WAITING FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT

1.  Commanded to Wait (Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:4-8) 

     A. A Final Explanation (Luke 24:44-49) 

     B. The Promise of the Father (Acts 1:4-5) 

     C. Times and Seasons (Acts 1:6-8) 

2.  Worshiping and Waiting (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-14) 

     A. Farewell Blessing (Luke 24:50-53) 

     B. The Lord’s Ascension (Acts 1:9-14) 

3.  Obeying and Receiving (Acts 1:15-26; 2:1-4) 

     A. Preparing for Service (Acts 1:15-26) 

     B. Experiencing Divine Manifestations (Acts 2:1-3) 

     C. Speaking in the Spirit (Acts 2:4) 

Central Truth:  God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. 

Focus:  Observe and emulate the obedience to Christ required to be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Evangelism Emphasis:  The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to be effective witnesses of Christ. 

Text:  “We are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him” (Acts 5:32). 

INTRODUCTION 

The anguish of Gethsemane and the pains and sorrows of Calvary were now past. The tomb, although sealed and heavily guarded, could not hold the body of Jesus Christ, for He was raised from the dead by the power of the eternal God. By His death and resurrection, He conquered sin and death for those who put their trust in Him. For forty days Jesus “shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3). 

His work on earth was finished; redemption was accomplished. Jesus had trained and prepared His apostles—the nucleus of a new body to be known as the Church—to carry on His mission. Within a few days the Holy Spirit would descend to possess His followers, and in the strength of this new dynamic the Gospel would be carried everywhere. After giving His beloved disciples a farewell commission and a final benediction, Jesus ascended into Heaven, where He now lives and intercedes for His people. 

1. COMMANDED TO WAIT 

A. A Final Explanation (Luke 24:44-49) 

45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 

For three years Jesus had tried to “open” His disciples’ minds so they might understand what the Old Testament taught about His messianic mission. In spite of our Lord’s patient teaching and repeated explanations, it was not until they could see the cross in retrospect that spiritual insight and discernment were evident to them (v. 45). Only the illumination of the Spirit of God can enable us to grasp divine truth (1 Cor. 2:10; Eph. 1:17-18). 

Patiently, Jesus points His followers to the Old Testament writings (Luke 24:44), revealing to their opened hearts what was foretold concerning Himself. He traces the grand theme of redemption: His sufferings, death, resurrection, and the preaching of repentance and forgiveness of sins throughout the whole world (vv. 46-47). 

To the disciples He entrusts the high privilege of bearing witness to the Christ-centered truth of the Scriptures (v. 48). This witness centers principally on the Lord’s resurrection. Throughout the Book of Acts, this is the theme of apostolic preaching; and this was the theme that especially antagonized the Jewish Sanhedrin. 

In verse 49, Jesus again calls their attention to the promised coming of the Holy Spirit. Promises of His coming had long been a part of Israel’s spiritual heritage (see Isa. 44:3; Joel 2:28-29; Ezek. 11:19). To these, Jesus added His own promises (see John 7:37-39; 14:26; 15:26). Picturesque language is employed in Luke 24:49. The disciples are enjoined to “tarry” in Jerusalem until this promise is fulfilled. He assures them that at the Spirit’s coming they will be “clothed with power from on high” (NIV). This enduement, or clothing with power, is to be a personal experience, literally meaning, “Put on yourselves power from on high as a garment.” 

• Why do we need the Holy Spirit to enlighten our understanding as we read the Scriptures? How can this happen? 

B. The Promise of the Father (Acts 1:4-5) 

4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 

Luke brings us to the final earthly appearance of Jesus and reiterates what had been said at the end of his Gospel letter (Luke 24:49). The emphasis is on waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit. The apostles could never have impacted the world had they not been empowered by the Holy Spirit. They were instructed to stay in Jerusalem and wait as a group for the promise. 

