Acts 1:3
Verse
Context
Prologue
2until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.3After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
Sermons
Leonard Ravenhill
T. Austin-SparksT. Austin-Sparks
Bill Gallatin
Hattie HammondSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To whom - he showed himself alive - by many infallible proofs - Πολλοις τεκμηριοις; by many proofs of such a nature, and connected with such circumstances, as to render them indubitable; for this is the import of the Greek word τεκμηριον. The proofs were such as these: 1. Appearing to several different persons at different times. 2. His eating and drinking with them. 3. His meeting them in Galilee according to his own appointment. 4. His subjecting his body to be touched and handled by them. 5. His instructing them in the nature and doctrines of his kingdom. 6. His appearing to upwards of five hundred persons at once, Co1 15:6. And, 7. Continuing these public manifestations of himself for forty days. The several appearances of Jesus Christ, during the forty days of his sojourning with his disciples, between his resurrection and ascension, are thus enumerated by Bishop Pearce: The first was to Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, Mat 28:1-9. The second, to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus, Luk 24:15. The third, to Simon Peter, Luk 24:34. The fourth, to ten of the apostles, Thomas being absent, Luk 24:36, and Joh 20:19. (All these four appearances took place on the day of his resurrection.) The fifth was to the eleven disciples, Thomas being then with them, Joh 20:26. The sixth, to seven of the apostles in Galilee, at the sea of Tiberias, Joh 21:4. The seventh, to James, Co1 15:7, most probably in Jerusalem, and when Jesus gave an order for all his apostles to assemble together, as in Act 1:4. The eighth, when they were assembled together, and when he led them unto Bethany, Luk 24:50, from whence he ascended to heaven. But see the note on Joh 21:14, for farther particulars. Pertaining to the kingdom of God - Whatever concerned the doctrine, discipline, and establishment of the Christian Church.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
showed himself alive--As the author is about to tell us that "the resurrection of the Lord Jesus" was the great burden of apostolic preaching, so the subject is here filly introduced by an allusion to the primary evidence on which that great fact rests, the repeated and undeniable manifestations of Himself in the body to the assembled disciples, who, instead of being predisposed to believe it, had to be overpowered by the resistless evidence of their own senses, and were slow of yielding even to this (Mar 16:14). after his passion--or, suffering. This primary sense of the word "passion" has fallen into disuse; but it is nobly consecrated in the phraseology of the Church to express the Redeemer's final endurances. seen of them forty days--This important specification of time occurs here only. speaking of--rather "speaking." the things pertaining to the kingdom of God--till now only in germ, but soon to take visible form; the earliest and the latest burden of His teaching on earth.
John Gill Bible Commentary
To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion,.... That is, after his sufferings and death; for that he suffered many things, and at last death itself, is certain from the acknowledgment of the Jews themselves, who own, that they put him to death on the passover eve (d); as well as from the accounts of the evangelists; and from the soldiers not breaking his legs, when the rest that were crucified with him were broken, because he was already dead; and from his "ricardium" being pierced with a spear, from whence blood and water sprung, after which it was impossible he should be alive; and from the testimony of the centurion who watched him, to whom Pilate sent to know if he was dead, and how long he had been dead; and from his being buried, and lying in the grave so long as he did: and yet after, and not withstanding this, "he showed himself alive"; he raised himself from the dead, and hereby declared himself to be the Son of God with power, which cannot be said of others; there were others that were alive after death, but not by their own power; as the widow of Sarepta's son, the daughter of Jairus, Lazarus, and the widow of Nain's son; but these did not "show themselves alive", as Christ did, who appeared often to his apostles: for after he had first appeared to Mary Magdalene, he showed himself to the two disciples going to Emmaus; then to ten of them, Thomas being absent; after that to them all, Thomas being present, when he convinced him of the truth of his resurrection; after that he appeared to seven of the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and then to all the apostles; and to five hundred brethren at once on a mountain in Galilee; and once to James alone, and to them all again when he was parted from them and went up to heaven; and so they must be proper and sufficient witnesses of his resurrection: and this evidence of his being alive, he gave to them, by many infallible proofs; or by many signs and tokens, and which were most sure and