What happensPermalink
Luke (the author of Acts) recalls Jesus’s promise to send the Holy Spirit and reviews Jesus’s ascension. Peter tells the assembled disciples they need to replace Judas among the twelve apostles; they cast lots, and Matthias is chosen.
Why it mattersPermalink
The baptism of the Holy Spirit refers to the upcoming Pentecost event in the next chapter. Prior to Jesus’s ascension, He charges them with being His witness not only in Israel but the whole world, and promises the Holy Spirit will empower them to do so.
Key versePermalink
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”