A Commission from the Risen King

John 20:21-23— A Commission from the Risen King

Shaliachs, Apostles, power, and authority

I. The Commission (Mt. 28:18-20)

o An Apostolic commission

o A continuing commission for …

II. The Power of the Commission (Acts 2:4; Joel 2:29)

The context indicates that when Jesus says, Receive the Holy Spirit,' He has in mind the equipping of the apostles for their particular task.—Gordon Keddie

This is therefore to be distinguished from the outpouring of the Spirit on 'all flesh' at Pentecost. This emphasizes that the Holy Spirit alone can be the engine of their future effectiveness as ministers of the gospel.—Herman Ridderbos

III. The Content & Authority of the Commission (Acts 2:38-39)

Christ crucified preached so that we might go and preach Christ crucified