but not yet living in them, for they were yet carnal; that is,
they were selfish, each seeking the best place for himself. They
disputed among themselves as to which should be the greatest.
They were bigoted, wanting to call down fire from Heaven to
consume those who would not receive Jesus, and forbidding those
who would not follow them to cast out devils in His name. They
were positive and loud in their professions of devotion and
loyalty to Jesus when alone with Him. They declared they would
die with Him. But they were fearful, timid, and false to Him when
the testing time came. When the mocking crowd appeared, and
danger was near, they all forsook Him, and fled; while Peter
cursed and swore, and denied that he knew Him.

But the Holy Spirit did not forsake them. He still wrought within
them, and, no doubt, used their very mistakes and miserable
failures to perfect within them the spirit of humility and
perfect self-abasement in order that they might safely be
exalted. And on the day of Pentecost His work of preparation was
complete, and He moved in to abide for ever. Hallelujah!

And this experience of theirs before Pentecost is the common
experience of all true converts. Every child of God knows that
the Holy Spirit is with him; realises that He is working within,
striving to set the house in order. And with many who are
properly taught and gladly obedient, this work is done quickly,
and the heavenly Dove, the Blessed One, takes up his constant
abode within them; the toil and strife with inbred sin is ended
by its destruction, and they enter at once into the sabbath of
full salvation.