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Luke 24:50
Verse
Context
The Ascension
49And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”50When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them.51While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven.
Sermons
Willie Mullan
T. Ernest Wilson
Welcome Detweiler
James Booker
Mack Tomlinson
Chip Brogden
Thomas BostonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He led them out as far as to Bethany - The difficulties in this verse, when collated with the accounts given by the other evangelists, are thus reconciled by Dr. Lightfoot. "I. This very evangelist (Act 1:12) tells us, that when the disciples came back from the place where our Lord had ascended, they returned from mount Olivet, distant from Jerusalem a Sabbath day's journey. But now the town of Bethany was about fifteen furlongs from Jerusalem, Joh 11:18, and that is double a Sabbath day's journey. "II. Josephus tells us that mount Olivet was but five furlongs from the city, and a Sabbath day's journey was seven furlongs and a half. Antiq. lib. 20, cap. 6. About that time there came to Jerusalem a certain Egyptian, pretending himself a prophet, and persuading the people that they should go out with him to the mount of Olives, Ὁ και της πολεως αντικρυς κειμενον, απεχει σταδια πεντε; which, being situated on the front of the city, is distant five furlongs. These things are all true: 1. That the mount of Olives lay but five furlongs distant from Jerusalem. 2. That the town of Bethany was fifteen furlongs. 3. That the disciples were brought by Christ as far as Bethany. 4. That, when they returned from the mount of Olives, they traveled more than five furlongs. And, 5. Returning from Bethany, they traveled but a Sabbath day's journey. All which may be easily reconciled, if we would observe: - That the first space from the city was called Bethphage, which I have cleared elsewhere from Talmudic authors, the evangelists themselves also confirming it. That part of that mount was known by that name to the length of about a Sabbath day's journey, till it came to that part which is called Bethany. For there was a Bethany, a tract of the mount, and the town of Bethany. The town was distant from the city about fifteen furlongs, i.e. about two miles, or a double Sabbath day's journey: but the first border of this tract (which also bore the name of Bethany) was distant but one mile, or a single Sabbath day's journey. "Our Savior led out his disciples, when he was about to ascend, to the very first region or tract of mount Olivet, which was called Bethany, and was distant from the city a Sabbath day's journey. And so far from the city itself did that tract extend itself which was called Bethphage; and when he was come to that place where the bounds of Bethphage and Bethany met and touched one another, he then ascended; in that very place where he got upon the ass when he rode into Jerusalem, Mar 11:1. Whereas, therefore, Josephus saith that mount Olivet was but five furlongs from the city, he means the first brink and border of it. But our evangelist must be understood of the place where Christ ascended, where the name of Olivet began, as it was distinguished from Bethphage." Between the appearance of Christ to his apostles, mentioned in Luk 24:36, etc., almost all the forty days had passed, before he led them out to Bethany. They went by his order into Galilee, Mat 26:32; Mat 28:10; Mar 14:28; Mar 16:7; and there he appeared to them, as is mentioned by Matthew, Mat 28:16, etc., and more particularly by John, Joh 21:1, etc. See Bishop Pearce. Lifted up his hands - Probably to lay them on their heads, for this was the ordinary way in which the paternal blessing was conveyed, See Gen 48:8-20.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
to Bethany--not to the village itself, but on the "descent" to it from Mount Olivet.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This evangelist omits the solemn meeting between Christ and his disciples in Galilee; but what he said to them there, and at other interviews, he subjoins to what he said to them at the first visit he made them on the evening of the day he rose; and has now nothing more to account for but his ascension into heaven, of which we have a very brief narrative in these verses, in which we are told, I. How solemnly Christ took leave of his disciples. Christ's design being to reconcile heaven and earth, and to continue a days-man between them, it was necessary that he should lay his hands on them both, and, in order thereunto, that he should pass and repass. He had business to do in both worlds, and accordingly came from heaven to earth in his incarnation, to despatch his business here, and, having finished this, he returned to heaven, to reside there, and negotiate our affairs with the Father. Observe, 1. Whence he ascended: from Bethany, near Jerusalem, adjoining to the mount of Olives. There he had done eminent services for his Father's glory, and there he entered upon his glory. There was the garden in which his sufferings began, there he was in his agony; and Bethany signifies the house of sorrow. Those that would go to heaven must ascend thither from the house of sufferings and sorrow, must go by agonies to their joys. The mount of Olives was pitched upon long since to be the place of Christ's ascension: His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, Zac 14:4. And here it was that awhile ago he began his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Luk 19:29. 