Topical Bible: Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of At the Ascension

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The ascension of Jesus Christ is a pivotal event in Christian theology, marking the conclusion of His earthly ministry and His return to the Father in heaven. This event is recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts, and is accompanied by the appearance of angels, who play a significant role in conveying divine messages and providing assurance to the disciples.

Biblical Account:

The primary account of the ascension is found in Acts 1:9-11. After Jesus had instructed His disciples and promised them the coming of the Holy Spirit, He was taken up before their eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. As the disciples stood gazing into the sky, two men dressed in white suddenly appeared beside them. These men are understood to be angels, serving as messengers of God.

The angels addressed the disciples with a message of reassurance and prophecy: "Men of Galilee," 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 in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11). This statement not only comforted the disciples but also affirmed the promise of Christ's return, a cornerstone of Christian eschatological hope.

Role and Significance:

The appearance of angels at the ascension underscores several theological themes:

1. Divine Confirmation: The presence of angels serves to confirm the divine nature of the ascension. Their appearance is a testament to the heavenly authority and mission of Jesus Christ, affirming that His departure was not an end but a transition to a new phase of His redemptive work.

2. Assurance and Encouragement: The angels' message provided immediate comfort to the disciples, who were likely bewildered and saddened by Jesus' departure. By assuring them of His return, the angels reinforced the hope and expectation that are central to the Christian faith.

3. Eschatological Promise: The angels' declaration points to the future return of Christ, a key element of Christian eschatology. This promise of His second coming is a source of hope and motivation for believers, encouraging them to live in anticipation of His return.

4. Witness to the Resurrection and Ascension: The angels' presence serves as a divine witness to the reality of both the resurrection and the ascension. Their testimony is a vital part of the apostolic witness, which the disciples would later proclaim to the world.

In summary, the appearance of angels at the ascension of Jesus Christ is a significant event that highlights the divine orchestration of His earthly ministry and the ongoing narrative of redemption. The angels' message continues to resonate with believers, offering assurance of Christ's return and encouraging a life of faith and expectation.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 1:10,11
And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Essence of God Never Appeared in Itself. Divine Appearances to ...
... and most weighty proof, where not an angel in the ... made clear, that those words and
bodily appearances which were ... a virgin, and in the Holy Spirit descending in ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 11 the essence of god.htm

The Ascension
... Our Lord's appearances were now occasional. ... distinct and assured than the terms of
that angel message ... prepare us for receiving the gift of the Spirit, and will ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the ascension.htm

First and Second Appearances of the Risen Christ. The Resurrection ...
... First and Second Appearances of the Risen Christ. ... that he was not a disembodied spirit.]
15 Jesus ... Jesus reiterates the instruction already given by the angel. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxv first and second appearances.htm

The Harmony of the Gospels.
... 284]208; resurrection of, announced by an angel to the ... in Galilee, [292]221, etc.;
ten appearances of, [293 ... 161, etc.; casting out an unclean spirit, [313]226 ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/the harmony of the gospels.htm

The Incredulous Disciples
... He calms their tumult of spirit. ... The angel"a true evangelist"does not linger on the
wondrous ... The appearances in Jerusalem were all within a week (if we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the incredulous disciples.htm

Conversion
... A remarkable prison deliverance by the "Angel of the Lord ... 1:Cor.15:1-8). In these
appearances Jesus had ... baptism and was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17). ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study ii conversion.htm

The Living Dead
... then, that these words of the angel messengers, and ... accustomed and adapted to express
the appearances than the ... True, the spirit gathers itself into itself, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the living dead.htm

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
... of the great prophet, on whom his spirit in a ... The reality was the same, though the
appearances were so ... presence had of old declared that 'the angel of the Lord ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/elijahs translation and elishas deathbed.htm

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... is not in a state of excitement about external appearances. ... this has the name "right,"
because an angel is called ... of Him who is born of the Holy Spirit and the ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm

The Shadow of Death
... earlier sayings all express Jesus' continued spirit of ministry ... open and empty, and
saw an angel who bade ... Luke further reports the appearances of Jesus to two ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the shadow of death.htm