Jesus’ Ascension & Pentecost

AD 30

Book of Acts

~ Before Jesus’ ascension, He appeared to over 500 disciples. He showed them many proofs that He was alive and taught them about the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 15:6). He unveiled the Scriptures so they could understand how He fulfilled the Law and the Prophets (Luke 14:13–35). He tenderly restored Peter (John 21:15–19). Later, He commissioned His disciples to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8) and promised to send the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1–5).

After forty days Jesus led the disciples out to the Mount of Olives. He lifted His hands and blessed them—and as they watched, He was taken up. A cloud received Him out of their sight.

An angel announced, "This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”(Acts 1:11).

The disciples (120 men and women) returned to Jerusalem and remained together in the Upper Room with one heart, devoting themselves to prayer, waiting for the Holy Spirit.

Before His passion and death, Jesus had comforted His disciples with the promise that He would not leave them as orphans. He even assured them that His departure was for their benefit. He said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever" (John 14:16–18).

The Holy Spirit was given during the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, fifty days after Passover, when devout Jews from every nation were gathered in Jerusalem. Suddenly, “a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting… there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:1–4). The Spirit of Jesus had come to dwell within and empower His people!

~ After Pentecost, Peter stood boldly and proclaimed, "This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses" (Acts 2:32). Three thousand were added to their number that day. The Church was born in fire and power and sent to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Significance

• The coming of the promised Holy Spirit birthed the Church in power and love.
• In the past, the Spirit of God came upon people for a specific reason in a given season. Now He makes His home within each of us!
• Holy Spirit’s gifts equip and empower us to be bold witnesses (Acts 1:8, 4:31; 1 Cor. 13:4–11).
• Holy Spirit brings His fruit, the character of Jesus, into our lives (Gal. 5:22–23).
• Holy Spirit is our Teacher, Guide, Comforter, Convicter, Sanctifier, and Helper.
• Holy Spirit is God with us.