2. Who were the witnesses of his ascension: He led out his disciples to see him. Probably, it was very early in the morning that he ascended, before people were stirring; for he never showed himself openly to all the people after his resurrection, but only to chosen witnesses. The disciples did not see him rise out of the grace, because his resurrection was capable of being proved by their seeing him alive afterwards; but they saw him ascend into heaven, because they could not otherwise have an ocular demonstration of his ascension. They were led out on purpose to see him ascend, had their eye upon him when he ascended, and were not looking another way. 3. What was the farewell he gave them: He lifted up his hands, and blessed them. He did not go away in displeasure, but in love; he left a blessing behind him; he lifted up his hands, as the high priest did when he blessed the people; see Lev 9:22. He blessed as one having authority, commanded the blessing which he had purchased; he blessed them as Jacob blessed his sons. The apostles were now as the representatives of the twelve tribes, so that in blessing them he blessed all his spiritual Israel, and put his Father's name upon them. He blessed them as Jacob blessed his sons, and Moses the tribes, at parting, to show that, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 4. How he left them: While he was blessing them, he was parted from them; not as if he were taken away before he had said all he had to say, but to intimate that his being parted from them did not put an end to his blessing them, for the intercession which he went to heaven to make for all his is a continuation of the blessing. He began to bless them on earth, but he went to heaven to go on with it. Christ was now sending his apostles to preach his gospel to the world, and he gives them his blessing, not for themselves only, but to be conferred in his name upon all that should believe on him through their word; for in him all the families of the earth were to be blessed. 5. How his ascension is described. (1.) He was parted from them, was taken from their head, as Elijah from Elisha's. Note, The dearest friends must part. Those that love us, and pray for us, and instruct us, must be parted form us. The bodily presence of Christ himself was not to be expected always in this world; those that knew him after the flesh must now henceforth know him so no more. (2.) He was carried up into heaven; not by force, but by his own act and deed. As he arose, so he ascended, by his own power, yet attended by angels. There needed no chariot of fire, nor horses of fire; he knew the way, and, being the Lord from heaven, could go back himself. He ascended in a cloud, as the angel in the smoke of Manoah's sacrifice, Jdg 13:20. II. How cheerfully his disciples continued their attendance on him, and on God through him, even now that he was parted from them. 1. They paid their homage to him at his going away, to signify that though he was going into a far country, yet they would continue his loyal subjects, that they were willing to have him reign over them: They worshipped him. Luk 24:52. Note, Christ expects adoration from those that receive blessings from him. He blessed them, in token of gratitude for which they worshipped him. This fresh display of Christ's glory drew from them fresh acknowledgments and adorations of it. They knew that though he was parted form them, yet he could, and did, take notice of their adorations of him; the cloud that received him out of their sight did not put them or their services out of his sight. 2. They returned to Jerusalem with great joy. There they were ordered to continue till the Spirit should be poured out upon them, and thither they went accordingly, though it was into the mouth of danger. Thither they went, and there they staid with great joy. This was a wonderful change, and an effect of the opening of their understandings. When Christ told them that he must leave them sorrow filled their hearts; yet now that they see him go they are filled with joy, being convinced at length that it was expedient for them and for the church that he should go away, to send the Comforter. Note, The glory of Christ is the joy, the exceeding joy, of all true believers, even while they are here in this world; much more will it be so when they go to the new Jerusalem, and find him there in his glory. 3. They abounded in acts of devotion while they were in expectation of the promise of the Father, Luk 24:53. (1.) They attended the temple-service at the hours of prayer. God had not as yet quite forsaken it, and therefore they did not. They were continually in the temple, as their Master was when he was at Jerusalem. The Lord loves the gates of Zion, and so should we. Some think that they had their place of meeting, as disciples, in some of the chambers of the temple which belonged to some Levite that was well affected to them; but others think it is not likely that this either could be concealed fRom. or would be connived at by, the chief priests and rulers of the temple. (2.) Temple-sacrifices, they knew, were superseded by Christ's sacrifice, but the temple-songs they joined in. Note, While we are waiting for God's promises we must go forth to meet them with our praises. Praising and blessing God is work that is never out of season: and nothing better prepares the mind for the receiving of the Holy Ghost than holy joy and praise. Fears are silenced, sorrows sweetened and allayed, and hopes kept up. The amen that concludes seems to be added by the church and every believer to the reading of the gospel, signifying an assent to the truths of the gospel, and a hearty concurrence with all the disciples of Christ in praising and blessing God. Amen. Let him be continually praised and blessed.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
24:50-53 Luke also narrates Jesus’ ascension in Acts 1:1-11. For Luke, Jesus’ ascension confirmed his vindication, exaltation, and enthronement at God’s right hand as Messiah and Lord (Acts 2:24-36). From his position of glory and authority in heaven, Jesus guides and directs his church. 24:50 Bethany: See study note on 19:29; see also Acts 1:11-12; cp. Zech 14:4.
