Why couldn't the disciples preach a gospel based on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus?
They could not preach such a gospel because the events had not yet occurred: He had not died, He had not been raised from the dead, and the message was still confined to Israel. The disciples did not yet understand, so a gospel based on death, burial, and resurrection could not be proclaimed.
Les explains that the disciples could not preach a gospel based on death, burial, and resurrection because it had not happened yet. First, He had not died. Second, He certainly had not been raised from the dead. Third, it was still confined to Israel. At the crucifixion, the disciples did not boldly say He would be raised; they scattered like a bunch of quail. The eleven thought it was all over, and on resurrection morning they were not at the tomb waiting for Him to come out. They were bemoaning that it was all over. Since they did not know, how could they preach a gospel based on death, burial, and resurrection? They could not, because it had not yet happened.