Promise of the Holy Spirit1-2Theophilus, I have already written an account for you of Jesus' teaching and the works He performed before His return to heaven. Before His departure, He gave the apostles He had chosen the commission they were to fulfil through the Holy Spirit.3After His death on the cross, He appeared in His risen body to these men, demonstrating that He was very much alive. During a period of forty days He appeared to them on a number of occasions and spoke further to them about God's Kingdom.4While eating with them on one occasion He commanded them: "Stay in Jerusalem until you have received the gift of the Holy Spirit that My Father promised, and of which I spoke to you.5For John only baptised people in water for the forgiveness of their sins, but within a few days you will be immersed in the Holy Spirit, baptised in His life and power."6When the apostles saw Him in His risen body, they asked Him: "Lord, is this the time when You will restore Israel as Your Kingdom people?"7Jesus told them: "The Father alone has the authority to determine when such things will happen. That is not your business.8However, you will receive God's power when you are baptised in the Holy Spirit. Then you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, the whole of Judea and Samaria and in every part of the earth."9After saying this, they watched as Jesus ascended until a cloud hid Him from their sight.10They kept staring up at the sky until two men robed in white garments stood beside them.11"You Galileans, why stand here looking into the sky? Jesus, who has now been taken from you, will Himself come back in a similar manner to the way He has just departed into heaven."
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)