Acts 1:2

"until the day in which he was received up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen."

Key Reflection

Acts 1:2 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian narrative, following Jesus' resurrection and ascension. The phrase "until the day in which he was received up" refers to the specific day when Jesus ascended into heaven after spending forty days with his disciples (Acts 1:3). This event marked the official end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of a new mission for the apostles, who were commissioned by the Holy Spirit to carry on his work. The original audience would have understood that this transition was divinely ordained, highlighting the continuity between Christ’s earthly presence and the ongoing mission of his followers.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 2. Until the day. The fortieth day after his resurrection, Ac 1:3; Lu 24:51. In which he was taken up. In which he ascended to heaven. He was taken up into a cloud, and is represented as having been borne or carried to heaven, Ac 1:9. After that, etc. This whole passage has been variously rendered. The Syriac renders it, "After he had given commandment unto the apostles whom he had chosen by the Holy Spirit." So also the Ethiopic version. Others have joined the words "through the 'Holy Ghost" to the phrase "was taken up," making it mean that he was taken up by the Holy Ghost. But the most natural and correct translation seems to be that which is in our version. Through the Holy Ghost.

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