When Jesus spoke of “the promise of the Father,” He was relating to the Old Testament promise given in Joel 2:28-29. John the Baptist made reference to this as he preached about the Messiah’s coming (Matt. 3:11). Promises of the Old Testament that are fulfilled in the New Testament unite the two Biblical eras into one revelation of God to man. That Peter was able to recite this passage from Joel in his dramatic sermon on the Day of Pentecost was no coincidence. He probably studied it during the ten days of waiting in the Upper Room. Very likely the 120 believers who gathered there searched the Scriptures diligently to understand the things Jesus had told them. When the promise was fulfilled and they were endued with power, one of the first acts of the Spirit working in Peter was to “bring all things to [his] remembrance” (John 14:26). 

Waiting on God 

The faith of Christ offers no buttons to push for quick service. The new order must await the Lord’s own time, and that is too much for the person in a hurry. He or she just gives up and becomes interested in something else.

C. Times and Seasons (Acts 1:6-8) 

6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

Jesus had dealt with His bickering disciples over positions in His kingdom more than once, for they had fully expected Him to reestablish a political empire for Israel. His death at Calvary squelched that vision, but even so, He had spoken much about God’s kingdom. They could remember Him saying “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). The Old Testament promises recorded in Ezekiel 36:24-28 connected God’s kingdom to the physical Promised Land. Since Ezekiel also referenced the Spirit in this restoration—“And I will put my spirit within you” (v. 27)—their question was legitimate. At some point Israel would be revived to glory. So when would this be? 

Jesus did not deny God’s ultimate plan to restore Israel, but He did not reveal to them the time span between His first and second comings. Early in His ministry, when Jesus read Isaiah’s prophecy in His hometown synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19), He left out the phrase “the day of vengeance of our God” (Isa. 61:2 NIV). He did this because God’s vengeance will not be fully expressed until the Second Coming. What the disciples needed to know at this point was their role was to work in God’s kingdom as it was being developed on earth through the Church. The final realization of God’s kingdom as involving Israel would not occur until the Second Coming. 

Jesus had also told His disciples that no one knows the time of His return to earth (Mark 13:32-35). He illustrated this with a parable about a man taking a long journey. This indicated a long period of time, but the disciples likely had not caught the hidden meaning. Even now, as Jesus was about to ascend to Heaven, He knew it was best to let His disciples know times and dates were not their concern. Instead, they needed to focus on their mission of being Christ’s witnesses. 

In Acts 1:8, we see the purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is to receive power in order to be an effective witness for Christ. The word translated “power” (dunamis) includes authority over evil spirits, anointing to minister healing, and boldness to proclaim the Gospel. The Holy Spirit empowers us to operate as direct emissaries of Christ. We are to be Christ’s witnesses locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Today, the Gospel is reaching “everywhere in the world” (CEV). 

• Why should we not get caught up in speculations about the last days? 

2. WORSHIPING AND WAITING 

A. Farewell Blessing (Luke 24:50-53) 

51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. 

Jesus took His disciples “out as far as to Bethany” (v. 50)—a place that was hallowed by many memories. There, Jesus had delivered His great discourse about the last days. From this point the village of Bethany and the city of Jerusalem could be seen. This was the place chosen by Jesus as the scene of His farewell. 

While Jesus was in the act of blessing His followers, He was taken to Heaven. The last words spoken by Jesus before He ascended are recorded in Acts 1:8, emphasizing “the promise of the Father” (v. 4), the power of the Spirit, and the plan of world evangelism. In obedience to Christ’s command, the believers “returned to Jerusalem,” and they did so “with great joy” (Luke 24:52). 

Worship ought to be joyous, but how could these disciples rejoice in the hour of separation? Prior to Calvary, these same disciples had been overcome with sorrow as Jesus told them of His pending death (Mark 14:27). But now, knowing their Lord is alive and no longer subject to death, and buoyed up by the promise of the Spirit’s coming, they rejoiced even though Jesus’ physical presence was no longer with them. 

The worship of these disciples was spontaneous and continuous, not stereotyped or perfunctory. They frequented the temple courts at the hours of worship as they awaited the Father’s promise (Luke 24:53). 

