Acts 1:9
Verse
Context
The Ascension
8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”9After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.10They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He was taken up - He was speaking face to face with them, and while they beheld he was taken up; he began to ascend to heaven, and they continued to look after him till a cloud received him out of their sight - till he had ascended above the region of the clouds, by the density of which all farther distinct vision was prevented. These circumstances are very remarkable, and should be carefully noted. They render insupportable the theory that states, "that our Lord did not ascend to heaven; that his being taken up signifies his going into some mountain, the top of which was covered with clouds, or thick vapours; and that the two men in white garments were two priests, or Levites, who simply informed the disciples of his revisiting them again at some future time." One would suppose that an opinion of this kind could hardly ever obtain credit among people professing Christianity; and yet it is espoused by some men of considerable learning and ingenuity. But the mere letter of the text will be ever sufficient for its total confutation. He that believes the text cannot receive such a miserable comment. Foreign critics and divines take a most sinful latitude on subjects of this kind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
while they beheld, he was taken up--See on Luk 24:50-53. Lest it should be thought He had disappeared when they were looking in some other direction, and so was only concluded to have gone up to heaven, it is here expressly said that "while they were looking He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight." So Elijah, "If thou see me when I am taken from thee" (Kg2 2:10); "And Elisha saw it" (Act 1:12). (See on Luk 9:32.)
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when he had spoken these things,.... That the times and seasons were not to be known by them, but to be kept a secret by the Father: that they should tarry at Jerusalem, and in a few days be baptized with the Holy Ghost, and receive such power, abilities, strength, and courage thereby, as to bear a noble testimony for Christ, not only there, but in all the world; and when he had given them a fresh commission, and told them where they should go, what they should preach, and what miracles they should perform, and blessed them, While they be held; all the Oriental versions, add, "him"; that is Christ, while they looked wistly at him, being attentive to what he said to them, so that they were not asleep; nor did Christ become invisible to them, or disappear before his ascension, but was visible to them in it; hence they were eyewitnesses of it: he was taken up. Luke in his Gospel says, "carried up": very likely by angels, since these not only attended him in his ascension, but are the chariots of the Lord, in which he went up to heaven; see Psa 68:17 nor is this at all inconsistent with his proper deity, or that divine power he had of elevating himself, which he could do without the assistance of others; but this makes for the glory of his majesty, And a cloud received him out of their sight; which was done partly for the same purpose, to add to the grandeur and magnificence of Christ's ascension; and partly to check the curiosity of the disciples, and prevent their gazing any more at him: and it may be that this, cloud was no other than a number of angels that appeared in this form; just as Elijah was taken up to heaven by angels, who appeared in the form of horses and chariots of fire; and the rather this may be the sense here, since it is certain, that there was a large number of angels which attended Christ at his ascension; and by whom he was then seen, Psa 68:17 whereas, if these are not intended by the cloud, no more than two are here taken notice of, and these not as going along with Christ, but staying behind to converse with his disciples; to which may be added, that Christ was "received" by this cloud which descended to meet him, and joining him, escorted him to heaven: at least it may be thought, if it was a real cloud, that there was a multitude of angels in it, which accompanied him to the heavenly regions; for it can hardly be thought that a multitude of the heavenly host should descend at his birth, and sing glory to God upon his coming into this world; and not as large a number attend him with shouts and acclamations, at his going out of it, when he had done his work he came about, and was ascending to his God and Father, to take his place at his right hand on his throne; see Psa 47:5. The Ethiopic version adds, "and he ascended to heaven".
Acts 1:9
The Ascension
8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”9After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.10They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Apostle's Acts
By Leonard Ravenhill3.9K1:07:34ApostlesLUK 21:5LUK 24:36JHN 20:19ACT 1:1ACT 1:9ROM 6:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being crucified with Christ in order to truly follow Him. He references Acts chapter 1 and highlights how Jesus, after His resurrection, appeared to His disciples and gave them commandments through the Holy Spirit. The preacher also mentions the doubts of Thomas and how Jesus appeared to him to prove His resurrection. He concludes by emphasizing the significance of knowing and following the will of God in our lives.