unquestionable arguments of his being alive; as his eating and drinking with them, walking and talking with them in a free and familiar manner, showing them his hands and his feet, and side, that they might see the scars which the nails and spear had made; and which were not only a proof that he was risen again, but risen again in the same body in which he suffered; and that they might feel and handle him, and know that he was not a spirit, a phantom, a mere apparition, but was really risen and alive: being seen of them forty days; not that he was seen by them for forty days together continually, but at certain times, within the space of forty days; for between his first and last appearance, many others intervening, such a length of time run out; so that it was not a single and sudden appearance that surprised them; but there were many of them, and a distance between them, and this for a considerable term of time; hence they had opportunity of reflecting upon these appearances, and of satisfying themselves of the truth of things. This number of "forty days" is a remarkable one in Scripture. The flood was forty days upon the earth; and so long Moses was in the mount with God; such a number of days the spies were searching the land of Canaan; so many days Goliath presented himself to the armies of Israel; and so long a time Elijah went in the strength of the meat the angel provided for him; and for such a length of time the prophet Ezekiel was to bear the iniquity of the house of Judah; and such a term of time was given out by Jonah for the destruction of Nineveh; and so many days Christ fasted, and was tempted in the wilderness. The Jews pretend (e), that forty days before Jesus was put to death he was led forth, and a crier went before him, declaring, that whoever would, had liberty to testify to his innocence if they could, but no man appeared for him: but this is false; the truth of the matter is, that for forty days after his resurrection he showed himself to his disciples, and by proving the truth of his resurrection, he proved his own innocence and uprightness. If the testimony of Rabbenu Hakadosh, as cited by Galatinus, could be depended on, the Jews had a notion of this forty days' conversation of the Messiah with his disciples, after his resurrection; who say (f), "the Messiah, after his resurrection, shall converse with the righteous, and they shall hear his precepts "forty days", answerable to those forty days in which he shall be in the wilderness to afflict his soul, before they shall kill him; and these being finished, he shall ascend to heaven, and sit at the right hand of God, as it is said, Psa 110:1. But this seems rather to be the pious fraud of some Christian, than the words of a Jew: however, they do say (g), that "the days of the Messiah are "forty days", as it is said, Psa 95:10 "forty years long was I grieved"; or, as they interpret it, "shall I be grieved with this generation": intimating, that the generation of the Messiah, and of the wilderness, would be much alike, and equally grieving to God, and reckoning a day for a year, as the Lord did with that generation, Num 14:33. These forty days Christ was with his disciples, may be an emblem of the forty years which were to run out from his death, to his coming again to take vengeance on the Jewish nation; for so long time was there from thence to the destruction of Jerusalem. And Christ was not only seen of the disciples at certain seasons during this space of time, but he was also heard by them: for it follows, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God; the kingdom of the Messiah, the Gospel dispensation; concerning the doctrines of the Gospel they were to preach, and the ordinances of it they were to administer; concerning the church of God, the nature, order, and officers of it, and the laws and rules by which it should be governed; concerning the kingdom of grace, what it consists of, and wherein it lies; and of the kingdom of glory, of meetness for it, his own grace, and of the right unto it, his own justifying righteousness: some of these things they might have before but very little knowledge of; and may be these are the things he had to say to them, and which, till now, they could not bear; and being no more to be with them in person, he instructs them in them, (d) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 43. 1. (e) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 43. 1. (f) Gale Razeya apud Galatin. de Arcan. Cathol. ver. l. 8. c. 23. (g) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 99. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:3 he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive: The Gospels describe the evidence for Christ’s resurrection: Jesus’ tomb was empty (Luke 24:3-4), his grave clothes were undisturbed (John 20:3-9), and many people saw him (see Matt 28; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:11–21:23; 1 Cor 15:3-8). Jesus appeared to the apostles in part to overcome their doubt (Matt 28:17; Luke 24:17-24, 38, 41; John 20:27; see Mark 16:14) • The Kingdom of God was the central theme of Jesus’ teaching (see Acts 1:6-8; Matt 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:43).
