The Holy Spirit is the Promise of the Father, foretold in prophecies such as Joel 2:28-29, Ezekiel 11:19-20 and 36:26-27, Isaiah 32:15, 44:3 and 59:21, which say God would give His Spirit to many. On the 40th day Christ commanded the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for it, because He still had to go to the Father before He could send the Comforter. His breathing on them after the resurrection (John 20:22) was only a foretaste. The fulfillment came on Pentecost, the 50th day. Peter explains that the outpouring was a direct consequence of Jesus being exalted to the Father's right hand: He received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured it out, giving it as a gift to men (Psalm 68:18). The manifestation was therefore evidence of who Jesus is and of His enthroned position, that God has made Him both Lord and Christ. The Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses. It is the same Spirit that animated Jesus, imparting knowledge, understanding and wisdom, impelling toward holiness, and giving power, love and a sound mind. The truest witness is lives growing in Christ's image, men living as God lives. The apostles told the council that the Spirit is given to those who obey God, so the rebellious leaders missed this gift.