2) Jesus was in this way assuring that Scripture would be fulfilled. (Micah 4:2; Zech.8:22-23; John 4:22) For Salvation would come first upon Jerusalem, and then from the country of the Jews out to the nations. They need to be in Jerusalem when they receive this extra-rich outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s work because when it happens they will not be able to keep quiet about the Gospel of Salvation. Jesus wants them to be witnesses first in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria (the area of the ten tribes), and to the end of the earth.” (cf. Acts 1:8).
This is the New Testament pattern for the spreading of the Kingdom of God. God’s Kingdom is not just for Israel, as the disciples’ question implied. (Acts 1:7). The Gospel of the Kingdom will spread out from the place where God first gathers and rules His covenant people. But then from there it expands outward. When the Gospel is rejected by unbelief it is often the Holy Spirit’s cue to go elsewhere (Acts 13:46). At times evangelism and mission work is propelled by persecution (Acts 8:1-4). Paul tried to maintain this priority by first preaching in synagogues. But often persecution drove him to preach only to Gentiles.
We too are called to declare the Gospel, first in the gathered church, our families, then to show the love and message of the Gospel to our neighbours and then also toward all the end of the earth. Are we ready and endued, or must we still wait? What are we waiting for? The Holy Spirit? Or persecution?