Old/New Testament

Jesus’ promise and ascension

³⁶ As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and said, “Peace be with you.” ³⁷ They were terrified and alarmed, and thought they were seeing a ghost.

³⁸ “Why are you so disturbed?” he said. “Why do these questionings come up in your hearts? ³⁹ Look at my hands and feet; it really is me, myself. Touch me and see! Ghosts don’t have flesh and bones like you can see I have.”

⁴⁰ With these words, he showed them his hands and feet.

⁴¹ While they were still in disbelief and amazement from sheer joy, he said to them, “Have you got something here to eat?” ⁴² They gave him a piece of baked fish, ⁴³ which he took and ate in front of them.

⁴⁴ Then he said to them, “This is what I was explaining to you when I was still with you. Everything written about me in the law of Moses, and in the prophets and the Psalms, had to be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds to understand the Bible.

⁴⁶ “This is what is written,” he said. “The Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷ and in his name repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, must be announced to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are the witnesses for all this. ⁴⁹ Now, look: I’m sending upon you what my father has promised. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

⁵⁰ Then he took them out as far as Bethany, and lifted up his hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ As he was blessing them, he was separated from them and carried into heaven.

⁵² They worshiped him, and went back to Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ They spent all their time in the Temple, praising God.