Luke is the only scriptural writer who tells us that Christs post-resurrection ministry covered forty days.

What were the proofs that Jesus is alive? 1. Josephs tomb was empty and the stone was rolled away. 2. There were many eyewitnesses as mentioned by Paul in 1 Cor. 15:5,6. 3. He was seen by them daily over the course of 40 days, eating and teaching them. 4. They saw His miracles. 5. The disappearance of doubt among the apostles. 6. The work and witness of the disciples. What did those proofs prove? 1. They proved His victory over death. (1 Cor. 15:54-57) 2. They proved His claim that He was God (Romans 1:4) 3. They proved that His Gospel declaration that every sin could be forgiven through faith in Him alone was true. (Romans 4:25, 1 Cor. 15:17) 4. They proved that His atoning work on the cross was perfect and complete and accepted by the Father. The bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the Fathers declaration of Well done, good and faithful servant.

Jesus Is Alive And WellAnd Working! Acts 1:1-3

By Dr. Brad Whitt The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Acts 1:1-3

The book of Acts poses a question: How did the church become so bold and grow from such small and fearful beginnings in Jerusalem to the end of the earth (Acts1:8)? Derek Thomas

The works and words of Jesus

Verse 1b, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach

When Jesus ascended, He changed His presence for His omnipresence. F.P. Wood

Acts is a history book it is the history of the early church written by a very careful historian. But its more than just history. It is His-story. Acts is about Jesus. It continues Lukes very careful compilation of the story of the life and ministry of Jesus.

This is a very important statement because it divides the work of Jesus into two great branches: His work on earth and the other His subsequent work from Heaven.

Christs commands to His apostles

Verse 2b, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen Literally, Having given command. This emphasizes the force of the truth. It encompasses a series of commands to obey God, as well as threats of consequences for disobedience. This is the same word used in Matthew 28:20 and gives us the phrase, Great Commission.

There are two reasons why the church is so powerless and ineffective today: 1. Many dont know biblical truth. 2. Those who may know biblical truth far too many times dont live by it.

Im going to Heaven, but my work is not done.

Verse 2a, until the day in which He was taken up

Jesus is alive? Prove it!

Verse 3a, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

The ascension of Jesus is the turning point where Lukes Gospel ends and the Acts begins. We must always have the ascension in mind if we are going to rightly understand the true nature of Christs church on earth.