Acts 1:4

Assembled together. Gr. sunalizo, literally, “to salt with,” hence, “to eat with,” or “to gather together,” “to assemble.” This possibly refers to a meeting in Galilee (Matt. 28:16-18), for the last meeting, at which the disciples saw Jesus ascend, is not introduced until v. 6 of Acts 1.

Not depart from Jerusalem. They were to return to the capital, the place where the Saviour had so often ministered and where He finally suffered, was buried, and rose from the dead. There His disciples were to be empowered, and there they were to begin their witness (AA 31,32).

Wait. Compare Luke 24:49. The task confronting the disciples could not be accomplished by human means alone. They must wait (1) until the time appointed, (2) at the place appointed, Jerusalem, the place of greatest danger and greatest challenge. The disciples were to “wait,” not to “go a fishing,” as Peter and others had done a little while before (John 21:3). There was to be (1) a devout expectancy of the great power of God; (2) a deep longing for that power, and for fitness to receive it; (3) and earnest, united prayer that God would fulfill His promise.

Promise of the Father. That is, the promise concerning the gift of the Holy Spirit (see John 14:16; 16:7-13).

Of me. That is, from Me. The promise was spoken by Jesus, but its fulfillment was to come jointly from the Father and the Son (see John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15).