Acts 1:3
Prologue
2until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.3After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Resurection Power of Jesus
By Leonard Ravenhill6.7K1:19:54Resurrection LifeMAT 6:33JHN 20:29ACT 1:3ROM 8:281CO 15:31JN 2:15REV 1:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reign of Jesus Christ and the blessings that come with it. He emphasizes that Jesus will reign from shore to shore and that in his kingdom, prisoners will be set free and the weary will find eternal rest. The speaker also mentions the joy of eternity and suggests that sinners may benefit from witnessing the judgment of others. He concludes by urging viewers to subscribe to Last Days Ministries for further teachings and resources.
(The Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts): God Wants to Give Us More
By A.W. Tozer5.1K49:25Holy SpiritMAT 6:33ACT 1:3ACT 1:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of joy and triumph over death in the Christian faith. He highlights how the four Gospels have a minor key, symbolizing the sadness and impending death of Jesus. However, after Jesus rises from the grave, the music of the church shifts to a major key, representing pure joy. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of balancing the upward thrust of the spiritual life with the recognition of our human nature and the downward tug of earthly temptations.
The Holy Spirit - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks2.2K59:20Holy SpiritMAT 16:28MRK 1:14ACT 1:3GAL 4:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four major features of the function of the eternal spirit as revealed in the Bible. The first feature is the eternal spirit's commitment to effecting God's eternal purpose. The preacher cites scriptures that show the spirit's active role in creation and as the custodian of the divine purpose. The second feature is the fulfillment of time, as seen in the coming of Jesus and his preaching of the gospel of God. The third feature is the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus, which are foundational truths in Christianity. The fourth feature is the diverse and varied ways in which the Holy Spirit works to accomplish God's purpose, with different methods employed at different times. The preacher emphasizes the unchanging and eternal nature of God's purpose, while highlighting the changing methods used by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K1:05:29Holy SpiritMRK 1:15JHN 1:14ACT 1:3ACT 2:1ACT 2:33ACT 3:1ACT 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the significance of a particular chapter in the history of God's people. He highlights the gap between the incarnation of God and the powerful effect seen in the book of Acts. The preaching in the book of Acts is closely associated with the person of Jesus Christ and the gospel of his lordship. The speaker emphasizes the essential association of the gospel with the name of the Lord Jesus and how honoring or dishonoring that name has had a significant impact on the people of God throughout history.
Acts 1
By Bill Gallatin1.4K1:12:46ExpositionalPSA 69:25PSA 119:11ZEC 11:12ACT 1:3ACT 1:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unshakable security that believers have in Jesus Christ. He highlights that nothing can hinder God's plan of redemption and the establishment of His kingdom. The preacher also discusses the responsibility given to believers to use their talents and resources for God's glory and to be diligent in their work until Christ's return. He contrasts the concept of spiritual beggars in other religions with the call for believers to be active and productive in God's kingdom.
Fren-11 Leroyaume Des Cieux (The Kingdom of Heaven)
By Art Katz1.3K1:05:29Kingdom Of Heaven2SA 7:11MAT 4:17MAT 6:33LUK 1:1ACT 1:3COL 1:13HEB 12:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking a true relationship with God and the kingdom of heaven. They highlight the need for the glory of God to fall upon people, especially the Jewish community, in order to bring them to their knees. The speaker also discusses the central theme of God throughout the prophets and the New Testament, explaining why God needs to uproot and destroy earthly things. They emphasize that God is not seeking to improve or amend what already exists, but rather to completely transform it. The sermon concludes with a reminder to approach God with reverence and awe, as He is a consuming fire.
Process of Becoming a Bride - Part 3
By Hattie Hammond1.0K1:27:23Bride Of ChristGEN 22:2MAT 6:33JHN 4:24ACT 1:3ROM 12:11CO 14:15HEB 13:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's will. They acknowledge that even after battling, fasting, and commanding, the ultimate prayer should be for God's will to be done. The speaker shares a story of a woman who came to their meeting and was miraculously healed by God. They also discuss the significance of approaching God with humility and reverence, highlighting the disciples' awe at hearing Jesus pray. The speaker criticizes the idea of treating God like a vending machine, where one can obtain power through specific actions. They conclude by sharing their personal experience of facing trials and challenges as a preacher, but remaining committed to God's calling.
