11 The first account I [1]composed , Theophilus , about all that Jesus began to do and teach , 2 until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had [2]by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen . 3 To [3]these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering , by many convincing proofs , appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God . 4 [4]Gathering them together , He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem , but to wait for [5] what the Father had promised , "Which ," He said, "you heard of from Me; 5 for John baptized with water , but you will be baptized [6]with the Holy Spirit [7] not many days from now e ."
6 So when they had come together , they were asking Him, saying , "Lord , is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel ?" 7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority ; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem , and in all Judea and Samaria , and even to the remotest part of the earth ." 9 And after He had said these things , He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight . 10 And as they were gazing intently into [8]the sky while He was going , behold , two men in white clothing stood beside them. 11 They also said , " Men of Galilee , why do you stand looking into [9]the sky ? This Jesus , who has been taken up from you into heaven , will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 1:1-11
Commentary on Acts 1:1-5
(Read Acts 1:1-5)
Our Lord told the disciples the work they were to do. The apostles met together at Jerusalem; Christ having ordered them not to depart thence, but to wait for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. This would be a baptism by the Holy Ghost, giving them power to work miracles, and enlightening and sanctifying their souls. This confirms the Divine promise, and encourages us to depend upon it, that we have heard it from Christ; for in Him all the promises of God are yea and amen.
Commentary on Acts 1:6-11
(Read Acts 1:6-11)
They were earnest in asking about that which their Master never had directed or encouraged them to seek. Our Lord knew that his ascension and the teaching of the Holy Spirit would soon end these expectations, and therefore only gave them a rebuke; but it is a caution to his church in all ages, to take heed of a desire of forbidden knowledge. He had given his disciples instructions for the discharge of their duty, both before his death and since his resurrection, and this knowledge is enough for a Christian. It is enough that He has engaged to give believers strength equal to their trials and services; that under the influence of the Holy Spirit they may, in one way or other, be witnesses for Christ on earth, while in heaven he manages their concerns with perfect wisdom, truth, and love. When we stand gazing and trifling, the thoughts of our Master's second coming should quicken and awaken us: when we stand gazing and trembling, they should comfort and encourage us. May our expectation of it be stedfast and joyful, giving diligence to be found of him blameless.