Jesus showed total confidence in the Apostles

And yet, six weeks later, just before he ascended into Heaven, Jesus showed his complete confidence in these men, who had failed so miserably, by giving them this astonishing command: “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation” (NRSV, Mark 16:15).  You may well wonder how these men, who had played the coward when Jesus was with them, were going to behave after he had left them to return to Heaven.  But then, you see, he did not leave them; it was only that they no longer saw him.  So, earlier on Maundy Thursday evening, he had told them, “I am going away, and shall return” (Jerusalem Bible, John 14:28).  And 10 days after his Ascension, at Pentecost (Whitsunday), his words came true.  For then he sent God the Holy Spirit to his Apostles to live in their souls, and when the Holy Spirit came, Jesus came with him so that he was no longer merely with them; he was also within them.