Luke 24:49
And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
And behold
The phrase "And behold" serves as an attention-grabbing introduction, urging the listener or reader to pay close attention to what follows. In the Greek, "ἰδού" (idou) is often used to emphasize the importance or significance of a statement. It is a call to witness something remarkable or divine. In this context, Jesus is about to reveal a profound truth about the coming of the Holy Spirit, which is a pivotal moment in the history of the early Church.

I am sending
The Greek verb "ἀποστέλλω" (apostellō) is used here, which means "to send forth" or "to dispatch." This word is significant because it implies a mission or purpose. Jesus is not merely sending something; He is commissioning the Holy Spirit to come upon the disciples. This act of sending is a continuation of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating the active role of Jesus in the fulfillment of divine promises.

the promise of My Father
The "promise" refers to the Holy Spirit, as prophesied in the Old Testament and reiterated by Jesus during His ministry. The Greek word "ἐπαγγελία" (epangelia) signifies a pledge or assurance. This promise is rooted in the covenantal faithfulness of God, highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. The phrase "of My Father" underscores the Trinitarian relationship and the divine origin of the promise, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is a gift from God the Father.

upon you
The preposition "ἐπί" (epi) in Greek indicates direction or location, suggesting that the Holy Spirit will come upon the disciples in a powerful and transformative way. This is not a mere internal experience but an external empowerment that will equip them for their mission. The phrase signifies the personal and communal nature of the Spirit's coming, as it will impact each disciple individually and the Church collectively.

But remain in the city
The instruction to "remain" uses the Greek verb "καθίζω" (kathizō), meaning to sit down or settle. This command requires patience and obedience, as the disciples are to wait in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of the promise. The city, Jerusalem, holds historical and theological significance as the center of Jewish worship and the place where Jesus' death and resurrection occurred. It is fitting that the birth of the Church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit would also take place here.

until you have been clothed
The imagery of being "clothed" with power uses the Greek verb "ἐνδύω" (enduo), which means to put on or be dressed. This metaphor suggests a transformation and equipping for service. Just as clothing provides identity and protection, the Holy Spirit will empower the disciples, marking them as God's chosen instruments for spreading the Gospel.

with power from on high
The word "power" is translated from the Greek "δύναμις" (dynamis), indicating strength, ability, or miraculous power. This is not human strength but divine empowerment that will enable the disciples to fulfill their mission. "From on high" refers to the heavenly origin of this power, emphasizing its divine source. This phrase assures the disciples that the power they will receive is not of this world but comes directly from God, equipping them for the monumental task of witnessing to the ends of the earth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples after His resurrection, preparing them for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

2. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' words, they are instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of God's promise.

3. The Promise of the Father
Refers to the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised would come to empower the disciples for their mission.

4. Jerusalem
The city where the disciples are instructed to remain until they receive the Holy Spirit, significant as the starting point of the early church.

5. The Holy Spirit
The "power from on high" that will clothe the disciples, enabling them to carry out their mission.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
Jesus instructs the disciples to remain in Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's timing and instructions.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is essential for empowering believers to fulfill God's mission. We must rely on His strength rather than our own.

Waiting on God's Timing
The disciples had to wait for the Holy Spirit, teaching us the value of patience and trust in God's perfect timing.

Empowerment for Mission
Being "clothed with power" signifies that God equips us for the tasks He calls us to, ensuring we are not left to our own devices.

The Fulfillment of God's Promises
This verse reassures us that God is faithful to His promises, as seen in the sending of the Holy Spirit.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to be "clothed with power from on high," and how can we experience this in our daily lives?

2. How does the instruction to "remain in the city" until receiving the Holy Spirit apply to our understanding of waiting on God's timing?

3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit empower believers today, and how can we be more receptive to His guidance?

4. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit in Luke 24:49 connect with the prophecies in the Old Testament, such as Joel 2:28-29?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for God's promise to be fulfilled. How did that experience strengthen your faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 1:4-5
This passage reiterates Jesus' instruction to wait for the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the continuity of His promise.

John 14:16-17
Jesus promises the coming of the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who will dwell with and in the believers.

