Acts 1:11

"who also said, “You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky, will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky.”"

Key Reflection

In Acts 1:11, Jesus' disciples are gathered at Golgotha after his resurrection and before his ascension. The angel speaking to them, likely in a voice that sounded like the thunder of God, is directing their attention away from the sky where they have been watching Jesus ascend. This scene would have deeply impressed the original audience, as first-century Jews expected the Messiah to return in glory and power, similar to how he had departed. The angel's message reassures them that Jesus' departure was part of God's plan for salvation, emphasizing that his return will also be in a manner consistent with divine authority and majesty.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 11. Ye men of Galilee. Galilee was the place of their former residence; and this was the name by which they were commonly known. There is no evidence that the angel intended this name in any way to reproach them. Why stand ye, etc. There is doubtless a slight degree of censure implied in this, as well as a design to call their attention away from a vain attempt to see the departed Saviour. The impropriety may have been, (1.) in the feeling of disappointment, as if he would not restore the kingdom to Israel. (2.) Possibly they were expecting that he would again soon appear; though he had often foretold them that he would ascend to heaven.

Related Verses

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