The Book of Acts, the fifth book of the New Testament, begins after the resurrection of Jesus and details the early days of the Christian church. The final recorded interaction of Jesus with his disciples in this chapter occurs just before his ascension. He instructs them to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. While not his absolute last words chronologically (as the Gospels record post-resurrection appearances), these instructions are pivotal in setting the stage for the spread of Christianity.
This concluding exchange in Acts 1 carries significant weight. It provides the impetus for the disciples’ actions in the subsequent chapters, establishing the importance of Jerusalem as the initial center of the Christian movement and emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the early church. Understanding this passage is crucial for grasping the narrative arc of Acts and the development of early Christianity. This final commission also underscores the shift in leadership from Jesus to his disciples, imbued with the power of the Holy Spirit.