Jesus commissions his disciples to go, but he also insists that they wait. They cannot accomplish the mission of Jesus without the power of the Spirit. We cannot explain the spread of the gospel by mere human brilliance or strategic thinking. The global church can be explained only by the Word of God being proclaimed by the people of God in the power of the Spirit of God.

The Spirit comes on the day of Pentecost to fill God’s people as the new temple of God’s presence. He comes to empower God’s people to carry out God’s mission. Immediately after Jesus pours his Spirit on the church, Peter proclaims the gospel and three thousand people are saved. They believe and are baptized. These first Christians demonstrate real discipleship: they devote themselves to sincere worship, true community, and gospel mission. They also endure incredible suffering with unshakable joy.