He then led his disciples to the Mount of Olives. He said, “Don’t leave Jerusalem until you receive the promise from the Father. John baptized with water, but now you’ll be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

They said, “Lord, is now the time you’re going to make Israel into a kingdom again?”

Jesus said, “Only the Father knows when that will happen. Meanwhile, you’re to spread the good news that people can receive forgiveness of sins.”

“Wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes upon you. He’ll give you power to spread this good news. Start in Jerusalem and then take it to the entire nation. Include Samaria. Finally, go to the entire world.”

Jesus then blessed them. As he did, he suddenly moved upward and disappeared in a cloud. The disciples stood there looking up.

Two men, dressed in white, appeared next to them. They said, “Why are you standing there looking into the sky? You saw Jesus go up. He’ll come back in the same way.”

So the disciples went back into Jerusalem. Their hearts overflowed with joy! They met in an upper room with other believers, both men and women. Mary, the mother of Jesus was there, as well as his brothers. All of the believers were of one mind and spent this time in prayer.

At one point, Peter stood and talked to the group. He said, “Judas fulfilled Scripture when he led the mob into the garden and betrayed Jesus. Judas was one of us, and had all the privileges of this ministry. Yet he sold it all for a price. With that money he bought a field, and today it is called ‘Field of Blood.’ ”

“Still, we need someone to take his place among the apostles. Let’s choose a man, but make sure he has been with us since Jesus was baptized by John. The person we choose must have seen all the miracles until the Lord was taken from us into heaven. With us, he will testify to the resurrection of Christ.”

Two men were selected for final consideration. The people prayed and then threw lots to make the final decision. Matthias was chosen.