Suffering and the Kingdom of God
By Zac Poonen95849:05MAT 3:2LUK 24:25ACT 1:3ACT 14:22ROM 14:17PHP 1:29PHP 3:102TH 1:41PE 2:181PE 4:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the concept of the Kingdom of God as highlighted in the New Testament. It delves into the significance of suffering, both in the flesh and externally, as a means to enter God's Kingdom. The message challenges believers to endure tribulations, follow the example of Jesus in suffering unjustly, and seek righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit as the essence of the Kingdom of God.
(Wonderful 50 Days) 03 - the Emmaus Road
By Ed Miller86041:28MAT 6:33LUK 24:13JHN 20:11ACT 1:3In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the second appearance of Jesus after his resurrection, which took place on Easter day. The speaker emphasizes that although it may appear as two separate appearances, it is actually one continuous event. The passage being referred to is Luke 24, specifically the story of the Emmaus Road. The speaker acknowledges that this passage is familiar to the audience but aims to bring new insights and understanding. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing that Jesus will appear spiritually to those who love him in the church age.
(Wonderful 50 Days) 02 - the Appearance of Christ
By Ed Miller76158:20MAT 6:33LUK 24:30JHN 20:18ACT 1:3ROM 6:231CO 15:20HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the 40 days after Jesus' death and resurrection. He explains that these 40 days were not arbitrary, but rather a planned transition from how things were to how they will be. The speaker emphasizes that the first event, the death and resurrection of Jesus, teaches us that God is forever satisfied and our debts are paid. He also discusses how Jesus appeared to certain people during these 40 days, giving representative appearances that serve as examples for how he will appear to us in our day.
Evidence for the Resurrection
By Anton Bosch34045:16ResurrectionMAT 6:33LUK 24:1ACT 1:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the significance of the Roman soldiers who were responsible for guarding Jesus' tomb, highlighting their discipline and the severe consequences they faced for failing in their duty. The speaker questions the idea that a group of scared and disillusioned disciples could have overpowered these soldiers and stolen Jesus' body. He also emphasizes the importance of the physical evidence and witnesses that support the resurrection of Jesus, citing Luke's account in the book of Acts and the women who discovered the empty tomb.
The Preachers Prepared
By David Servant0LUK 24:25JHN 16:12JHN 20:17ACT 1:31CO 15:32CO 5:14GAL 2:20EPH 2:4COL 2:101PE 1:3David Servant delves into the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection as revealed in the book of Acts and the epistles, emphasizing the gradual unveiling of the full revelation of His accomplishments post-resurrection. Despite Jesus' attempts to prepare His disciples for His death and resurrection, they struggled to comprehend the magnitude of these events until after His resurrection. Through various post-resurrection appearances, Jesus revealed the necessity of His death and resurrection, leading to a deeper understanding of the disciples' new relationship with God and the foundational truths of the gospel.
How to Recognize the Manifestation of the Holy Spirit
By Paris Reidhead0JHN 4:10JHN 14:16JHN 14:26JHN 15:26JHN 16:8JHN 16:13ACT 1:3Paris Reidhead preaches a series of messages on the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, focusing on how to recognize the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord, being in harmony with the Word, and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit. Reidhead provides seven evidences from the Bible to help believers discern the genuine manifestation of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples in Galilee John 21:1-25
By David Servant0MAT 26:33MAT 28:7LUK 22:33JHN 21:15ACT 1:3David Servant delivers a powerful sermon on Jesus' interaction with Peter after His resurrection, highlighting Peter's journey from overestimating his love for Jesus to underestimating it, and how Jesus showed mercy, love, and hope for Peter's future despite his failures. Through their conversation, Jesus reaffirms His belief in Peter, corrects his self-condemnation, and commissions him to care for His followers, emphasizing the importance of feeding and tending to believers in their spiritual journey.
What Is the Kingdom?
