Prologue
(Luke 1:1–4)

1In my first book, O Theophilus (friend of god), I wrote about all that Jesus (YHWH saves) began to do and to teach {didaskein}, 2until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit {Hagiou Pneumatos} to the apostles (sent ones) He had chosen. 3After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God {Theou}.

4And while they were gathered together (eating together),a He commanded them: “Do not leave Jerusalem (city of peace), but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you⁺ have heard Me discuss. 5For John (YHWH is gracious) baptized (submerged) with water, but in a few days you⁺ will be baptized with the Holy Spirit {Hagiō Pneumati}.b”

The Ascension
(Mark 16:19–20; Luke 24:50–53)

6So when they came together, they asked Him, “Lord {Kyrie}, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel (He wrestles with God)?”

7Jesus replied, “It is not for you⁺ to know times or seasons that the Father {Patēr} has fixed by His own authority. 8But you⁺ will receive power {dynamin} when the Holy Spirit {Hagiou Pneumatos} comes upon you⁺, and you⁺ will be My witnesses in Jerusalem (city of peace), and in all Judea (land of praise) and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. 10They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly (Behold) two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you⁺ stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus (YHWH saves), who has been taken from you⁺ into heaven, will come back in the same way you⁺ have seen Him go into heaven.”

Matthias Replaces Judas

12Then they returned to Jerusalem (city of peace) from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away <3,000 ft / 914.4 m>.c 13When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter (rock) and John (YHWH is gracious), James (supplanter / follower) and Andrew (manly), Philip (friend of horses) and Thomas (twin), Bartholomew (son of Talmai) and Matthew (Gift of YHWH), James son of Alphaeus (exchange), Simon (hearing) the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary (beloved) the mother of Jesus (YHWH saves), and with His brothers.

15In those days Peter (rock) stood up among the brothers (a gathering of about a hundred and twenty) and said, 16“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit {Hagion Pneuma} foretold through the mouth of David (beloved) concerning Judas (praise), who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus (YHWH saves). 17He was one of our number and shared in this ministry {diakonias}.”

18(Now with the reward for his wickedness (unrighteousness) Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. 19This became known to all who lived in Jerusalem (city of peace), so they called that field in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20“For it is written in the book (papyrus roll) of Psalms:

‘May his place be deserted;

let there be no one to dwell in it <Psa 69:25>,’d

and,

‘May another take his position <Psa 109:8>.’e

21Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord {Kyrios} Jesus (YHWH saves) went in and out among us, 22beginning from John’s (YHWH is gracious) baptism (submersion) until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection (rising again).”

23So they proposed two men: Joseph (he will add) called Barsabbas (also known as Justus (righteous)) and Matthias. 24And they prayed, “Lord {Kyrie}, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen 25to take up this ministry {diakonias} and apostleship, which Judas (praise) abandoned to go to his rightful place.”

26Then they cast lots, and the lot (covering) fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles (sent ones).