Exalted God Above All
By A.W. Tozer3.0K41:48LordshipPSA 57:2MAT 6:33JHN 14:26ACT 1:9ACT 1:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of miracles and the importance of prayer in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that miracles are a visible manifestation of God's power and that they can have a profound impact on people's lives. The preacher also highlights the need for humility and dependence on God, as well as the assurance that God is still in control of the world despite its current state of turmoil. He concludes by emphasizing God's love for his children and the importance of humbling ourselves before him.
Ascension Power
By Erlo Stegen2.4K42:12Resurrection LifeMAT 24:43MRK 13:32ACT 1:7ACT 1:9PHP 2:9REV 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He reminds the audience that seeing the wounds of Jesus should make it difficult for them to continue sinning. The preacher also discusses the topic of the return of Jesus, highlighting that no one knows the exact time of his coming. He encourages the audience to focus on being witnesses for Jesus in their local communities and to the ends of the earth. The sermon references Bible verses such as Acts 1:7-8, Philippians 2:9-11, and Revelation 1:7 to support the preacher's message.
The Gospel
By Al Whittinghill2.2K04:48JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ACT 1:9ACT 2:38ROM 3:23ROM 6:232CO 5:21GAL 2:20EPH 2:8HEB 9:22This sermon emphasizes that being a Christian is a miraculous experience where one encounters the holiness of God and realizes their own sinfulness, leading to a need for salvation through Jesus Christ. It explains that salvation is not just about following a plan but about encountering the person of Jesus who paid the price for our sins and offers us righteousness through faith in Him. The sermon delves into the significance of Jesus' sacrificial death, resurrection, ascension, and the sending of the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers, transforming their lives.
From Sorrow to Continual Praise
By Carter Conlon1.9K36:43SorrowMAT 6:33LUK 24:26ACT 1:92PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the journey from sorrow to continual praise. He emphasizes that walking with Christ may involve suffering, but there is a fellowship with God that cannot be taken away. The preacher highlights the message of the gospel, which is about repentance and forgiveness of sins through Christ. He also mentions the power promised to those who proclaim the gospel, assuring that God will be their strength and guide. The sermon concludes with the preacher urging the audience to seek a deeper understanding and to gather together with others who share their faith.
Span-02 Overview of the Last Days
By Art Katz1.8K1:23:39Last DaysISA 2:3MAT 6:33ACT 1:9ROM 11:30EPH 3:4EPH 3:61PE 2:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the high calling of God in Christ Jesus and the privilege it is to fulfill it. He highlights the revelation of the mystery of Christ, which was not known in previous ages but is now revealed to the apostles and prophets by the Spirit. The speaker emphasizes the significance of the Gentiles being brought near to God through the blood of Jesus and becoming fellow heirs with the Jews. He encourages believers to embrace their calling and be willing to bear opposition and engage in spiritual warfare to bring others to God. The sermon also includes a personal anecdote about a conversation with a rabbi and emphasizes the importance of seeking first the kingdom of God and trusting Him to provide for all needs.
Ascension of the Lord
By Carl Armerding1.6K36:49AscensionLUK 1:1LUK 1:11ACT 1:2ACT 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discussing the ministry of Jesus between his death and resurrection, as well as his ascension. He argues against the notion that the gospel has become obsolete, stating that it is still the only thing that can truly fulfill its purpose. The preacher encourages the audience to trust in the gospel and highlights the unique features of the Christian faith. He also mentions the hope of reuniting with loved ones in heaven and seeing Jesus face to face. The sermon is based on Acts chapter 1 and includes references to the Gospel of Luke.
2 Timothy - Part 1
By John Hunter74134:11MAT 28:20ACT 1:9GAL 2:20EPH 1:3EPH 2:6COL 1:272TI 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of approaching and handling Holy Scripture. He encourages listeners to come under the authority of Christ as Lord and to be part of God's people in order to benefit from fellowship. The speaker also highlights the need to have a sense of being in the will of God and to be willing to sacrifice one's life completely to the Father and the Son. The sermon references the apostle Paul, who wrote to Timothy from the gates of heaven, just before offering his life to God. The speaker uses this example to inspire listeners to have a deep devotion to God and to approach and understand the Bible with diligence.
