(Study Outline sourced from “The System Bible Study” – “The Book of Life” [Zondervan])
(14). The Appearance To the Apostles And Five Hundred Others And To James – The Commission
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.” Here, the Lord Jesus Christ gives what has become known as “The Great Commission” and has been the work of the Church and all believers down through the ages since that time – “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”.
“After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time….. Then he appeared to James” .
(15). The Appearance to All The Apostles With A Further Commission
“He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”” . “After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” . They were told that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but to wait on the promised gift of the Holy Spirit who would equip and empower them to perform the task that He had given to them.
(16). The Ascension (Probably From Olivet Near Bethany)
“When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.” .
“…he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.””
Mark, in his account, adds “…he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.”.
(17). The Joyful Worship Of The Risen Christ
“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.”
“Then they worshiped him….. with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.”
“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.”
(Completed)
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