During the patriarchal age the influence of the Holy Spirit had often been revealed in a marked manner, but never in its fullness. Now, in obedience to the word of the Saviour, the disciples offered their supplications for this gift, and in heaven Christ added His intercession. He claimed the gift of the Spirit, that He might pour it upon His people.

I den patriarkalske tid havde Helligåndens indflydelse ofte åbenbaret sig tydeligt, men aldrig i hele sin fylde. Nu bønfaldt disciplene i lydighed mod Frelserens ord om denne gave, og i Himmelen føjede Kristus sin forbøn til deres. Han krævede Åndens gave for at kunne udgyde den over sit folk.