“You are a witness of these things,” Jesus told his disciples. What are Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples concerning them acting as witnesses to His death and spreading the gospel message? Jesus is commanding them to teach and preach the gospel to all creation (commonly known as the Great Commission). He told them to be witnesses of these things. Jesus said all believers should testify to His life, death, and resurrection. This verse connects the historical reality of the Gospel to the mission proclaiming repentance and forgiveness of sin to all nations. “Before you go, wait in Jerusalem, wait together as My disciples. Wait there for the Holy Spirit, and the power from on high. You are to be witnesses of My death and resurrection. Commission to the world, so that others will be saved and live a life in the Lord.” Jesus calls the Holy Spirit to help the followers witness His suffering, His death, and His resurrection. This is the core of the Christian message to be given to all people (Luke 24:48-52).

Note: The disciples are designed to be witnesses of the life that Jesus lived, so that you can live.

The ‘power source’ is the life of Jesus, who said: “I need you to wait in Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high. This is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to do the mission of His will.”

Jesus leads them near Bethany and, while blessing them, He ascends into heaven. “I will teach you this before I go,” He said. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. Well-known promises are found in you to go and be My disciples.”

The disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy, as they now understood the resurrection of Jesus Christ as He left them His Holy Spirit.