Jesus' Ascension Commission to Disciples in Luke 24
Luke 24 describes the events following Jesus' resurrection, culminating in his ascension and the commission given to his disciples. The chapter begins with the discovery of the empty tomb by women who had come to anoint Jesus' body, where angels announce his resurrection [8]. This event is a cardinal fact of the gospel, as the entire New Testament revelation rests on the historical fact of Christ's resurrection [3].
Following this, Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, correcting their misunderstanding of the Messiah's necessity to suffer and then revealing himself to them [7]. The disciples return to Jerusalem, where they find the eleven and others gathered, who confirm that "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" [1].
Jesus then appears to the assembled disciples, standing among them [4]. He shows them his hands and feet, demonstrating that he is not a spirit but has flesh and bones, and eats fish to further prove his physical resurrection [4]. He reminds them that everything written about him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled. He then "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24:45 ESV).
The commission itself is found in Luke 24:46-49 (ESV): "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." This passage outlines the core message—Christ's suffering, resurrection, and the proclamation of repentance and forgiveness of sins—and the scope of the mission, "to all nations," starting from Jerusalem. The disciples are designated as "witnesses" and are instructed to wait for the "promise of my Father," which is the Holy Spirit, to empower them for this task [2].
Finally, Jesus leads them out to Bethany, where he blesses them and is carried up into heaven [2, 5]. Luke also narrates this ascension in Acts 1:1-11, emphasizing its significance as Jesus' vindication, exaltation, and enthronement at God's right hand [5]. This ascension signifies Jesus' authority over all creation [6]. The disciples then return to Jerusalem with great joy, continually praising God in the temple [5].
Sources
- Luke “saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” -- Luke 24:34”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Ascension of Christ, The — Prophecies respecting -- Ps 24:7; 68:18; Eph 4:7,8. Foretold by himself -- Joh 6:62; 7:33; 14:28; 16:5; 20:17. Forty days after his resurrection -- Ac 1:3. Described -- Ac 1:9. From Mount Olivet -- Lu 24:50; Mr 11:1; Ac 1:12. While blessing his disciples -- Lu 24:50. When he had atoned for sin -- Heb 9:12; 10:12. Was triumphant -- Ps 68:18. Was to supreme power and dignity -- Lu 24:26; Eph 1:20,21; 1Pe 3:22. As the forerunner of his people -- Heb 6:20. To intercede -- Ro 8:34; Heb 9:24. To send the Holy Spirit -- Joh 16:7; Ac 2:33. To recei”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Resurrection of Christ — One of the cardinal facts and doctrines of the gospel. If Christ be not risen, our faith is vain (1 Cor. 15:14). The whole of the New Testament revelation rests on this as an historical fact. On the day of Pentecost Peter argued the necessity of Christ's resurrection from the prediction in Ps. 16 (Acts 2:24-28). In his own discourses, also, our Lord clearly intimates his resurrection (Matt. 20:19; Mark 9:9; 14:28; Luke 18:33; John 2:19-22). The evangelists give circumstantial accounts of the facts connected with that event, and the apostles, ”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 24:36: JESUS APPEARS TO THE ASSEMBLED DISCIPLES--HIS ASCENSION. (Luke 24:36-53) Jesus . . . stood--(See on Joh 20:19).”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 24:50: 24:50-53 Luke also narrates Jesus’ ascension in Acts 1:1-11. For Luke, Jesus’ ascension confirmed his vindication, exaltation, and enthronement at God’s right hand as Messiah and Lord (Acts 2:24-36). From his position of glory and authority in heaven, Jesus guides and directs his church. 24:50 Bethany: See study note on 19:29; see also Acts 1:11-12; cp. Zech 14:4.”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 24:51: 24:51 Cp. 2 Kgs 2:11. Jesus’ ascension was his exaltation to a position of authority over all creation (see Acts 2:32-36; 5:31; Eph 1:19-23; Phil 2:9-11; Heb 1:13).”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 24:13: 24:13-34 This account is Luke’s unique contribution to the resurrection narratives. Jesus corrected these disciples’ misunderstanding by showing from Scripture that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer. He then opened their eyes to the truth of his resurrection. 24:13 two of Jesus’ followers: Jesus had many disciples in addition to the Twelve (see 10:1, 17). Nothing else is known of Cleopas (24:18) or the other disciple (who may have been his wife). They were probably returning from celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem.”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 24 (introduction): Our Lord Jesus went gloriously down to death, in spite of the malice of his enemies, who did all they could to make his death ignominious; but he rose again more gloriously, of which we have an account in this chapter; and the proofs and evidences of Christ's resurrection are more fully related by this evangelist than they were by Matthew and Mark. Here is, I. Assurance given by two angels, to the woman who visited the sepulchre, that the Lord Jesus was risen from the dead, according to his own word, to which the angels refer them (Luk 24:1-7), and the ”