The Manifestation of the Resurrected Christ and the Greatest Calling
By Newman Sze6871:57:19JHN 20:17ACT 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the eternal nature of God and the working of the Holy Spirit. They encourage the audience to pay attention to the Word of God and pursue a relationship with the Lord. The speaker then focuses on the story of Peter's love for Jesus and his calling to shepherd the sheep. They highlight the challenges of feeding and caring for young children as an analogy for the responsibility of shepherding. The sermon concludes with the importance of love and the Lord's desire for each person's love.
Bristol Conference 1973-05 the Lord Jesus Christ
By Stan Ford67533:12MAT 27:46MAT 28:20LUK 24:50ACT 1:92CO 5:211TH 4:16REV 19:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah and understanding the purpose of his coming. He highlights the significance of Jesus' ascension and the eyewitness accounts of his disciples. The preacher also emphasizes the love and compassion of Jesus, as seen in his broken body and the blessings he bestowed upon his followers. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Jesus is coming again, and his return will bring blessings and fulfillment of God's promises.
The Ascension of Jesus
By Michael Koulianos4546:40The Holy SpiritAscensionThe Ascension of JesusACT 1:9Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of the ascension of Jesus as a pivotal event that directly correlates with the coming of the Holy Spirit. He highlights that Jesus' ascension is not just a physical elevation but a profound declaration of His authority and the fulfillment of God's plan for humanity. Koulianos encourages believers to understand the connection between Jesus' glorification and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, which marks the beginning of a new age in the church. He stresses the importance of scripture in building spiritual stature and the necessity of unity among believers to experience the fullness of the Spirit. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper recognition of Jesus' lordship and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church.
Our Evangelical Faith
By Harold John Ockenga0EXO 31:18MAT 1:23LUK 11:20JHN 1:1JHN 2:11ACT 1:9HEB 4:151PE 1:3Harold John Ockenga preaches about the core beliefs of the National Association of Evangelicals, emphasizing the importance of the Statement of Faith forged in 1942, which includes the belief in the inspired, infallible Word of God, the Trinity, the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, atoning death, bodily resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father. Ockenga highlights the significance of these doctrines in defining evangelical Christianity and the need for faith in the deity of Christ, His sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection for salvation and eternal life.
The Ascension of Christ
By C.H. Spurgeon0Faith and MinistryAscension of ChristACT 1:9C.H. Spurgeon preaches on the significance of Christ's ascension, emphasizing that while His physical presence is no longer with us, it is for our benefit that He ascended to the Father. He explains that Jesus' departure allows the Holy Spirit to come and empowers believers to live by faith rather than sight. Spurgeon highlights the triumph of Christ's ascension over sin, death, and Satan, and the gifts He bestows upon the church, including pastors and evangelists. He encourages believers to embrace their heavenly citizenship and to actively participate in the ministry of the church, while also extending a call to sinners to seek repentance and salvation through the ascended Christ.
Rev. 1:7. the Great Advent
By A.B. Simpson0Readiness for His ReturnThe Second Coming of ChristPSA 96:11ZEC 12:10MAT 13:26MAT 17:5MAT 26:64LUK 9:34ACT 1:91TH 4:16REV 1:7REV 14:14A.B. Simpson emphasizes the certainty and urgency of Christ's return as depicted in Revelation 1:7, reminding the Church and the world that Jesus will come as Judge and King. He reflects on the hope that the early Church found in this promise, which sustained them through trials and persecution, contrasting it with the apathy of the modern Church and the world. Simpson warns that while the world may scoff and the Church may forget, the day of reckoning is approaching, and all will see Him, including those who pierced Him. He calls for readiness and vigilance, urging believers to hold fast to their faith and truth in anticipation of His glorious return. The sermon concludes with a passionate plea for the Church to awaken and prepare for the coming of the Lord.
Reference to the History of Christ
By Ignatius of Antioch0PSA 110:1MAT 12:40MAT 27:22MAT 28:6JHN 1:14ACT 1:9EPH 4:9HEB 4:15Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the true nature of Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully man, emphasizing His sinless life, crucifixion, death under Pontius Pilate, descent into Hades, resurrection in three days, and ascension to the Father's right hand. He highlights the significance of the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, aligning them with specific hours and days as prophesied in Scripture.