Joel 2:28-29
The prophecy of God pouring out His Spirit on all people, which is fulfilled in the New Testament.

Ephesians 1:13-14
Describes the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of our inheritance, connecting to the idea of being "clothed with power."
Spiritual PowerJohn PercivalLuke 24:49
The Secret of Spiritual StrengthVarious Authors Luke 24:49
A Divine VisitationLuke 24:36-49
Beginning At JerusalemC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:36-49
Beginning At JerusalemW. Landels.Luke 24:36-49
Christ Illuminates the UnderstandingJ. Flavel.Luke 24:36-49
Christ's Death and Resurrection Foretold in ScriptureJ. Mede.Luke 24:36-49
Christ's Epitome of the GospelW. H. C. Harris.Luke 24:36-49
Christ's First and Last SubjectC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:36-49
Christ's Sufferings, ResurrectionT. B. Baker.Luke 24:36-49
Jesus on the Evening of Easter DayCanon Liddon.Luke 24:36-49
Necessity for Christ's SufferingsC. H. Parkhurst.Luke 24:36-49
Need of the Spirit of God -- the Fire from HeavenW. Arthur.Luke 24:36-49
New PowerD. L. Moody.Luke 24:36-49
On the Understanding of ScriptureE. Blencowe, M. A.Luke 24:36-49
Peace Bestowed Upon ManJ. Parsons.Luke 24:36-49
PowerSmiles.Luke 24:36-49
Power from on HighR. Watson.Luke 24:36-49
Power from on HighJohn Griffith.Luke 24:36-49
Primitive Doubtings and Their CureH. Bonar, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
Reasons for Beginning At JerusalemJ. Dobie, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
Remission of SinsT. T. Lynch.Luke 24:36-49
RepentanceT. T. Lynch.Luke 24:36-49
Repentance and PardonLuke 24:36-49
Spiritual PowerJ. G. Rogers, B. A.Luke 24:36-49
Tarrying for FitnessA. F. Muir, M. A.Luke 24:36-49
The Apostolic CommissionJ. Macgregor, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
The Charge to the ApostlesW. Jay.Luke 24:36-49
The Church's Duty to Those OutsideH. P. Hughes, M. A.Luke 24:36-49
The Crucial TestH. O. Mackey.Luke 24:36-49
The Divine Order of PreachingR. Newton, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
The Duty and Importance of Special Efforts for the Conversion of CitiesW. Patton, M. A.Luke 24:36-49
The Final Recorded Meeting in JerusalemG. Venables, S. C. L.Luke 24:36-49
The First Appearance of the Risen Lord to the ElevenC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:36-49
The Gospel CommissionA. Somerville.Luke 24:36-49
The Gospel for the WorldG. Venables, S. C. L.Luke 24:36-49
The Mission and Equipment of the DisciplesW. Landels.Luke 24:36-49
The Opened UnderstandingM. F. Sadler.Luke 24:36-49
The Principles and Proclamation of the GospelW. M. Taylor, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
The Reality of the ResurrectionCanon Liddon.Luke 24:36-49
The Saviour's Last WordsD. C. Hughes, M. A.Luke 24:36-49
The Timely Presence and Salutation of JesusE. Payson, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
The Understanding OpenedT. Kidd.Luke 24:36-49
The Work of the Christian MinistryW. J. Grundy.Luke 24:36-49
The Wounds of JesusC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:36-49
Times of WaitingJ. Vaughan, M. A.Luke 24:36-49
Too Good to be TrueC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 24:36-49
Two Supreme NecessitiesThe Weekly PulpitLuke 24:36-49
Understanding the ScripturesS. Pearse.Luke 24:36-49
Why it Behoved Christ to Suffer and to RiseR. Newton, D. D.Luke 24:36-49
Infallible Proofs and Inevitable PartingsR.M. Edgar Luke 24:36-53
People
Cleopas, James, Jesus, Joanna, Mary, Peter, Simon
Places
Bethany, Emmaus, Galilee, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Road to Emmaus
Topics
Abide, Behold, Clothed, Endued, Father's, Forth, Gift, Heaven, Jerusalem, Patiently, Power, Promise, Promised, Remember, Rest, Sending, Stay, Tarry, Till, Town, Undertaken, Wait
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 24:49

