Study Desk

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven

In my former book,^(a) Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach^(b)

until the day he was taken up to heaven,^(c) after giving instructions^(d) through the Holy Spirit to the apostles^(e) he had chosen.^(f)

After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them^(g) over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.^(h)

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait⁽ⁱ⁾ for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.^(j)

For John baptized with^[a] water,^(k) but in a few days you will be baptized with^[b] the Holy Spirit."^(l)

Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore^(m) the kingdom to Israel?"

He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.⁽ⁿ⁾

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;^(o) and you will be my witnesses^(p) in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,^(q) and to the ends of the earth."^(r)

After he said this, he was taken up^(s) before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white^(t) stood beside them.

"Men of Galilee,"^(u) they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back^(v) in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem^(w) from the hill called the Mount of Olives,^(x) a Sabbath day's walk^[c] from the city.

When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room^(y) where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.^(z)

They all joined together constantly in prayer,^(aa) along with the women^(ab) and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.^(ac)

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)

and said, "Brothers and sisters,^[d](ad) the Scripture had to be fulfilled^(ae) in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas,^(af) who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus.

He was one of our number^(ag) and shared in our ministry."^(ah)

(With the payment^(ai) he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field;^(aj) there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out.

Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language^(ak) Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

"For," said Peter, "it is written in the Book of Psalms: "‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,'^[e](al) and, "‘May another take his place of leadership.'^[f](am)

Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us,

beginning from John's baptism^(an) to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness^(ao) with us of his resurrection."

So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.

Then they prayed,^(ap) "Lord, you know everyone's heart.^(aq) Show us^(ar) which of these two you have chosen

to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs."

Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.^(as)

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost^(a) came, they were all together^(b) in one place.

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.^(c)

They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit^(d) and began to speak in other tongues^[a](e) as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing^(f) Jews from every nation under heaven.

When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.

Utterly amazed,^(g) they asked: "Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans?^(h)

Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?

Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,⁽ⁱ⁾ Pontus^(j) and Asia,^[b](k)

Phrygia^(l) and Pamphylia,^(m) Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene;⁽ⁿ⁾ visitors from Rome

(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"

Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"

Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."^(o)

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.

These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning!^(p)

No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

"‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.^(q) Your sons and daughters will prophesy,^(r) your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.^(s)

I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below,^(t) blood and fire and billows of smoke.

The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood^(u) before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord^(v) will be saved.'^[c](w)

"Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth^(x) was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs,^(y) which God did among you through him,^(z) as you yourselves know.

This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge;^(aa) and you, with the help of wicked men,^[d] put him to death by nailing him to the cross.^(ab)

But God raised him from the dead,^(ac) freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.^(ad)

David said about him: "‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope,

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay.^(ae)

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'^[e](af)

"Fellow Israelites,^(ag) I can tell you confidently that the patriarch^(ah) David died and was buried,^(ai) and his tomb is here^(aj) to this day.

But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.^(ak)

Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay.^(al)

God has raised this Jesus to life,^(am) and we are all witnesses^(an) of it.

Exalted^(ao) to the right hand of God,^(ap) he has received from the Father^(aq) the promised Holy Spirit^(ar) and has poured out^(as) what you now see and hear.

For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, "‘The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand

until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."'^[f](at)

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord^(au) and Messiah."^(av)

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"^(aw)

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized,^(ax) every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.^(ay) And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.^(az)

The promise is for you and your children^(ba) and for all who are far off^(bb)—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."^(bc)

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number^(bd) that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching^(be) and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread^(bf) and to prayer.^(bg)

Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.^(bh)

All the believers were together and had everything in common.^(bi)

They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.^(bj)

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.^(bk) They broke bread^(bl) in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.^(bm) And the Lord added to their number^(bn) daily those who were being saved.

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

One day Peter and John^(a) were going up to the temple^(b) at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.^(c)

Now a man who was lame from birth^(d) was being carried to the temple gate^(e) called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg^(f) from those going into the temple courts.

When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.

Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!"

So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,^(g) walk."

Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.

He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping,^(h) and praising God.

When all the people⁽ⁱ⁾ saw him walking and praising God,

they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful,^(j) and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

While the man held on to Peter and John,^(k) all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade.^(l)

When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,^(m) the God of our fathers,⁽ⁿ⁾ has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over^(o) to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate,^(p) though he had decided to let him go.^(q)

You disowned the Holy^(r) and Righteous One^(s) and asked that a murderer be released to you.^(t)

You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead.^(u) We are witnesses^(v) of this.

