Acts 1:12-14 Then returned they to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.… Was — I. A TRANSITION PERIOD. It stood midway between Christ's completed work on earth and the unopened work of the Spirit from heaven. In the history of redemption the first chapter closed on the day of the Incarnation. A long, dreary, chequered period that had been, but it was succeeded by one in all respects the reverse — brief, bright with heaven, and, though ending tragically, bringing life and immortality to light. But it was reserved for the Spirit to make this good, and His dispensation, the last chapter, was now to open. But ere the curtain should be drawn, a breathing time of ten days was in the wisdom of God to take place. It was like the "silence in heaven, for the space of half an hour" between the breaking of the "seals" and the appearance of the angels. II. A TIME OF FELT NEED. The eleven were told that they were to be their Master's witnesses, but they had no clear comprehension of the tale they were to tell, and could not but feel that they had neither position, culture, influence, nor any ground to hope for success save in their assurance of the truth of their story, and the help they might receive in telling it. As they thought of this what sinkings would come over them, which would rather be intensified, as day after day found them in the upper room, but for some counteractive. III. A TIME OF EXPECTANCY. How often would they recall and find it indispensable to recall the promise of the Father — ill as they understood what it meant. Yet being charged not to stir till it was fulfilled, they could not but hope that it would bring a full qualification for their arduous mission. But it was no time of silent waiting, for it was — IV. A TIME OF PRAYER. Who can doubt that the burden of the supplication was the promised power. But besides this it was — V. A TIME OF FRATERNAL CONFERENCE. They could hardly have prayed without intermission; and it is only reasonable to assume that the intervals would be filled up with the interchange of recollections and encouragements. VI. IT WAS A TIME OF ACTION (vers. 15-26.) (D. Brown, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. |
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