“To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3, KJV)
The Resurrection as the Turning Point of Redemptive History
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely an event—it is the divine pivot upon which all of Scripture turns. It is the Father’s public declaration that the sacrifice of the Son is accepted, death is conquered, and a new age in God’s redemptive plan has begun. Following His rising from the dead, Jesus did not immediately ascend to heaven. Instead, He remained on earth for a designated period with a specific divine purpose: to confirm, instruct, commission, and prepare His disciples for the work that would define the Church Age.
The Forty Days: Christ’s Post-Resurrection Ministry on Earth
Jesus Proved His Resurrection with Infallible Evidence
Acts 1:3 states that Jesus “shewed himself alive… by many infallible proofs.” This means His appearances were not mystical visions, symbolic impressions, or spiritual metaphors—He appeared physically and undeniably.
These proofs included:
- Appearing to Mary Magdalene (John 20:16)
- Appearing to the women along the road (Matthew 28:9–10)
- Walking with the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35)
- Appearing in the midst of the gathered disciples despite closed doors (John 20:19)
- Inviting Thomas to touch His wounds (John 20:27)
- Eating broiled fish before His disciples (Luke 24:42–43)
- Appearing to over five hundred brethren at once (1 Corinthians 15:6)
- Appearing to James, then to all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:7)
These appearances were not just manifestations of His presence—they were confirmations of His bodily resurrection, establishing the faith that the apostles would preach to the ends of the earth.
Jesus Opened the Scriptures to His Disciples
During these forty days, the risen Christ expounded the Scriptures in a way they had never understood before.
Luke 24:27 declares: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Christ revealed that every shadow, type, prophecy, and promise pointed to Him. He taught:
- That the Messiah must suffer, die, and rise again (Luke 24:46)
- That repentance and remission of sins must be preached in His name (Luke 24:47)
- That the Scriptures were unified testimony of His person and mission
This instruction prepared the apostles to lay the doctrinal foundation of the church with boldness and accuracy.
Jesus Restored and Commissioned His Disciples
Following their failure, fear, and scattering at His arrest, Jesus restored their calling.
To Peter, He asked three times, “Lovest thou me?” commissioning him to “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15–17).
To the apostles collectively, He breathed on them and declared, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22), a prophetic act anticipatory of Pentecost.
He commissioned them with the Great Commission—“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” (Matthew 28:19).
These were not mere instructions—they were the divine mandate of the Church’s mission until His return.
Jesus Spoke of the Things Pertaining to the Kingdom of God
Acts 1:3 emphasizes that Jesus taught specifically about the kingdom. Having risen triumphant, He revealed the spiritual and prophetic dimensions of the kingdom’s present and future forms. He prepared them for:
- The spiritual reign of Christ in the hearts of believers
- The global advance of the gospel
- The coming of the Holy Ghost
- The future restoration of Israel (Acts 1:6–7)
- The final consummation of the kingdom at His second coming
Thus, Jesus oriented their minds toward a prophetic understanding of God’s unfolding plan.
The Ascension: Christ’s Ongoing Heavenly Ministry
After forty days, Jesus ascended in the sight of His disciples (Acts 1:9–11). His ascension did not mark the end of His work—it inaugurated a new phase of His ministry.
Jesus Sat Down at the Right Hand of the Father
Hebrews 10:12 declares: “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.”
The seated position signifies:
- His finished atoning work
- His authority over all things
- His role as King and High Priest
Jesus Became Our High Priest and Advocate
Hebrews 7:25 states: “He ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
This means He continually represents believers before the Father, securing grace, mercy, and help.
1 John 2:1 adds: “We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
He stands as the eternal intercessor, mediating on behalf of His people.
Jesus Sent the Holy Ghost
From the throne, the risen Christ sent the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:33 reveals: “Having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this…”
The Spirit’s coming is evidence of Christ’s enthronement and ongoing reign.
Jesus Governs His Church
As the Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22), Christ actively directs His body. In Revelation, He walks “in the midst” of the seven golden candlesticks (Revelation 1:13), portraying His continual oversight, correction, and care for His churches.
Jesus Is Preparing a Place for His People
John 14:2–3 contains His promise: “I go to prepare a place for you.”
His ascension initiated His preparation of the eternal dwelling for the redeemed.
Jesus Awaits the Time of His Return
Hebrews 10:13 describes Him as “expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.”
This signifies:
- The coming Day of the Lord
- The future judgment
- The final establishment of His earthly kingdom
His present reign in heaven anticipates His future reign on earth.
Conclusion
The activity of Jesus following His resurrection and ascension reveals the majesty of His person and the fullness of His mission. His resurrection appearances provided irrefutable evidence of His victory over death, restored His disciples, clarified doctrine, and established the foundation of the Church’s mission. His ascension inaugurated His ongoing heavenly ministry—the ministry of intercession, governance, advocacy, preparation, and prophetic anticipation of His return.
Christ is not passive, absent, or distant. He is active, reigning, working, interceding, preparing, and soon returning. The risen and ascended Christ stands at the center of God’s redemptive plan, and His present ministry guarantees both the endurance of His Church and the certainty of His future kingdom on earth.