Last Instructions, Acts 1:4-8

This post concerns the last instructions that Jesus gave the apostles before His ascension.

Last Instructions discusses the command to the apostles to stay in Jerusalem until they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Then, they would have power to witness to the resurrection of Jesus, Acts 1:4-5.

“… he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water…

but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

John the Baptist had mentioned this special baptism, Matthew 3:11. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me … will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire…”

Likewise, Jesus had noted this baptism three times, John 14:26-27; 15:26 -27; and 16:12-13. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth…

… But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me…

…I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth,”

Anything repeated three times shows its importance.

This baptism would occur soon although they did not completely understand what was happening, Acts 1:6-8. “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.

…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Jesus replied, It is not for you to know. Then, He reiterates the coming of the Holy Spirit and says they were His witnesses.

So, what did we learn?

1.The apostles were to stay in Jerusalem until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit.

2.The apostles were witnesses of His resurrection.

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