Chapter 4—Pentecost
This chapter is based on
Acts 2:1-39
.
As the disciples returned from Olivet to Jerusalem, the people
looked on them, expecting to see on their faces expressions of sor-
row, confusion, and defeat; but they saw there gladness and triumph.
The disciples did not now mourn over disappointed hopes. They had
seen the risen Saviour, and the words of His parting promise echoed
constantly in their ears.
In obedience to Christ’s command, they waited in Jerusalem for
the promise of the Father—the outpouring of the Spirit. They did
not wait in idleness. The record says that they were “continually in
the temple, praising and blessing God.”
Luke 24:53
. They also met
together to present their requests to the Father in the name of Jesus.
They knew that they had a Representative in heaven, an Advocate at
the throne of God. In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the
assurance, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will
[36]
give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye
shall receive, that your joy may be full.”
John 16:23, 24
. Higher and
still higher they extended the hand of faith, with the mighty argument,
“It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at
the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
Romans
8:34
.
As the disciples waited for the fulfillment of the promise, they
humbled their hearts in true repentance and confessed their unbelief.
As they called to remembrance the words that Christ had spoken
to them before His death they understood more fully their meaning.
Truths which had passed from their memory were again brought to
their minds, and these they repeated to one another. They reproached
themselves for their misapprehension of the Saviour. Like a procession,
scene after scene of His wonderful life passed before them. As they
meditated upon His pure, holy life they felt that no toil would be too
hard, no sacrifice too great, if only they could bear witness in their
22