     2021   Christ, faithfulness
     2066   Christ, power of
     3030   Holy Spirit, power
     3040   Holy Spirit, promise of
     3120   Holy Spirit, descriptions
     3242   Holy Spirit, baptism with
     3257   Holy Spirit, gift of
     4925   delay, divine
     5457   power, human
     5467   promises, divine
     5957   strength, spiritual
     5977   waiting
     7742   missionaries, support

Luke 24:36-49

     2555   Christ, resurrection appearances

Luke 24:45-49

     3224   Holy Spirit, and preaching

Luke 24:46-49

     7708   apostles, function

Luke 24:47-49

     7953   mission, of church
     8224   dependence

Luke 24:48-49

     8498   witnessing, and Holy Spirit

Library
Good Friday
Eversley, 1856. St. Luke xxiv. 5, 6. "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen." This is a very solemn day; for on this day the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. The question for us is, how ought we to keep it? that is, what sort of thoughts ought to be in our minds upon this day? Now, many most excellent and pious persons, and most pious books, seem to think that we ought to-day to think as much as possible of the sufferings of our Blessed Lord; and because we
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

February 11 Morning
They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.--MAL. 3:16. It came to pass that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.--Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst ot them.--My fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Let the word of Christ dwell in
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 23 Evening
They constrained him, saying, Abide with us.--LUKE 24:29. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.--Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?--I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 18 Morning
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.--PSA. 119:18. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.--It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.--I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.--We have received, not the spirit of
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 7. "Abide with Us; for it is Toward Evening" (Luke xxiv. 29).
"Abide with us; for it is toward evening" (Luke xxiv. 29). In His last messages to the disciples in the 14th and 15th chapters of John, the Lord Jesus clearly teaches us that the very essence of the highest holiness is, "Abide in Me, and I in you, for without Me ye can do nothing." The very purpose of the Holy Ghost whom He promised was to reveal Him, that at "that day, ye shall know that I am in the Father, and ye in Me, and I in you," and the closing echo of His intercessory prayer was embraced
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Peter Alone with Jesus
'The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.' --LUKE xxiv. 34. The other appearances of the risen Lord to individuals on the day of Resurrection are narrated with much particularity, and at considerable length. John gives us the lovely account of our Lord's conversation with Mary Magdalene, Luke gives us in full detail the story of the interview with the two travellers on the road to Emmaus. Here is another appearance, known to 'the eleven, and them that were with them' on the Resurrection
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The First Easter Sunrise
'Now, upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came onto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Risen Lord's Self-Revelation to Wavering Disciples
'And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. 16. But their eyes were holden that they should not know Him. 17. And He said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? 18. And
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Meal at Emmaus
'And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31. And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight.'--LUKE xxiv. 30, 31. Perhaps the most striking characteristic of the Gospel accounts of our Lord's intercourse with His disciples, in the interval between the Resurrection and His Ascension, is the singular union of mystery and simplicity which they present. There is a certain air of remoteness and depth
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Triumphant End
'And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38. And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39. Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have. 40. And when He had thus spoken, He shewed them His hands and His feet. 41. And while
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Christ's Witnesses
'Ye are witnesses of these things. 49. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.'--LUKE xxiv. 48, 49. Luke's account of the Resurrection and subsequent forty days is so constructed as to culminate in this appointment of the disciples to their high functions and equipment for it, by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Evangelist has evidently in view his second 'treatise,' and is here preparing the link of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Living Dead
'Why seek ye the living among the dead! 6. He is not here, but is risen.'--LUKE xxiv. 5,6. We can never understand the utter desolation of the days that lay betwixt Christ's Death and His Resurrection. Our faith rests on centuries. We know that that grave was not even an interruption to the progress of His work, but was the straight road to His triumph and His glory. We know that it was the completion of the work of which the raising of the widow's son and of Lazarus were but the beginnings. But
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Ascension
'And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. 51. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.' --LUKE xxiv. 50, 51. 'And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.'--ACTS i. 9. Two of the four Evangelists, viz., Matthew and John, have no record of the Ascension. But the argument which infers ignorance from silence, which is always rash,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

