Luke 24:48Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But you,’ he states, “are witnesses to these events,” referring to the suffering and resurrection. To alleviate any inner turmoil they might experience—such as concerns about how simple individuals like themselves could bear witness to and confront the Jerusalemites, who were also responsible for your death—the Lord reassures them with this purpose: ‘Take heart, for I will soon send upon you “the promise of My Father,” which I declared through Joel, “I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh” (Joel 2:28). Thus, you who find yourselves fearful and lacking in righteousness, stay in the city of Jerusalem until you are endowed with power from on high, not from human sources, but from heaven.

The suffering of Christ, His Resurrection, and the establishment of My kingdom.

The initiation of the apostles' ministry, along with that of the Lord Himself, was to be unveiled in Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). After summoning them for a period in Galilee, the Lord led them back to Jerusalem. In this city, they were to receive the promise from the Father, which John the Baptist acknowledged (that he baptized with the Holy Spirit), highlighting the superiority of Jesus' title over his own (Acts 1:4, 5). It was from the same hall where Jesus entered as King, from the heavenly realm, that the call to His universal reign would be made known. It was here that His emissaries to all nations would be empowered and sanctified by the Holy Spirit for their sacred mission. The law and the word of the Lord would emanate from Zion, starting in Jerusalem.

Jesus concluded His teaching on the Scriptures by affirming that all that transpired in His life was necessary; that repentance and the remission of sins in His name must be proclaimed to every nation. It is your duty to declare these truths as witnesses to them. Peace be with you; just as the Father has sent me, so I am sending you (John 20:21). After this, Jesus breathed on them and instructed, Receive the Holy Spirit. Whosever sins you forgive are forgiven; whosever sins you retain are retained.

They had never envisioned the task of teaching all nations. Even within their homeland and using their native tongue, they struggled to convey the teachings of their Lord, often seeking His guidance for clarity. Now, how could they possibly venture forth to proclaim His message to the entire world, to every nation, especially without the presence of their Lord, who would soon depart from them? Seeing the turmoil among His followers, the compassionate Lord offered an encouraging promise: “Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age!” With this gentle reassurance, the disciples rejoiced, feeling a renewed strength in their hearts. The perspective of the fishermen expanded significantly.

Witnesses to this encompass all those through whom and in what manner the salvation of humanity has been achieved, bearing testimony to the entirety of the Lord's existence and teachings, as well as His sufferings, passion, and resurrection. As they have seen these events firsthand, the world must accept their proclamation of redemption and the Redeemer.