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Kingdom of GodSpiritual WarfareMAT 16:28ACT 1:3ACT 8:12ACT 19:8ACT 20:25ACT 28:23T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound meaning of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that it is not merely a realm but the personal rule of Jesus Christ, who holds all authority in heaven and on earth. He highlights the cosmic conflict over the Kingdom, illustrating how the early apostles preached about it amidst opposition, and how the Kingdom will ultimately be delivered to the Father after all authority and power are subdued. Sparks stresses the importance of understanding the phrase 'Thine is the kingdom' as foundational to the entire New Testament, and he encourages believers to view their struggles as part of the ongoing battle for the Kingdom, ultimately leading to God's sovereign will being fulfilled.
Prejudices Against Imputation of Righteousness of Christ
By John Owen0LUK 24:25JHN 1:12JHN 3:16JHN 3:18JHN 5:24JHN 16:12ACT 1:3ROM 4:6ROM 5:19John Owen addresses common prejudices against the doctrine of the imputation of the righteousness of Christ. He refutes objections that claim this doctrine is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, highlighting the importance of understanding the essence of the doctrine rather than specific terminology. Owen also discusses differences among Protestants regarding this doctrine, emphasizing the agreement on the core belief that our righteousness before God is based on Christ's righteousness imputed to us. He delves into controversies surrounding the nature of faith, the extent of Christ's righteousness imputed, and the formal cause of justification, while stressing the unity in the substance of the doctrine among Protestant writers despite varying expressions.
The Resurrection
By J.C. Philpot0MAT 17:1LUK 24:39JHN 10:17JHN 20:27ACT 1:3ROM 1:4ROM 4:25ROM 8:111PE 3:18J.C. Philpot preaches on the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing its pivotal role in establishing the Christian faith. The apostles, inspired by the Holy Ghost, consistently proclaimed the resurrection as the foundation of their sermons, as it validated Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah. The resurrection served as God's attesting witness to Jesus' divine Sonship and the acceptance of His atoning sacrifice, ensuring the church's justification. The sermon also highlights the identity of Jesus' risen body, refuting erroneous speculations and confirming through various appearances that it was the same body that was crucified, thus solidifying the truth of the resurrection.
Looking at God
By A.W. Tozer0JOS 6:20JOB 24:24PSA 2:9EZK 37:11LUK 14:18LUK 19:27ACT 1:3ROM 5:8ROM 8:391CO 1:172CO 10:5The preacher delves into the concept of 'lofty things' as described in the Bible, referring to proud obstacles or arrogant thoughts that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. The sermon emphasizes the need to destroy these proud adversaries and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 10:5. Various commentators and biblical references are used to illustrate how human pride and defiance can hinder one from receiving the gospel and humbling oneself before God.
Any Life Greater Than Death?
By Ernest O'Neill0MAT 28:6JHN 11:25ACT 1:3ROM 6:41CO 15:3Ernest O'Neill discusses the concept of a 'superhuman life' beyond our human existence, focusing on the extraordinary life of Jesus in the first century. Jesus, unlike other religious leaders, claimed perfection and demonstrated power over nature and disease, ultimately conquering death through His resurrection. His resurrection appearances to many disprove theories of swooning or body theft, highlighting the undeniable reality of His victory over death and the empty tomb as crucial evidence. O'Neill challenges listeners to consider the implications of Jesus' resurrection and the possibility of experiencing this 'superhuman life' for themselves.
The Miracles of Christ
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0JHN 2:11JHN 7:31JHN 7:37JHN 10:41JHN 14:11JHN 20:30ACT 1:3W.H. Griffith Thomas delves into the purpose and significance of miracles in the Gospels, emphasizing that they were not primarily for evidential purposes but rather as signs of Christ's divine mission. Miracles were meant to awaken faith in those who were already predisposed to believe, rather than to compel belief in skeptics. The focus shifts from miracles as proofs to the miraculous Person of Christ, with His life and works being congruous with His supernatural nature. The Gospels serve to interpret the supernatural person of Jesus through the lens of history, highlighting His extraordinary conception and divine intervention on behalf of humanity.
