Devoting Themselves

Luke closes his Gospel with Jesus' final instructions to His disciples before He ascended to the Father's right hand. On the basis of His death and resurrection, they are authorized to preach repentance and remission of sins through His name unto all nations (Luke 24:46, 47). This mission was to begin at Jerusalem, but they were not to proceed until they were “clothed” with power from on high.

I believe that they received the Holy Spirit's personal work in them in John 20:22. The evidence for this is seen in their response after Jesus ascended (Luke 24:52, 53). They worshipped Jesus. They all obeyed His instruction to return to Jerusalem. They rejoiced in His victory. They practiced a new Spirit-directed way of life as seen in Acts 1:14).

Outline
I. The Disposition of the Apostles

1. Their unity to the kingdom purpose
2. Their devotion to the kingdom principle
   II. The Delight of the Apostles
3. Delight expressed in their devotion; continuing in prayer
4. Delight as expressed in the number; all disciples, not just the Apostles.