Chapter 20—The Pentecost
When Jesus opened the understanding of the disciples to the mean-
ing of the prophecies concerning himself, he assured them that all
power was given him in Heaven and on earth, and bade them go
preach the gospel to every creature. The disciples, with a sudden re-
vival of their old hope that Jesus would take his place upon the throne
of David at Jerusalem, inquired, “Wilt thou at this time restore again
the kingdom to Israel?” The Saviour threw an uncertainty over their
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minds in regard to the subject by replying that it was not for them
“to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath in his own
power.”
The disciples began to hope that the wonderful descent of the Holy
Ghost would influence the Jewish people to accept Jesus. The Saviour
forbore to farther explain, for he knew that when the Holy Spirit should
come upon them in full measure their minds would be illuminated and
they would fully understand the work before them, and take it up just
where he had left it.
The disciples assembled in the upper chamber, uniting in suppli-
cations with the believing women, with Mary the mother of Jesus,
and with his brethren. These brethren, who had been unbelieving,
were now fully established in their faith by the scenes attending the
crucifixion, and by the resurrection and ascension of the Lord. The
number assembled was about one hundred and twenty. While they
were awaiting the descent of the Holy Ghost, they supplied the office
left vacant by Judas. Two men were selected, who, in the careful
judgment of the believers, were best qualified for the place. But the
disciples, distrusting their ability to decide the question farther, re-
ferred it to One that knew all hearts. They sought the Lord in prayer to
ascertain which of the two men was more suitable for the important
position of trust, as an apostle of Christ. The Spirit of God selected
Matthias for the office.
Both men who had been selected were considered to be persons
of stern integrity, and in every way worthy of the vacant position;
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