Jesus Christ the Son of God
By Theodore Beza0MAT 3:15JHN 1:14ACT 1:9ROM 3:19ROM 5:8ROM 5:19ROM 8:29ROM 8:322CO 5:21EPH 2:6COL 2:91TI 2:5HEB 13:81PE 2:24Theodore Beza preaches about how God, in His righteousness and mercy, has turned the sin of man to His glory by establishing a way to manifest His infinite goodness and power through the salvation of His chosen ones and the condemnation of the vessels of wrath. Beza emphasizes Jesus Christ as the sole Mediator chosen by God, fulfilling the covenant of salvation between God and humanity, uniting the Old and New Testaments in Himself. He explains the necessity for Jesus Christ to be true man without sin and true God to reconcile humanity with God and satisfy divine justice, highlighting the accomplishment of our salvation through Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
The Ascension of Our Lord
By Erlo Stegen0The Ascension of ChristReadiness for Christ's ReturnACT 1:9Erlo Stegen emphasizes the significance of the Ascension of our Lord, explaining how Jesus, in His glorified body, was taken up into heaven before the disciples. He addresses the confusion surrounding this event, highlighting that Jesus' resurrection and ascension were fulfillment of prophecy and divine purpose. The sermon reminds believers that just as Jesus ascended, He will return, urging them to be prepared for His coming. Stegen warns that unconfessed sin can hinder one's readiness for the Lord's return, encouraging a life of repentance and vigilance.
Christ Was Possessed of a Body After His Resurrection
By Ignatius of Antioch0LUK 24:39JHN 20:27ACT 1:9REV 1:7Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the physicality of Jesus, both during His earthly life and after His resurrection, highlighting the importance of His bodily presence as a proof of His identity as the Christ. He points out how Jesus invited His disciples to touch Him and see that He was not just a spirit, but had flesh and bones. Ignatius underscores the significance of Jesus eating and drinking with His disciples after His resurrection for forty days, proving His bodily resurrection and His future return in glory and power.
Of the Ascension of Christ to Heaven.
By John Gill0Prophecy and FulfillmentAscension of ChristPSA 47:5PSA 68:18LUK 24:50JHN 6:62JHN 14:2ACT 1:9ACT 2:33ACT 7:55EPH 4:8HEB 9:12John Gill preaches on the ascension of Christ to heaven, emphasizing its prophetic significance and fulfillment as foretold in the Scriptures. He explains how Christ's ascension was pre-signified by various prophecies and types, including the Psalms and the experiences of figures like Enoch and Elijah. Gill highlights the evidence of the ascension, the time and place of this event, and its implications for believers, including the assurance of their own future ascension. He concludes by affirming that Christ's ascension opens the way for believers to enter heaven and encourages them to set their minds on heavenly things.
Christ's Ascension.
By Edward Payson0JHN 20:29ACT 1:92CO 4:181TH 4:16HEB 12:2REV 1:7Edward Payson preaches about the ascension of Jesus to heaven, emphasizing the impact it had on his disciples and the importance of truly believing in this event as recorded in the Scriptures. He describes the scene of Jesus ascending from the Mount of Olives, blessing his disciples, and being received into heaven, highlighting the faith and worship it inspired in his followers. Payson also delves into the message delivered by the angels to the disciples, urging them to focus on their duties and prepare for Christ's second coming. He challenges the listeners to examine their faith and its effects on their lives, emphasizing the need to prioritize spiritual realities over worldly distractions.
God Exegesis
By A.W. Tozer0Trust in JesusSurrender to GodISA 9:6JHN 1:1JHN 1:14ACT 1:9A.W. Tozer emphasizes the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the only trustworthy figure to follow, contrasting Him with all others throughout history. He highlights that Jesus is the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth, and the fulfillment of prophecies such as being the Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God. Tozer points out the miraculous events surrounding Jesus, including His resurrection and ascension, affirming His divine authority and glory. He calls believers to surrender themselves to Jesus, who invites them to concentrate on Him and be captivated by His charm. This message underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as the King of glory and the ultimate guide in our lives.