Luke 24:50
The Ascension
49And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”50When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them.51While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Ascension
By Willie Mullan1.6K1:04:15AscensionMRK 16:19LUK 1:1LUK 24:50ACT 1:1ACT 1:12EPH 1:1PHP 2:6In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Hebrews chapter 4, verse 14, which talks about Jesus being a great high priest. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus is not just a high priest, but also the Son of God. He highlights that Jesus' ascension to heaven is not just to escape earthly troubles, but to become the head of the church and the perfect savior for all believers. The preacher also emphasizes that Jesus can empathize with all our struggles and challenges, as he has experienced them himself. The sermon concludes with a call to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and grace from Jesus in times of need.
The Greatness of Christ's Name and Person
By T. Ernest Wilson1.5K1:54:42Name Of GodLUK 1:1LUK 24:50REV 22:10In this sermon, the preacher explains the structure of the Bible, comparing it to a book or a sermon. He states that the Bible has an introduction, which is found in the first three chapters, where we find a logical outline of God's plan for his people. The preacher then focuses on the four doctrines found in the passages they have read together. The first doctrine mentioned is the gospel, which is summarized as "Come, Take, and Use." The preacher emphasizes the invitation for all to come and partake in the water of life freely.
Easter conf.shannon Hills 02
By Welcome Detweiler92431:57MRK 16:19LUK 24:50ACT 1:6ACT 1:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing the safety that comes from having a relationship with God. He highlights that many people who appear to have it all together are actually living in fear and uncertainty. The preacher encourages the audience to share the message of salvation and anticipate the future with hope. He reminds them that even though the task may seem overwhelming, everyone has a role to play in spreading the gospel until Jesus returns. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the upcoming service and a call to continue seeking God's will.
Bible Portraits of Christ 02 His Feet
By James Booker74542:48LEV 26:11LUK 24:39LUK 24:50JHN 1:29In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a televised program about the Olympics and a long-distance walking event. The speaker uses this analogy to illustrate a lesson about spending time at the feet of Jesus. The sermon then focuses on the Song of Solomon chapter 5, where the speaker suggests that the story is all about the Lord's feet. The sermon explores four aspects of a woman who came to Jesus' feet: her name, her aim, her claim, and her fame.
Christ Ascended Seated
By Mack Tomlinson60434:15Ascension of ChristChrist's KingshipMRK 16:19LUK 24:50
Mack Tomlinson emphasizes the significance of Christ's ascension and session, explaining that after His work of redemption on the cross and resurrection, He ascended to Heaven and took His seat at the right hand of God. This act signifies the completion of His redemptive work and His exalted position as King and Lord over the universe. Tomlinson highlights that the ascension is not merely an end but a beginning of Christ's reign and intercession for believers, assuring them of their future ascension and eternal life with Him. He encourages the congregation to recognize the importance of Christ's ongoing role in governing the world and offering salvation to all who believe. The sermon concludes with a call to faith in Christ, who reigns and offers forgiveness to anyone who comes to Him.
A Place for the Lord
By Chip Brogden0MAT 8:20MAT 18:20MAT 26:7LUK 5:15LUK 10:38LUK 24:50JHN 1:10JHN 4:23REV 3:20Chip Brogden preaches about the importance of preparing a place for the Lord Jesus, emphasizing the need to welcome Him, hear His Word, give Him preeminence, recognize His worth, manifest Resurrection Life, celebrate Him, and have an ascendant spirit. He highlights how many gatherings fall short of meeting the Lord's Need, urging believers to be a place where the Lord finds satisfaction and heart-rest, focusing on spirit-and-truth worship and communion with Him.