Visible Evidence From Outer Space
By Ernest O'Neill0LUK 24:39JHN 3:16JHN 20:29JHN 21:25ACT 1:3ROM 10:171CO 15:3HEB 11:12PE 1:161JN 5:11Ernest O'Neill explores the existence of a superhuman life beyond our earthly realm, pointing to the empirical evidence found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as a unique Son of the Creator of the universe. He emphasizes the reliability of historical accounts from eyewitnesses like Peter and John, as well as non-biblical sources such as Tacitus and Josephus, confirming the reality of Jesus' life and impact. O'Neill challenges listeners to consider the overwhelming evidence that Jesus lived on earth and was connected to a superhuman life, inviting further exploration into this profound truth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To whom - he showed himself alive - by many infallible proofs - Πολλοις τεκμηριοις; by many proofs of such a nature, and connected with such circumstances, as to render them indubitable; for this is the import of the Greek word τεκμηριον. The proofs were such as these: 1. Appearing to several different persons at different times. 2. His eating and drinking with them. 3. His meeting them in Galilee according to his own appointment. 4. His subjecting his body to be touched and handled by them. 5. His instructing them in the nature and doctrines of his kingdom. 6. His appearing to upwards of five hundred persons at once, Co1 15:6. And, 7. Continuing these public manifestations of himself for forty days. The several appearances of Jesus Christ, during the forty days of his sojourning with his disciples, between his resurrection and ascension, are thus enumerated by Bishop Pearce: The first was to Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, Mat 28:1-9. The second, to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus, Luk 24:15. The third, to Simon Peter, Luk 24:34. The fourth, to ten of the apostles, Thomas being absent, Luk 24:36, and Joh 20:19. (All these four appearances took place on the day of his resurrection.) The fifth was to the eleven disciples, Thomas being then with them, Joh 20:26. The sixth, to seven of the apostles in Galilee, at the sea of Tiberias, Joh 21:4. The seventh, to James, Co1 15:7, most probably in Jerusalem, and when Jesus gave an order for all his apostles to assemble together, as in Act 1:4. The eighth, when they were assembled together, and when he led them unto Bethany, Luk 24:50, from whence he ascended to heaven. But see the note on Joh 21:14, for farther particulars. Pertaining to the kingdom of God - Whatever concerned the doctrine, discipline, and establishment of the Christian Church.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
showed himself alive--As the author is about to tell us that "the resurrection of the Lord Jesus" was the great burden of apostolic preaching, so the subject is here filly introduced by an allusion to the primary evidence on which that great fact rests, the repeated and undeniable manifestations of Himself in the body to the assembled disciples, who, instead of being predisposed to believe it, had to be overpowered by the resistless evidence of their own senses, and were slow of yielding even to this (Mar 16:14). after his passion--or, suffering. This primary sense of the word "passion" has fallen into disuse; but it is nobly consecrated in the phraseology of the Church to express the Redeemer's final endurances. seen of them forty days--This important specification of time occurs here only. speaking of--rather "speaking." the things pertaining to the kingdom of God--till now only in germ, but soon to take visible form; the earliest and the latest burden of His teaching on earth.
John Gill Bible Commentary
To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion,.... That is, after his sufferings and death; for that he suffered many things, and at last death itself, is certain from the acknowledgment of the Jews themselves, who own, that they put him to death on the passover eve (d); as well as from the accounts of the evangelists; and from the soldiers not breaking his legs, when the rest that were crucified with him were broken, because he was already dead; and from his "ricardium" being pierced with a spear, from whence blood and water sprung, after which it was impossible he should be alive; and from the testimony of the centurion who watched him, to whom Pilate sent to know if he was dead, and how long he had been dead; and from his being buried, and lying in the grave so long as he did: and yet after, and not withstanding this, "he showed himself alive"; he raised himself from the dead, and hereby declared himself to be the Son of God with power, which cannot be said of others; there were others that were alive after death, but not by their own power; as the widow of Sarepta's son, the daughter of Jairus, Lazarus, and the widow of Nain's son; but these did not "show themselves alive", as Christ did, who appeared often to his apostles: for after he had first appeared to Mary Magdalene, he showed himself to the two disciples going to Emmaus; then to ten of them, Thomas being absent; after that to them all, Thomas being present, when he convinced him of the truth of his resurrection; after that he appeared to seven of the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and then to all the apostles; and to five hundred brethren at once on a mountain in Galilee; and once to James alone, and to them all again when he