He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (NIV)

Jesus seems to say, in effect:

  • Look back and remember the Word: Remember the Word I spoke to you (see e.g.18:31-34), and remember the Word prophesied in every section of your Old Testament. See that the Word I spoke to you tallies with the Old Testament Scriptures. (Note that in order for disciples to ”understand the Scriptures” Jesus must do a work in their/our ”minds”). ‘ Christ’s scholars never learn above their bibles in this world; but they need to be learning still more and more out of their bibles, and to grow more ready and mighty in the scriptures. That we may have right thoughts of Christ, and have our mistakes concerning him rectified, there needs no more than to be made to understand the scriptures.’ Matthew Henry;
  • Look forward and receive power. These men were going to be witnesses to Jesus all over the world, and ”in his name” they were going to preach forgiveness of sins through repentance. For this they would need help, and it would be given. They were going to receive the power of the Holy Spirit. These words prepares the way for the continuing story in ‘Acts’ (see Acts 1:4,5,8). The Holy Ghost gave them a holy go!