Bible Strands
Acts 1:2
until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Luke is speaking to Theophilus, summarizing Jesus’ post-resurrection activity up to the ascension. The text frames this as the close of Jesus’ earthly instruction and the opening of the apostolic mission.
The words — ἀποστόλοις (apostolois) = apostles, literally “sent ones,” carries the commission behind John 20:21: “As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” ἐντειλάμενος (enteilamenos) = having given orders, literally “having stretched out/commanded,” presents the ascension as following a directive, not merely a departure.
The thread — The text states Jesus gave orders through the Spirit; the sending motif runs from John 20:21 to Acts 10:38 and the Jerusalem waiting in Acts 1:4. The ascension also connects to Christ’s entrance into heaven in Hebrews 9:24 and the Redeemer’s coming to Zion in Isaiah 59:20.
Why it lands — It asks the reader to treat Jesus’ command as the governing authority for the apostles’ obedience in Acts 1:4. The ascension is not a conclusion but the point at which the Spirit-empowered mission is launched.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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:
Cross-references
- Acts 1:9 After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.
- Isaiah 59:20 “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD.
- John 20:21 Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.”
- Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.
- Hebrews 9:24 For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.
- John 13:18 I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’
- Isaiah 48:16 Come near to Me and listen to this: From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time it happened, I was there.” And now the Lord GOD has sent me, accompanied by His Spirit.
- Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
- Ephesians 4:8 This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”
- Luke 24:45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.