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For the apostles, Jesus’ final instructions to them before his ascension had a bittersweet quality. His resurrection appearances and future promises filled them with hope. But his order to stay in Jerusalem, where he had been crucified and where their lives were in constant danger, must have been difficult to accept.
In fact, it prompted their immediate question, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). They feared what might happen to them next. Although Jesus’ reply didn’t allay their immediate fears, it did promise future empowerment and victory (see 1:8). With their expectancy heightened, the apostles had the courage to return to the same upper room where they had hid during Jesus’ persecution and death.
By naming each of the eleven apostles, Luke shows that the original apostolic band was intact, obedient, and committed to fulfilling the promises of Christ. Jesus proved his divine nature of love by going to the cross, and he affirmed his divine will by appearing to them after his resurrection so they could build the church in his name. He also solidified the trustworthiness of his…
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