What Is Your Answer to That Question?
By C.H. Spurgeon0SalvationFaith in ChristJHN 3:16ACT 1:9ROM 10:91CO 15:6EPH 2:8HEB 1:3C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the undeniable truth of Christ's resurrection, witnessed by many, and His current position at the right hand of God. He poses a critical question to the audience: 'Believest thou that I am able to save thee?' highlighting the importance of one's personal response to this inquiry. Spurgeon asserts that if Jesus is indeed God, then nothing is impossible for Him, including the salvation of individuals. He encourages believers to affirm their faith in Christ's ability to cleanse and save, reinforcing the significance of accepting His atonement.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He was taken up - He was speaking face to face with them, and while they beheld he was taken up; he began to ascend to heaven, and they continued to look after him till a cloud received him out of their sight - till he had ascended above the region of the clouds, by the density of which all farther distinct vision was prevented. These circumstances are very remarkable, and should be carefully noted. They render insupportable the theory that states, "that our Lord did not ascend to heaven; that his being taken up signifies his going into some mountain, the top of which was covered with clouds, or thick vapours; and that the two men in white garments were two priests, or Levites, who simply informed the disciples of his revisiting them again at some future time." One would suppose that an opinion of this kind could hardly ever obtain credit among people professing Christianity; and yet it is espoused by some men of considerable learning and ingenuity. But the mere letter of the text will be ever sufficient for its total confutation. He that believes the text cannot receive such a miserable comment. Foreign critics and divines take a most sinful latitude on subjects of this kind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
while they beheld, he was taken up--See on Luk 24:50-53. Lest it should be thought He had disappeared when they were looking in some other direction, and so was only concluded to have gone up to heaven, it is here expressly said that "while they were looking He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight." So Elijah, "If thou see me when I am taken from thee" (Kg2 2:10); "And Elisha saw it" (Act 1:12). (See on Luk 9:32.)
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when he had spoken these things,.... That the times and seasons were not to be known by them, but to be kept a secret by the Father: that they should tarry at Jerusalem, and in a few days be baptized with the Holy Ghost, and receive such power, abilities, strength, and courage thereby, as to bear a noble testimony for Christ, not only there, but in all the world; and when he had given them a fresh commission, and told them where they should go, what they should preach, and what miracles they should perform, and blessed them, While they be held; all the Oriental versions, add, "him"; that is Christ, while they looked wistly at him, being attentive to what he said to them, so that they were not asleep; nor did Christ become invisible to them, or disappear before his ascension, but was visible to them in it; hence they were eyewitnesses of it: he was taken up. Luke in his Gospel says, "carried up": very likely by angels, since these not only attended him in his ascension, but are the chariots of the Lord, in which he went up to heaven; see Psa 68:17 nor is this at all inconsistent with his proper deity, or that divine power he had of elevating himself, which he could do without the assistance of others; but this makes for the glory of his majesty, And a cloud received him out of their sight; which was done partly for the same purpose, to add to the grandeur and magnificence of Christ's ascension; and partly to check the curiosity of the disciples, and prevent their gazing any more at him: and it may be that this, cloud was no other than a number of angels that appeared in this form; just as Elijah was taken up to heaven by angels, who appeared in the form of horses and chariots of fire; and the rather this may be the sense here, since it is certain, that there was a large number of angels which attended Christ at his ascension; and by whom he was then seen, Psa 68:17 whereas, if these are not intended by the cloud, no more than two are here taken notice of, and these not as going along with Christ, but staying behind to converse with his disciples; to which may be added, that Christ was "received" by this cloud which descended to meet him, and joining him, escorted him to heaven: at least it may be thought, if it was a real cloud, that there was a multitude of angels in it, which accompanied him to the heavenly regions; for it can hardly be thought that a multitude of the heavenly host should descend at his birth, and sing glory to God upon his coming into this world; and not as large a number attend him with shouts and acclamations, at his going out of it, when he had done his work he came about, and was ascending to his God and Father, to take his place at his right hand on his throne; see Psa 47:5. The Ethiopic version adds, "and he ascended to heaven".