1. For what did Christ, just before His ascension, tell His disciples to wait?
“And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49.
2. With what did He say they would be baptized?
“Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” Acts 1:5.
Note.—John the Baptist had foretold this baptism. He said: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” Matt. 3:11.
3. For what work was this baptism to prepare them?
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8.
4. What were some of the results of the preaching of the gospel under the outpouring of the Spirit?
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said ... Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.... Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:37-41. “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; ... and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.” Acts 5:12-14. “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7.
5. How did persecution affect the preaching of the gospel?