Conclusion Of Further Appearances, And Pentecost 33 C.E.

Rather than try again to correct their misconceptions, Jesus simply answers: "It does not belong to you to get knowledge of the times or season which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction.: Then, stressing once again the work they must do, he says: "You will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you, and you will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and o the most distant par of the earth.

While they are still looking on, Jesus begins rising heavenward,and then a cloud obscures him from their sight. After dematerializing his fleshly body, he ascends to heaven as a spirit person. As the 11 continue gazing into the sky, 2 men in white garments appear alongside them. These materialized angels ask: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus who was received up from you into the sky will come thus in the same manner as you have beheld him going into the sky."

The manner in which Jesus has just left the earth is without public fanfare and with only his faithful followers observing. So he will return in like manner-without public fanfare and with only his faithful followers discerning that he has returned and has begun his presence in Kingdom power.

The apostles now descend the Mount of Olives, cross the Kidron Valley, and enter Jerusalem once again. They remain there in obedience to Jesus' command. Ten days later, at the Jewish Festival of Pentecost 33 C.E., while about 120 of the disciples assemble in an upper room in Jerusalem, a noise just like that of a rushing stiff breeze suddenly fills the whole house. Tongues as if of fire become visible, and one sits upon each of those present, and the disciples all begin to speak in different languages. This is the outpouring of the holy spirit that Jesus had promised! Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:49-52; 1 Corinthians 15:5-7; Acts 1:3-15; 2:1-4.

Next time; At God's Right Hand

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991