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3. Acts 1 Verses 1 to 11. This is the most detailed account of the event we call the Ascension. After the resurrection of Jesus he appeared to his disciples on a number of occasions over a period of forty days. Then he appeared to them visibly and in bodily form for the last time before returning to his Father in heaven. This was a significant event for us as Christians, with these implications.

(i) In heaven, Jesus is Lord and King. Jesus now reigns in glory, and all authority belongs to him. Jesus, (in Matthew 28 v. 18) had told the disciples, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me". See also Revelation chapt. 1 verses 4 and 5, and 9 to 18, for the vision of the risen, ascended and glorified Christ given to John.
(ii) Heaven is now the home of Jesus, and here he prays and intercedes for us. He is our great high priest. He is all sufficient, and we need no other. Hebrews 7 vv. 23 - 28.
(iii) In heaven, Jesus is preparing a place for those who belong to him, so that they might be with him for ever. This is the destiny of the Christian, to spend eternity with Jesus. John 14 vv. 1 to 3.
(iv) There is this further factor of great relevance for us now, in our earthly life. This concerns God's gift of his Holy Spirit. We have drawn attention to the fact that on the night before his crucifixion, Jesus told the disciples that he would have to leave them, or it would not be possible for the Holy Spirit to come to them. Only from heaven could Jesus send this precious gift from the Father. Jesus said, "But I tell you the truth: it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go away I will send him to you".

This promise was repeated after the resurrection. Jesus said to the disciples, "I am going to send you what my father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24 v. 49). This is elaborated in Acts 1 vv. 4 to 8, which makes clear that the promised gift is that they will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.

4. Acts chapter 2. This is the account of how that promise made to the first disciples was kept. The eleven, whose number was increased by Matthias to replace Judas, together with other believers, making a total of one hundred and twenty in all, were obedient and remained in Jerusalem. They stayed together spending much of their time in prayer. The fiftieth day after the resurrection, and the tenth day after the ascension was Pentecost. This was the day chosen by God to pour out his Spirit and to fill all the waiting believers. "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit .. " verse 4.