Easter · The Ascension of Our Lord
Acts 1:1-11
Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven
May 14, 2026
Overview & Insights
“This Jesus... will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
Acts and the Third Gospel clearly come from the same hand. Not only their common dedication, but their common interests and their unity of language and style leave this beyond doubt. Moreover, the way in which they are introduced—the Gospel with its relatively detailed preface, Acts with its shorter introduction echoing the other’s language—points us to the fact that these are not simply two books by the same author, but two volumes of one book. This arrangement of a work into a number of “books” having a common preface, with the later books having their own brief introduction, was a not-uncommon feature of ancient writing (cf., e.g., Josephus, Against Apion 2.1–7; see BC , vol. 2, p. 491).
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Commentary
Commentary on Acts 1:1-11 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary Working Preacher
A lectionary scholar's exegesis of Luke's ascension account, the exact reading also appointed in the Revised Common Lectionary for Ascension.
Acts 1 Commentary: Jesus Ascends to Heaven Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik works through the forty days, the promise of the Spirit, and the cloud that received Jesus.
Acts 1:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on Luke's prologue to Theophilus and the ascension narrative.
Acts 1 Commentary | Precept Austin Precept Austin
Detailed evangelical notes and Greek word studies on the commission, the ascension, and the promise to return.
Acts 1:1-21 - Center for Excellence in Preaching Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on the ascension and the disciples' calling to witness rather than gaze upward.
Background & Word Study
Acts - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Scholarly introduction to Luke's second volume and its geography of witness from Jerusalem outward.
Book of Acts Summary | Watch an Overview Video (Part 1) BibleProject
An animated overview showing how Acts 1 launches the Spirit-empowered mission of the church.
Acts 1:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for the prologue and for anelemphthe (was taken up) in the ascension scene.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What happens at the Ascension?
After forty days Jesus is lifted up before the apostles and a cloud takes him from their sight; two angels promise his return, and he tells them to wait in Jerusalem for the Spirit and to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.
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