What Is the Ascension of Jesus?
What Is the Ascension of Jesus? The ascension is the event, forty days after His resurrection, when Jesus was taken up bodily into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.
Key verse: Acts 1:9 (KJV)
The ascension is the event, forty days after His resurrection, when Jesus was taken up bodily into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.
The ascension is the event, forty days after His resurrection, when Jesus was taken up bodily into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.
"And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." — Acts 1:9 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of forty days, speaking about the kingdom of God. Then He led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, on the Mount of Olives. 'He was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.' As the disciples stood gazing into heaven, two angels appeared and said, 'Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.' The ascension was not Jesus disappearing but His enthronement. He ascended as the victorious conqueror, as the priest entering the heavenly sanctuary, and as the forerunner preparing a place for His people. At the Father's right hand He intercedes for believers and reigns as King of kings until every enemy is put under His feet.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Death?
Biblical perspective on death, the afterlife, and the hope of eternal life through Christ.
Key Scripture References
"And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight."
"Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
"Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Empty Tomb?
The empty tomb is the burial place of Jesus from which He rose on the third day — the foundational evidence of His resurrection and victory over death.
What Is the Second Coming of Christ?
The Second Coming is the visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth to establish His kingdom and judge the world.
What Is the Passion of Christ?
The Passion of Christ refers to the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus — the events that secured salvation for all who believe.
What Is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem one week before His resurrection, when crowds waved palm branches and cried 'Hosanna!'
What Year Did Jesus Die?
Most scholars place the crucifixion of Jesus in either AD 30 or AD 33, with AD 33 being the most commonly accepted date.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Acts 1:9 Commentary
In-depth study • Ascension of Christ
The Ascension of Jesus
Acts 1:1–11; Luke 24:50–53 • authority
The Ascension of Jesus
After forty days of post-resurrection appearances, Jesus is taken up into heaven
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Acts. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Acts on day 309 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Ascension of Jesus?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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