the Holy Spirit, highlighting their divine authority and purpose. The passage sets the stage for the apostles' future mission and the outpouring of the Spirit they are to receive.
This verse bridges Luke's Gospel to the beginning of Acts, detailing Jesus' final instructions to his chosen apostles before his ascension. It emphasizes that these commands were given through the power of the Holy Spirit, highlighting their divine authority and purpose. The passage sets the stage for the apostles' future mission and the outpouring of the Spirit they are to receive.
"until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen." — What's striking here is that Jesus' final instructions weren't just ordinary advice from a departing leader. They were given "through the Holy Spirit," highlighting that even in His earthly humanity,…
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Last reviewed October 2026