Hell
By Thomas Boston0PRO 13:12MAT 8:12MAT 25:41LUK 24:50ROM 5:62CO 4:4REV 16:21REV 20:10Thomas Boston preaches about the eternal state of the damned in hell, emphasizing the everlasting misery and torment prepared for those who are cursed and sentenced to separation from God. The sermon delves into the quality, punishment, and aggravations of the condemned, highlighting the eternal duration of their torments and the society of devils they will be locked up with in hell. The preacher stresses the importance of repentance, surrendering to Jesus Christ, and fleeing from the wrath to come to avoid the dreadful fate of eternal punishment in the fiery pit of hell.
The Ascension
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 24:7JER 2:31LUK 24:50ACT 1:4COL 2:15HEB 7:25J.C. Philpot preaches about the ascension of the blessed Lord, emphasizing the undeniable fact of His ascension witnessed by His disciples, the glorious manner in which He entered heaven, and the two-fold purpose of His triumphant ascension - to rule over His enemies with a rod of iron and to rule in the hearts of His people with the sceptre of His grace as a High Priest over the house of God. Philpot highlights the identity of Jesus' glorified humanity with the same body in which He suffered on earth, the heavenly mysteries revealed through His incarnation, and the eternal distinction of His glorified humanity from the risen bodies of the saints.
The Parting Blessing
By J.R. Miller0Earthly DutyHeavenly HopeLUK 24:50J.R. Miller reflects on the poignant farewell of Jesus to His disciples, emphasizing the significance of His parting words and the blessing He bestowed upon them as He ascended into heaven. He highlights the comfort and love in Christ's final moments with His followers, reminding us that while Jesus is no longer visible, He continues to intercede for us from heaven. Miller encourages believers to keep their hearts set on heavenly things while remaining diligent in their earthly responsibilities, as the call to service does not cease in times of sorrow. The sermon reassures us that our Master awaits us in heaven, and our love for Him should inspire us to fulfill our duties on earth. Ultimately, it is a call to balance our heavenly hopes with our earthly tasks.
This Same Jesus
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0LUK 24:50ACT 1:10PHP 3:10PHP 3:20Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the joy and hope that filled the disciples as Jesus ascended into heaven, knowing He would come again for them. The same Jesus who walked on earth, healed the sick, and died for our sins is now our Advocate with the Father, interceding for us with unchanging love. Believers are called to know Him deeply and enjoy His presence, drawing near to Him in dependence and returning to Him when they have strayed. The blessed truth of 'this same Jesus' coming again fills believers with anticipation, leading to a life of holiness, service, and love for others.
The Gospel of Luke - Introduction
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0LUK 1:1LUK 2:1LUK 6:12LUK 15:11LUK 23:39LUK 24:13LUK 24:50HEB 5:1Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the Gospel of Luke, highlighting its unique perspective on the life of Jesus as the perfect Man, emphasizing His humanity and moral perfections. The Gospel of Luke, written by the beloved physician Luke, showcases the tender sympathies of Jesus as the Savior of humanity, portraying Him in a way that reveals His true and perfect Manhood. Luke's Gospel includes exclusive events and circumstances not found in the other Gospels, shedding light on the ministry, prayers, and parables of Jesus, as well as His interactions with various individuals. Through a careful study of the Gospel of Luke, believers can gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He led them out as far as to Bethany - The difficulties in this verse, when collated with the accounts given by the other evangelists, are thus reconciled by Dr. Lightfoot. "I. This very evangelist (Act 1:12) tells us, that when the disciples came back from the place where our Lord had ascended, they returned from mount Olivet, distant from Jerusalem a Sabbath day's journey. But now the town of Bethany was about fifteen furlongs from Jerusalem, Joh 11:18, and that is double a Sabbath day's journey. "II. Josephus tells us that mount Olivet was but five furlongs from the city, and a Sabbath day's journey was seven furlongs and a half. Antiq. lib. 20, cap. 6. About that time there came to Jerusalem a certain Egyptian, pretending himself a prophet, and persuading the people that they should go out with him to the mount of Olives, Ὁ και της πολεως αντικρυς κειμενον, απεχει σταδια πεντε; which, being situated on the front of the city, is distant five furlongs. These things are all true: 1. That the mount of Olives lay but five furlongs distant from Jerusalem. 2. That the town of Bethany was fifteen furlongs. 3. That the disciples were brought by Christ as far as Bethany. 