"I Know!"
The man of God who has fixed his feet on the rock of salvation can say with certainty, "I know." If you have not got assurance and want it, just believe God's Word. If you go down South and ask those three million colored people how they think they are free, they won't talk about their feelings; they just believe that Abraham Lincoln made them free. They believe the proclamation, and so we must believe the proclamation God has made in the Bible. "One thing thou teachest," that is salvation. [Illustration:
Dwight L. Moody—Moody's Anecdotes And Illustrations

Spiritual Power.
"And behold I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high."--ST. LUKE xxiv. 49. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you."--ACTS i. 8. To-day we are celebrating the last of the series of historical festivals which mark the springtime of our Christian year. And without this one the rest would leave us with a sense of incompleteness; for we should be without its gift of the abiding and indwelling
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xxiv. 36, "He Himself Stood in the Midst of Them, and Saith unto Them, Peace be unto You," Etc.
1. The Lord appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, as ye have heard, and saluted them, saying, "Peace be unto you." [3554] This is peace indeed, and the salutation of salvation: for the very word salutation has received its name from salvation. [3555] And what can be better than that Salvation Itself should salute man? For Christ is our Salvation. He is our Salvation, who was wounded for us, and fixed by nails to the tree, and being taken down from the tree, was laid in the sepulchre.
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Beginning at Jerusalem
I. Ye that would faithfully serve Christ note carefully how he taught his disciples WHAT THEY WERE TO PREACH. We find different descriptions of the subject of our preaching, but on this occasion it is comprised in two things--repentance and remission of sins. I am glad to find in this verse that old- fashioned virtue called repentance. It used to be preached, but it has gone out of fashion now. Indeed, we are told that we always misunderstood the meaning of the word "repentance"; and that it simply
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 29: 1883

The Wounds of Jesus
First, what influence did the exhibition of the hands and feet have upon the disciples? Secondly, why is it that Jesus Christ, now in heaven, bears with him the scars in his flesh? And, then, thirdly, is there any lesson to us in the fact that Jesus Christ still wears his wounds? I think there is. I. First, then, OF WHAT USE WAS THE EXHIBITION OF THOSE WOUNDS TO THE DESCIPLES? I reply at once that they were infallible proofs that he was the same person. He said, "Behold my hands and feet, that it
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Twenty-Fourth Day for the Spirit on Your Own Congregation
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Spirit on your own Congregation "Beginning at Jerusalem."--LUKE xxiv. 47. Each one of us is connected with some congregation or circle of believers, who are to us the part of Christ's body with which we come into most direct contact. They have a special claim on our intercession. Let it be a settled matter between God and you that you are to labour in prayer on its behalf. Pray for the minister and all leaders or workers in it. Pray for the believers according to their needs.
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Savonarola -- the Ascension of Christ
Girolamo Savonarola was born at Ferrara in 1452, and was admitted in 1475 into the novitiate of the Dominican Order, where he soon made himself conspicuous for eloquence, and in Florence attracted many hearers by his diatribes against corruption. Florence, having lost its independence as a republic, was completely under the sway of the Medici, who became arrayed against Savonarola, who aimed at establishing an ideal Christian commonwealth. When he attacked the Pope Alexander VI. his doom was practically
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I

Of the Fervent Desire of Certain Devout Persons to Receive the Body and Blood of Christ
The Voice of the Disciple O how great is the abundance of Thy sweetness, O Lord, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee. When I call to mind some devout persons who draw nigh to Thy Sacrament, O Lord, with the deepest devotion and affection, then very often I am confounded in myself and blush for shame, that I approach Thine altar and table of Holy Communion so carelessly and coldly, that I remain so dry and without affection, that I am not wholly kindled with love before Thee, my God,
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Shadow of Disappointment.
But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel. LUKE xxiv. 21. In the accounts of the disciples, contained in the New Testament, there is no attempt to glorify them, or to conceal any weakness. From the first to the last, they think and act precisely as men would think and act in their circumstances;--they are affected just as others of like culture would be affected by such events as those set forth in the record. And the genuineness of their conduct argues the genuineness
E. H. Chapin—The Crown of Thorns

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