It’s shocking that at the start of Acts 1, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, his mission is still misunderstood. Luke writes,
On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (vv. 4-5)
It wasn’t enough for the disciples to witness Jesus’ death, see his empty tomb, and eat with him after he rose from the dead. They weren’t allowed to go out and immediately begin sharing this message. They were commanded to wait for the Holy Spirit. “Wait.”
How long?
He didn’t say.
The point is that they needed power to be Christ’s witnesses just as Christ began his ministry in the power of the Spirit (Lk 4:18).
Luke continues, “Then they gathered around him and asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?'” (v. 6). They thought Jesus intended to establish a political kingdom. This corresponds with James and John’s request before Jesus died: “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory” (Mk 10:37). “Glory” here refers to earthly glory not heavenly glory. And that is why Peter rebuked Jesus when Jesus predicted his suffering and death. The Messiah is Israel’s rightful king so he must conquer not suffer. Think about this: Jesus just spoke of the arrival of the Spirit and they thought this event would usher in Israel’s independence.
Since they were already eating together, “Then they gathered around him” probably implies that they had dispersed, had a discussion, then returned to question Jesus. Imagine them whispering among themselves, “This is it. He is going to take over Jerusalem and we will be the leaders in his kingdom.” Perhaps, a few moments later, someone had the idea that they had better check with Jesus so they returned and asked, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Jesus responded, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (vv. 7-8).
In other words, the mission is not to remove the Romans and retake the capital city. The mission is to be Christ’s witnesses throughout Israel and the world. And that mission requires something more than human determination and hard work. It requires divine power from the Holy Spirit.
After graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I served as a high school Bible teacher in Asia. I enjoy traveling, writing, and playing the drums. For a deep dive into church history and the character of God, see my book Surprised by Hell.
Les I love how you always identify and bravely venture into Christianity’s most important questions
The mystery of the Holy Spirit is in my mind is one of the most continuous
and misunderstood of all. I am excited and hopeful will research and explore it as thoroughly and insightfully as you did your work on Hell. You did that work wonderfully well…. unafraid…of whose world you might rock. So much Christian writing is almost useless because it is so afraid of criticism it avoids biblical and historical facts. Writers today seem to stay away from the deeper important questions and go with the majority superficial opinions. When I read your work I see new possibilities. That’s the reason for reading in my world. I want to learn more. You are truly one of real teachers. Thank You Will Maddox