• When and how did the believers worship the Lord in this setting? What can we learn from this? 

B. The Lord’s Ascension (Acts 1:9-14) 

10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. 13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 

The many witnesses who saw Jesus’ ascension were not dreaming. They literally saw Jesus ascend into the heavens. The cloud which received Him was the Shekinah glory of the Lord. The people’s eyes were so fixed on this sight that they likely did not see the two individuals dressed in white appear in their midst. Their sudden questions broke the trance-like state of the moment. The Lord’s mission on earth was not completed. The mission given to His followers was about to begin. They must move forward with total assurance that He would come again. This would be the “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) they would need through the trials of the coming years. 

The joyful disciples returned to Jerusalem, which was a distance of about 1,000 yards (“a Sabbath day’s journey,” v. 12). They believed the promises He had just made prior to ascending to Heaven before their eyes. The “upper room” where they gathered (v. 13) was possibly the same one where the Last Supper had taken place. Though tradition tells us it would be ten days before the fullness of Pentecost came, this time of prayer and waiting was likely not that long. “Given the fifty days from Passover to Pentecost, and subtracting Jesus’ time in the tomb and the forty days of Acts 1:3, this meeting may have lasted close to a week” (Craig S. Keener, The Bible Background Commentary—New Testament). 

There were five key factors about this meeting. 

1. They were all in one accord. There was no more division or bickering. All, including Peter, had been restored. 

2. They remained in prayer. They apparently went to the temple for prayer in the morning, and continued their supplications at evening in the Upper Room. They also likely pored over the Scriptures, studying every reference to the Holy Spirit that Jesus had just promised them. 

3. The women joined them. Jesus had elevated the role of women in His kingdom. They would be a vital part of the explosion of the Church. Those in attendance probably included Mary Magdalene, Salome, Joanna, Mary and Martha of Bethany, John Mark’s mother, as well as others. 

4. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is recognized. This is the last time she is mentioned in Acts, but surely she was baptized in the Spirit along with the others. 

5. Jesus’ brothers were included. They had all come to believe. Two of them, James and Jude, would later become leaders in the church. 

Departed, Yet Present 

And He departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For Jesus departed, and behold, He is here.—Augustine 

3. OBEYING AND RECEIVING 

A. Preparing for Service (Acts 1:15-26) 

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 

24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. 

Visible miracles do not necessarily produce dedication. Even though there had been as many as 500 who saw Jesus after His resurrection, only 120 obeyed His command and tarried together until the Day of Pentecost (v. 15). At the same time, the phenomenal change in the disciples is evidence that miracles do affect people. The emergence of Peter as a strong leader shows a revolution of character and spiritual strength. The meeting in which he presided was the first church business meeting ever held. Because Jesus had chosen twelve disciples, they felt it necessary to restore that number (since Judas had committed suicide, v. 18). 

In verse 16, Peter declared that a prophecy from Psalm 41:9 had been fulfilled when Judas betrayed Jesus. In John 13:18, Jesus himself had referenced this prophecy in His remarks during the Last Supper. Peter’s recognition, however, supports the idea that these days were spent in great study accompanying their prayers. He then referenced Psalm 69:25 and 109:8 to justify replacing Judas (Acts 1:20). “The Twelve were chosen as primary witnesses to the teaching of Jesus,” said Stanley Horton. “They would have positions of authority in the coming kingdom as well. They needed someone to replace Judas. It must be someone who had been with them the whole time from Jesus’ baptism to His ascension” (The Book of Acts: A Radiant Commentary). 

Matthias, the man who replaced Judas, is not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. However, Acts 6:2 refers to “the twelve” who committed themselves “to prayer, and to the ministry of the word” (v. 4), and he had become the twelfth disciple. 

