Lawrence Owinya
Sep 8, 2026
Jesus Ascends and Prepares His Witnesses. This session explores the main events, people, and message of Chapter One, guiding participants to observe the text carefully, understand its meaning, and apply its truths faithfully in daily life.
Acts chapter 1 begins during the forty days following the resurrection of Jesus. During this time, Jesus appears to His disciples, gives them convincing evidence that He is alive, and teaches them about the Kingdom of God. The disciples are eager to know whether Jesus will immediately restore the kingdom to Israel, but Jesus redirects their attention from predicting God’s timetable to fulfilling the mission He has given them.
Jesus commands the disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the promised Holy Spirit. He then gives them the central calling of the Book of Acts: “You will be my witnesses.” Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they will proclaim the Gospel in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This mission begins locally but extends across every cultural and geographical boundary.
After giving this promise, Jesus ascends into heaven while the disciples watch. Two angels assure them that He will one day return in the same way. The disciples then return to Jerusalem, where they gather together in unity and devote themselves to prayer. They do not rush ahead in their own strength; they wait upon God and prepare for what He is about to do.
The chapter also records how Matthias is chosen to replace Judas Iscariot among the twelve apostles. Through prayer, Scripture, and communal discernment, the believers seek God’s guidance as they prepare for their mission.
Acts 1 teaches us that the Church’s mission belongs to Jesus and can only be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit. Like the first disciples, we are called to trust Christ, pray together, wait upon God, and faithfully witness to those around us. Our backgrounds and abilities may be different, but Jesus unites us and sends us together to share His Gospel with our neighbors and the nations.
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