Simon the Zealot - Acts 1:6-14

LESSON NOTES AND QUESTIONS

Summary: In Acts 1:6-14, the disciples are instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. This passage highlights their confusion, anticipation, and eventual obedience as they gather in prayer, emphasizing the importance of divine timing and preparation for mission. This passage helps us to understand the importance of waiting on God's timing in their lives and the necessity of prayer and unity in preparation for their callings. In moments of uncertainty or transition, believers can find strength in the practice of waiting and seeking God together.

Application: This passage helps believers to recognize that waiting is not a passive state, but an active engagement with God's purposes. When in times of waiting, confusion, or uncertainty we are called to develop patience, cultivate a deeper prayer life, and prepare ourselves spiritually for the tasks ahead.

Background on Disciple: Simon the Zealot is mentioned here in Acts 1:13. Simon the Zealot, also known as Simon the Cananean or Simon the Cananaean, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. His title, "the Zealot," likely refers to his passionate zeal for Jewish law and customs. The term "Zealot" could indicate Simon’s association with the Jewish nationalist movement (the Zealots), which sought to overthrow Roman rule in Judea. However, it may also simply describe his fervent devotion to God and the Law. Simon the Zealot is named in all four lists of the apostles in the New Testament (Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13).

1. Promise of Power

Acts 1:6-8

Rather than directly answering, Jesus redirects the disciples' question (which shows their confusion about God's timing) about restoring the kingdom to a promise of receiving power from the Holy Spirit. The point is that the disciples don’t need to know all the details but they do need to trust that God will give them all they need to accomplish the mission. God's plan often diverges from our expectations, but His purposes are greater than ours. Embracing God's timing requires us to surrender our agendas and trust in His sovereignty, knowing that His timing is always perfect even when we don't understand it.

QUESTION:

• When have you been guilty of forcing your own personal agenda onto God’s plan? E.g. maybe you didn’t ask “are you at this time going to restore kingdom to Israel” but instead said something like “God I think this is what you want for me (when it is really what I want for me) and so I am going forward claiming your blessing even when I don’t necessarily have it.”

2. Looking to the Sky

Acts 1:9-11

Jesus' ascension as the disciples witness it would have impacted them for the rest of their life and ministry. This event assures them of His sovereignty and the eventual return, reinforcing their faith. But then a waiting period follows, and this waiting period after witnessing Jesus ascend demanded faith in action. We need to be encouraged to hold onto the assurance that Jesus is reigning, will fulfill His promises, and is coming again. Drawing on the encouragement and strength from God we should seek to be empowered to act when the time is right.

Jesus's promise of power through the Holy Spirit shifts the disciples’ focus from timing to empowerment for mission. We must rely on God’s Spirit rather than our own strength and this empowerment helps believers serve as witnesses for Christ across all areas of life. May we embrace this promise while waiting.

Jesus' ascension signifies both a departure and a commissioning. The disciples are reminded by the angels to look ahead to Christ’s return rather than getting fixated on His physical absence. We must adopt an eternal perspective, actively engaging in God's work while anticipating His return.

QUESTION:

• What does it look like to look to the sky right now in your life? What do you need to look back on in your life right now in order to keep your focus off the sky on the task as you anticipate? How can others in the room hold you accountable to having an eternal perspective?

3. United in Prayer

Acts 1:12-14

When the disciples return to Jerusalem they are unified in prayerful waiting together. The importance of community and prayer during periods of waiting and preparation should not be underestimated. Believers, like the early disciples, should join together in prayer and unity, preparing their hearts and minds for what God has planned, showing that the preparation time is filled with purpose.

These verses stress the need for patience and hope, motivating believers to actively anticipate Christ’s return. Waiting is not wasted when focused on carrying out His mission, knowing we await a glorious future and using the time wisely in prayer and devotion growing into the job God has prepared.

I am impressed with how the disciples transition from uncertainty to unity as they return to Jerusalem and commit to prayer. This passage illustrates how communal prayer acts as a conduit for divine guidance, empowerment, and unity. In times of confusion, forming prayerful communities can offer spiritual clarity and prepare us for the paths God has prepared.

QUESTION:

• When have you witnessed prayer as a uniting force? When do you wish you had gone to prayer and the unity it brings? How do you sense we need to pray in our church now?