Jerusalem, the city of peace is the center not only for many conflicts, but also the place from which the greatest movement in history takes place. This movement is far greater than those who are involved with its continued growth over the millennia. That is because of the work of the worlds greatest Gift Giver!
The struggles surrounding the resurrection, combines with summation of the work of Jesus along with his instructions for future of the Kingdom of God. Wrestling with so many different aspects of how Jesus did things, how his words are filled with truth and clarity about matters of eternal value, not just temporal value. From miracles to confronting critics, facing fearful events with calm and assurance to rejoicing over the excitement of his friends. From patient attention to those who were in need to using every opportunity to teach his followers the values of the Kingdom of God. How do you live as a child of God? By remembering and imitating Jesus.
The first account has to do with all that Jesus began to do and teach. That means he is about to write concerning all the Jesus continued and continues to do and teach! His work continues in his disciples! The anticipation is, it will continue along the same lines as they experienced while he was present in Judaea.
The second mention here is the orders Jesus gave to his apostles: by appearing to them and speaking of the Kingdom of God. We have a brief window into some of these events: The other Resurrection appearances: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; John 20:30,31; John 21:1-25
Thomas sees Jesus 8 days later John 20:26-29 and other events
Peter in 21 and his encounter with Jesus
Gathering them together he tells them to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the promise of the Father.
He has given them peace. He has given them acceptance. He has given them forgiveness of sin. He has given them salvation. He has given eternal life: 1 John 2:25; John 14:13-21. All of this ties together with the promises of the Father to Abraham and his descendants beginning with Genesis 12!
The result is that we receive gifts that bow permit the Kingdom to expand! God is the greatest giver of all, and he knows what to give and when so that it will have the most beneficial effect on his ultimate plan of grace.
The Gift Giver
The gift of Forgiveness
The gift of Salvation
The gift of the Promise
Giving multiplied