were imparted. The old blessed closeness and continuity of
companionship had ceased. Our Lord's appearances were now occasional.
He came to the disciples, they knew not whence; He withdrew from
them, they knew not whither. Apparently a sacred awe restrained them
from seeking to detain Him or to follow Him. Their hearts would be
full of strangely mingled feelings, and they were being taught by
gentle degrees to do without Him. Not only a divine decorum, but a
most gracious tenderness, dictated the alternation of presence and
absence during these days.

The instructions then given are again referred to in Luke's Gospel,
and are there represented as principally directed to opening their
minds 'that they might understand the Scriptures.' The main thing
about the kingdom which they had then to learn, was that it was
founded on the death of Christ, who had fulfilled all the Old
Testament predictions. Much remained untaught, which after years were
to bring to clear knowledge; but from the illumination shed during
these fruitful days flowed the remarkable vigour and confidence of
the Apostolic appeal to the prophets, in the first conflicts of the
Church with the rulers. Christ is the King of the kingdom, and His
Cross is His throne,--these truths being grasped revolutionised the
Apostles' conceptions. They are as needful for us.

From verse 4 onwards the last interview seems to be narrated.
Probably it began in the city, and ended on the slopes of Olivet.
There was a solemn summoning together of the Eleven, which is twice
referred to (vs. 4, 6). What awe of expectancy would rest on the
group as they gathered round Him, perhaps half suspecting that it was
for the last time! His words would change the suspicion into
certainty, for He proceeded to tell them what they were not to do and