4. That, when they returned from the mount of Olives, they traveled more than five furlongs. And, 5. Returning from Bethany, they traveled but a Sabbath day's journey. All which may be easily reconciled, if we would observe: - That the first space from the city was called Bethphage, which I have cleared elsewhere from Talmudic authors, the evangelists themselves also confirming it. That part of that mount was known by that name to the length of about a Sabbath day's journey, till it came to that part which is called Bethany. For there was a Bethany, a tract of the mount, and the town of Bethany. The town was distant from the city about fifteen furlongs, i.e. about two miles, or a double Sabbath day's journey: but the first border of this tract (which also bore the name of Bethany) was distant but one mile, or a single Sabbath day's journey. "Our Savior led out his disciples, when he was about to ascend, to the very first region or tract of mount Olivet, which was called Bethany, and was distant from the city a Sabbath day's journey. And so far from the city itself did that tract extend itself which was called Bethphage; and when he was come to that place where the bounds of Bethphage and Bethany met and touched one another, he then ascended; in that very place where he got upon the ass when he rode into Jerusalem, Mar 11:1. Whereas, therefore, Josephus saith that mount Olivet was but five furlongs from the city, he means the first brink and border of it. But our evangelist must be understood of the place where Christ ascended, where the name of Olivet began, as it was distinguished from Bethphage." Between the appearance of Christ to his apostles, mentioned in Luk 24:36, etc., almost all the forty days had passed, before he led them out to Bethany. They went by his order into Galilee, Mat 26:32; Mat 28:10; Mar 14:28; Mar 16:7; and there he appeared to them, as is mentioned by Matthew, Mat 28:16, etc., and more particularly by John, Joh 21:1, etc. See Bishop Pearce. Lifted up his hands - Probably to lay them on their heads, for this was the ordinary way in which the paternal blessing was conveyed, See Gen 48:8-20.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
to Bethany--not to the village itself, but on the "descent" to it from Mount Olivet.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This evangelist omits the solemn meeting between Christ and his disciples in Galilee; but what he said to them there, and at other interviews, he subjoins to what he said to them at the first visit he made them on the evening of the day he rose; and has now nothing more to account for but his ascension into heaven, of which we have a very brief narrative in these verses, in which we are told, I. How solemnly Christ took leave of his disciples. Christ's design being to reconcile heaven and earth, and to continue a days-man between them, it was necessary that he should lay his hands on them both, and, in order thereunto, that he should pass and repass. He had business to do in both worlds, and accordingly came from heaven to earth in his incarnation, to despatch his business here, and, having finished this, he returned to heaven, to reside there, and negotiate our affairs with the Father. Observe, 1. Whence he ascended: from Bethany, near Jerusalem, adjoining to the mount of Olives. There he had done eminent services for his Father's glory, and there he entered upon his glory. There was the garden in which his sufferings began, there he was in his agony; and Bethany signifies the house of sorrow. Those that would go to heaven must ascend thither from the house of sufferings and sorrow, must go by agonies to their joys. The mount of Olives was pitched upon long since to be the place of Christ's ascension: His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, Zac 14:4. And here it was that awhile ago he began his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Luk 19:29. 2. Who were the witnesses of his ascension: He led out his disciples to see him. Probably, it was very early in the morning that he ascended, before people were stirring; for he never showed himself openly to all the people after his resurrection, but only to chosen witnesses. The disciples did not see him rise out of the grace, because his resurrection was capable of being proved by their seeing him alive afterwards; but they saw him ascend into heaven, because they could not otherwise have an ocular demonstration of his ascension. They were led out on purpose to see him ascend, had their eye upon him when he ascended, and were not looking another way. 3. What was the farewell he gave them: He lifted up his hands, and blessed them. He did not go away in displeasure, but in love; he left a blessing behind him; he lifted up his hands, as the high priest did when he blessed the people; see Lev 9:22. He blessed as one having authority, commanded the blessing which he had purchased; he blessed them as Jacob blessed his sons. The apostles were now as the representatives of the twelve tribes, so that in blessing them he blessed all his spiritual