By faith in the name of Jesus,^(w) this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

"Now, fellow Israelites,^(x) I know that you acted in ignorance,^(y) as did your leaders.^(z)

But this is how God fulfilled^(aa) what he had foretold^(ab) through all the prophets,^(ac) saying that his Messiah would suffer.^(ad)

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out,^(ae) that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

and that he may send the Messiah,^(af) who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

Heaven must receive him^(ag) until the time comes for God to restore everything,^(ah) as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.^(ai)

For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.^(aj)

Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.'^[a](ak)

"Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets^(al) who have spoken have foretold these days.

And you are heirs^(am) of the prophets and of the covenant^(an) God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.'^[b](ao)

When God raised up^(ap) his servant, he sent him first^(aq) to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin

The priests and the captain of the temple guard^(a) and the Sadducees^(b) came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people.

They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.^(c)

They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail^(d) until the next day.

But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew^(e) to about five thousand.

The next day the rulers,^(f) the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem.

Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas,^(g) John, Alexander and others of the high priest's family.

They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?"

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit,^(h) said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people!⁽ⁱ⁾

If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame^(j) and are being asked how he was healed,

then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,^(k) whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead,^(l) that this man stands before you healed.

Jesus is "‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'^[a](m)

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."⁽ⁿ⁾

When they saw the courage of Peter and John^(o) and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men,^(p) they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.^(q)

But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.

So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin^(r) and then conferred together.

"What are we going to do with these men?"^(s) they asked. "Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign,^(t) and we cannot deny it.

But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name."

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.^(u)

But Peter and John replied, "Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him?^(v) You be the judges!

As for us, we cannot help speaking^(w) about what we have seen and heard."^(x)

After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people^(y) were praising God^(z) for what had happened.

For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.

When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.^(aa) "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.^(ab)

You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:^(ac) "‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.^[b]'^[c](ad)

Indeed Herod^(ae) and Pontius Pilate^(af) met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus,^(ag) whom you anointed.

They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.^(ah)

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.^(ai)

Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders^(aj) through the name of your holy servant Jesus."^(ak)

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.^(al) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit^(am) and spoke the word of God^(an) boldly.^(ao)

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.^(ap)

With great power the apostles continued to testify^(aq) to the resurrection^(ar) of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace^(as) was so powerfully at work in them all

that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them,^(at) brought the money from the sales

and put it at the apostles' feet,^(au) and it was distributed to anyone who had need.^(av)

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas^(aw) (which means "son of encouragement"),

sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.^(ax)

Ananias and Sapphira

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.

With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself,^(a) but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.^(b)

Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan^(c) has so filled your heart^(d) that you have lied to the Holy Spirit^(e) and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?^(f)

Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal?^(g) What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God."^(h)

When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died.⁽ⁱ⁾ And great fear^(j) seized all who heard what had happened.

Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body,^(k) and carried him out and buried him.

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," she said, "that is the price."^(l)

Peter said to her, "How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord?^(m) Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also."

At that moment she fell down at his feet and died.⁽ⁿ⁾ Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.^(o)

Great fear^(p) seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

The apostles performed many signs and wonders^(q) among the people. And all the believers used to meet together^(r) in Solomon's Colonnade.^(s)

No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.^(t)

Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.^(u)

As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.^(v)

Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.^(w)

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party^(x) of the Sadducees,^(y) were filled with jealousy.

They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.^(z)

But during the night an angel^(aa) of the Lord opened the doors of the jail^(ab) and brought them out.^(ac)

"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people all about this new life."^(ad)

At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates^(ae) arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin^(af)—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles.

But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there.^(ag) So they went back and reported,

"We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside."

On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests^(ah) were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.

Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people."

At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people^(ai) would stone them.

The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin^(aj) to be questioned by the high priest.

"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,"^(ak) he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."^(al)

Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than human beings!^(am)

The God of our ancestors^(an) raised Jesus from the dead^(ao)—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.^(ap)

God exalted him to his own right hand^(aq) as Prince and Savior^(ar) that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.^(as)

We are witnesses of these things,^(at) and so is the Holy Spirit,^(au) whom God has given to those who obey him."

When they heard this, they were furious^(av) and wanted to put them to death.

But a Pharisee named Gamaliel,^(aw) a teacher of the law,^(ax) who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.

Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.

Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.

After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census^(ay) and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.

Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.^(az)

But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."^(ba)

His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged.^(bb) Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing^(bc) because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.^(bd)

Day after day, in the temple courts^(be) and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news^(bf) that Jesus is the Messiah.^(bg)