Divine Guidance 

Luke is not concerned to provide a model for appointing church leaders, but to show that God guided the church in the appointment of the twelfth apostle. The twelve apostles were important to the foundational period of the Church.—French L. Arrington 

B. Experiencing Divine Manifestations (Acts 2:1-3) 

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 

The coming of the Holy Spirit in Pentecostal power was an act of God’s grace occurring within His timing. All the disciples could do was wait prayerfully and obediently. The fact that they were in unity (v. 1) is not an expression of human effort, but rather of human preparation to receive. This passive position of humble submission (“sitting,” v. 2) is noted in Luke 10:39, where Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus. There we are told she chose the better way (v. 42). Thus, their sitting was not the passiveness of disobedience, but rather was the expectant waiting upon God for the fulfillment of His promise. Isaiah 40:31 says, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” 

Note the Spirit came into the house from the outside; that is, from Heaven. The source was God, not man. Also, the “rushing mighty wind” filled the entire house (Acts 2:2). That means everyone was filled with the mighty presence of God. 

As they were sitting in anticipation, the Holy Spirit moved among them and “sat upon” them (v. 3). The word cloven, to describe the tongues of fire, has the sense of “divide, separate.” Thus, the Holy Spirit came upon each of the 120 believers. It was an individual infilling for the sake of the larger mission of Christ and His church. He came upon them in power and distributed spiritual gifts. While the power was reality for all of them collectively, the particular manifestation of that power was unique to each one through spiritual gifts. 

• Why were wind and fire apt symbols for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? 

C. Speaking in the Spirit (Acts 2:4) 

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

This infilling with the Holy Spirit was evidenced by a clear sign: they all spoke with other tongues. While many Christians believe the sign (and gift) of tongues ceased with the apostolic age, we as Pentecostals believe God still works in this fashion. This experience expresses a giving over of the whole self for the glory of

God. In reflecting on this verse, several themes emerge: 

1. The new believers are given the language of the Spirit as the unifying language of God’s work. We know from Romans 8:26-27 that the Holy Spirit intercedes  for us according to the will of God as He prays through us in the Spirit. Thus, glossolalia (speaking in tongues) ministers to the individual believer as the Holy Spirit speaks through him or her. 

2. The disciples were so committed to obeying Jesus that they were prepared to receive anything He desired. The fact that God took control of the tongue before they went forth to speak is a clear sign of His holy presence. James 3:1-12 speaks powerfully of the good or evil the tongue can do. Thus, the disciples had brought their tongues under the dominion of Christ. What they proclaimed was not their invention but the testimony of the Spirit concerning Jesus. 

3. The word for utterance in Greek has the primary meaning of “speak truth.” While the Holy Spirit gave the specific word(s) He desired to be proclaimed, it was their responsibility “to speak.” We are nowhere told the Holy Spirit made them speak in tongues. They responded obediently to the presence of the Spirit at work in their hearts, minds, and bodies. It is our responsibility “to speak” as the Holy Spirit moves in response to our prayer and praise of Jesus. 

• Why is it important for believers today to be filled with the Holy Spirit? 

WAIT, WORSHIP, AND WITNESS 

What if the apostles had not waited in the Upper Room for the coming of the Holy Spirit? Imagine they were so anxious to show the Lord their new resolve to serve Him (after failing Him during His trial and crucifixion), they leave the place of prayer after only a couple of days. 

As they hit the streets of Jerusalem declaring Jesus to be the resurrected Messiah, their message falls on deaf ears. As the people responsible for Jesus’ death now threaten the disciples, they become frightened . . . and soon return to the Upper Room to figure out what has gone wrong. 

When it’s time to wait on the Lord to empower us, we must wait. Not passively, but actively, praying for the outpouring to come in His time and way. We also must worship the Lord while we wait, praising Him in faith for what He is doing. When His time comes, we must receive His promise and obey His command to move forward as His witnesses. 

Daily Devotions 

M. Moses’ Wish for God’s People (Numbers 11:24-29) 

T. The Spirit Spoke by David (2 Samuel 23:1-5) 

W. Jahaziel Prophesied by the Spirit (2 Chronicles 20:14-19) 

T. The Promised Comforter (John 14:15-19, 26) 

F. Life by the Spirit (Romans 8:1-10) 

S. The Spirit Confirms the Gospel (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) 

Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2021-2022.