Israel, and put his Father's name upon them. He blessed them as Jacob blessed his sons, and Moses the tribes, at parting, to show that, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 4. How he left them: While he was blessing them, he was parted from them; not as if he were taken away before he had said all he had to say, but to intimate that his being parted from them did not put an end to his blessing them, for the intercession which he went to heaven to make for all his is a continuation of the blessing. He began to bless them on earth, but he went to heaven to go on with it. Christ was now sending his apostles to preach his gospel to the world, and he gives them his blessing, not for themselves only, but to be conferred in his name upon all that should believe on him through their word; for in him all the families of the earth were to be blessed. 5. How his ascension is described. (1.) He was parted from them, was taken from their head, as Elijah from Elisha's. Note, The dearest friends must part. Those that love us, and pray for us, and instruct us, must be parted form us. The bodily presence of Christ himself was not to be expected always in this world; those that knew him after the flesh must now henceforth know him so no more. (2.) He was carried up into heaven; not by force, but by his own act and deed. As he arose, so he ascended, by his own power, yet attended by angels. There needed no chariot of fire, nor horses of fire; he knew the way, and, being the Lord from heaven, could go back himself. He ascended in a cloud, as the angel in the smoke of Manoah's sacrifice, Jdg 13:20. II. How cheerfully his disciples continued their attendance on him, and on God through him, even now that he was parted from them. 1. They paid their homage to him at his going away, to signify that though he was going into a far country, yet they would continue his loyal subjects, that they were willing to have him reign over them: They worshipped him. Luk 24:52. Note, Christ expects adoration from those that receive blessings from him. He blessed them, in token of gratitude for which they worshipped him. This fresh display of Christ's glory drew from them fresh acknowledgments and adorations of it. They knew that though he was parted form them, yet he could, and did, take notice of their adorations of him; the cloud that received him out of their sight did not put them or their services out of his sight. 2. They returned to Jerusalem with great joy. There they were ordered to continue till the Spirit should be poured out upon them, and thither they went accordingly, though it was into the mouth of danger. Thither they went, and there they staid with great joy. This was a wonderful change, and an effect of the opening of their understandings. When Christ told them that he must leave them sorrow filled their hearts; yet now that they see him go they are filled with joy, being convinced at length that it was expedient for them and for the church that he should go away, to send the Comforter. Note, The glory of Christ is the joy, the exceeding joy, of all true believers, even while they are here in this world; much more will it be so when they go to the new Jerusalem, and find him there in his glory. 3. They abounded in acts of devotion while they were in expectation of the promise of the Father, Luk 24:53. (1.) They attended the temple-service at the hours of prayer. God had not as yet quite forsaken it, and therefore they did not. They were continually in the temple, as their Master was when he was at Jerusalem. The Lord loves the gates of Zion, and so should we. Some think that they had their place of meeting, as disciples, in some of the chambers of the temple which belonged to some Levite that was well affected to them; but others think it is not likely that this either could be concealed fRom. or would be connived at by, the chief priests and rulers of the temple. (2.) Temple-sacrifices, they knew, were superseded by Christ's sacrifice, but the temple-songs they joined in. Note, While we are waiting for God's promises we must go forth to meet them with our praises. Praising and blessing God is work that is never out of season: and nothing better prepares the mind for the receiving of the Holy Ghost than holy joy and praise. Fears are silenced, sorrows sweetened and allayed, and hopes kept up. The amen that concludes seems to be added by the church and every believer to the reading of the gospel, signifying an assent to the truths of the gospel, and a hearty concurrence with all the disciples of Christ in praising and blessing God. Amen. Let him be continually praised and blessed.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
24:50-53 Luke also narrates Jesus’ ascension in Acts 1:1-11. For Luke, Jesus’ ascension confirmed his vindication, exaltation, and enthronement at God’s right hand as Messiah and Lord (Acts 2:24-36). From his position of glory and authority in heaven, Jesus guides and directs his church. 24:50 Bethany: See study note on 19:29; see also Acts 1:11-12; cp. Zech 14:4.