Luke 24:49

Promise of my Father. That is, the Holy Spirit (see on Acts 1:4, 8). This promise Jesus had discussed at length with the disciples on the night of His betrayal (see on John 14:16-18, 26; 16:7-13).

Tarry ye. That is, after Jesus’ ascension (see on Acts 1:4). The disciples yet had appointments with Jesus in Galilee (see Matt. 28:10), but afterward they returned to Jerusalem, apparently in obedience to the command here given.

Endued. Literally, “clothed.”

Power. Gr. dunamis, “ability to perform.” This “power” would enable them to be effective “witnesses” (see on v. 48). Without “power from on high” the testimony borne by the disciples would not convince and convict men’s hearts. The coming of the Holy Spirit, ten days after the ascension, imparted the power of which Christ here speaks (see on Acts 1:8; 2:1—4), and immediately the apostles began to bear witness to Christ. The testimony of the disciples, fortified and made effective by the power of the Holy Spirit, resulted in the conversion of about 3,000 in one day (see Acts 2:41). Under the guiding and convicting power of the Holy Ghost the church experienced phenomenal growth (see on Luke 24:47). From Pentecost onward the believers were, literally, “clothed with power from on high.”