was parted from them and went up to heaven; and so they must be proper and sufficient witnesses of his resurrection: and this evidence of his being alive, he gave to them, by many infallible proofs; or by many signs and tokens, and which were most sure and unquestionable arguments of his being alive; as his eating and drinking with them, walking and talking with them in a free and familiar manner, showing them his hands and his feet, and side, that they might see the scars which the nails and spear had made; and which were not only a proof that he was risen again, but risen again in the same body in which he suffered; and that they might feel and handle him, and know that he was not a spirit, a phantom, a mere apparition, but was really risen and alive: being seen of them forty days; not that he was seen by them for forty days together continually, but at certain times, within the space of forty days; for between his first and last appearance, many others intervening, such a length of time run out; so that it was not a single and sudden appearance that surprised them; but there were many of them, and a distance between them, and this for a considerable term of time; hence they had opportunity of reflecting upon these appearances, and of satisfying themselves of the truth of things. This number of "forty days" is a remarkable one in Scripture. The flood was forty days upon the earth; and so long Moses was in the mount with God; such a number of days the spies were searching the land of Canaan; so many days Goliath presented himself to the armies of Israel; and so long a time Elijah went in the strength of the meat the angel provided for him; and for such a length of time the prophet Ezekiel was to bear the iniquity of the house of Judah; and such a term of time was given out by Jonah for the destruction of Nineveh; and so many days Christ fasted, and was tempted in the wilderness. The Jews pretend (e), that forty days before Jesus was put to death he was led forth, and a crier went before him, declaring, that whoever would, had liberty to testify to his innocence if they could, but no man appeared for him: but this is false; the truth of the matter is, that for forty days after his resurrection he showed himself to his disciples, and by proving the truth of his resurrection, he proved his own innocence and uprightness. If the testimony of Rabbenu Hakadosh, as cited by Galatinus, could be depended on, the Jews had a notion of this forty days' conversation of the Messiah with his disciples, after his resurrection; who say (f), "the Messiah, after his resurrection, shall converse with the righteous, and they shall hear his precepts "forty days", answerable to those forty days in which he shall be in the wilderness to afflict his soul, before they shall kill him; and these being finished, he shall ascend to heaven, and sit at the right hand of God, as it is said, Psa 110:1. But this seems rather to be the pious fraud of some Christian, than the words of a Jew: however, they do say (g), that "the days of the Messiah are "forty days", as it is said, Psa 95:10 "forty years long was I grieved"; or, as they interpret it, "shall I be grieved with this generation": intimating, that the generation of the Messiah, and of the wilderness, would be much alike, and equally grieving to God, and reckoning a day for a year, as the Lord did with that generation, Num 14:33. These forty days Christ was with his disciples, may be an emblem of the forty years which were to run out from his death, to his coming again to take vengeance on the Jewish nation; for so long time was there from thence to the destruction of Jerusalem. And Christ was not only seen of the disciples at certain seasons during this space of time, but he was also heard by them: for it follows, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God; the kingdom of the Messiah, the Gospel dispensation; concerning the doctrines of the Gospel they were to preach, and the ordinances of it they were to administer; concerning the church of God, the nature, order, and officers of it, and the laws and rules by which it should be governed; concerning the kingdom of grace, what it consists of, and wherein it lies; and of the kingdom of glory, of meetness for it, his own grace, and of the right unto it, his own justifying righteousness: some of these things they might have before but very little knowledge of; and may be these are the things he had to say to them, and which, till now, they could not bear; and being no more to be with them in person, he instructs them in them, (d) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 43. 1. (e) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 43. 1. (f) Gale Razeya apud Galatin. de Arcan. Cathol. ver. l. 8. c. 23. (g) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 99. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:3 he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive: The Gospels describe the evidence for Christ’s resurrection: Jesus’ tomb was empty (Luke 24:3-4), his grave clothes were undisturbed (John 20:3-9), and many people saw him (see Matt 28; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:11–21:23; 1 Cor 15:3-8). Jesus appeared to the apostles in part to overcome their doubt (Matt 28:17; Luke 24:17-24, 38, 41; John 20:27; see Mark 16:14) • The Kingdom of God was the central theme of Jesus’ teaching (see Acts 1:6-8; Matt 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:43).