"Thus it is written… that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47)

Although the disciples lacked faith, Jesus still sent them to spread the message of repentance. Jesus knew that the disciples would come to understand his teachings and have the courage to give witnesses after the Holy Spirit came upon them. According to the Book of Acts, Peter was the first among the disciples to proclaim the Good News at Jerusalem after they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and the first converts numbered three thousand.

From this incident, the disciples realized that evangelism is the work of the Holy Spirit, not any individual’s achievement. Meanwhile, they also learned to be more understanding to other followers who were not strong in their faith.

The Book of Luke emphasized that in order to receive forgiveness, one must first repent. Saint Paul realized that repentance is not something one can achieve right away, and it is something very difficult to do. He once said, “Things I should have done, I did not do. Things I should not do, I have done them all!” Therefore, he suggested that we “put off our old self and put on the new self”. Indeed, Jesus once revealed himself to Paul and said to him, “I will not remove the thorn in your flesh. My grace is sufficient for thee.”