Lesson Two: The Ascension

Acts 1:1-12

Key Verse

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

— Acts 1:8

Textual Questions Read Acts 1:1-12

Lesson Questions

Read Acts 1:1-12 carefully before answering these questions.

1. What did the author say he had done? 1:1-2

2. What had Jesus done? For how many days? 1:3

3. What did Jesus command? To whom did He give that command? 1:4

4. With what had John baptized? With what would they be baptized? 1:5

5. What did they then ask? 1:6

6. How did Jesus answer them? 1:7-8

7. What happened next? 1:9

8. As Jesus ascended into heaven, what did they see? 1:10

9. What did the two men in white apparel say? 1:11

10. To whom were the men in white apparel speaking? 1:12

11. Then what did they do? Why? 1:12

Thought Questions

A. What was the "former treatise" to which the author referred?

B. How many days was it from the resurrection of Christ to His ascension?

C. What were the "many infallible proofs" spoken of in 1:3?

D. Who was not to depart from Jerusalem? Why?

E. What were the apostles wanting to know in 1:6?

F. What would they receive when the Holy Spirit came? What is a witness?

G. Was it necessary for Jesus to go back to heaven? If so, why?

H. How will Jesus return? What will happen when he returns?

I. What connection do Joel 2:28-32; Matt. 3:11; Acts 1:5; and Acts 2:1-4 have?

Supplementary Materials

The Forty Days

Between His resurrection and ascension, Jesus spent forty days with His disciples. This period was crucial for several reasons: Proving His Resurrection: Jesus presented Himself alive with "many infallible proofs" (1:3). He appeared to individuals, small groups, and on one occasion to over 500 brethren at once (1 Cor. 15:6). Teaching About the Kingdom: He spoke of "things pertaining to the kingdom of God" (1:3), preparing them for what would come on Pentecost and beyond. Final Instructions: Jesus commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father — the baptism of the Holy Spirit (1:4-5).

The Ascension of Christ

The ascension of Christ is one of the most significant events in Scripture, marking the completion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly reign:

What Happened	Significance
Jesus was "taken up" while they watched	Eyewitness testimony to the event (1:9)
A cloud received Him out of their sight	Divine glory — clouds often represent
(1:9)	God's presence (Ex. 13:21; Matt. 17:5)
Two men in white apparel appeared	Angels confirmed and explained the event
(1:10)	(cf. Luke 24:4)
"This same Jesus... shall so come" (1:11)	Promise of His second coming — the same Jesus, in like manner

Why Jesus Had to Return to Heaven

Scripture reveals several reasons why Christ's ascension was necessary:

To send the Holy Spirit: "If I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you" (John 16:7)
To prepare a place: "I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2-3)
To serve as High Priest: "We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne" (Heb. 8:1)
To receive His kingdom: "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom" (Luke 19:12)
To intercede for us: "He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25)

Key Cross-References

The following passages illuminate the text of Acts 1:1-12:

Reference	Acts Verse	Connection
Luke 1:1-4	Acts 1:1	The "former treatise" — Luke's Gospel
1 Cor. 15:3-8	Acts 1:3	"Many infallible proofs" — resurrection appearances
Reference	Acts Verse	Connection
Joel 2:28-32	Acts 1:4-5	Promise of the Spirit — fulfilled in Acts 2
Matt. 3:11	Acts 1:5	John's prophecy of Holy Spirit baptism
Dan. 7:13-14	Acts 1:9	Son of Man coming with clouds to receive dominion
1 Thess. 4:16-17	Acts 1:11	The manner of Christ's return

Location: Mount Olivet

The ascension took place on the Mount of Olives (Olivet), about a "sabbath day's journey" from Jerusalem (Acts 1:12) — approximately 2,000 cubits or about 3/4 of a mile. This is the same mountain where:

Jesus often went to pray (Luke 22:39)
The triumphal entry began (Luke 19:29-37)
Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24-25)
Jesus agonized in prayer at Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36)
Zechariah prophesied the Lord would stand (Zech. 14:4)

Mark the Mount of Olives on your map of Jerusalem and surrounding areas. It lies to the east of the city, across the Kidron Valley from the temple mount.