Lukas 24:50

to Bethany--not to the village itself, but on the "descent" to it from Mount Olivet.

This evangelist omits the solemn meeting between Christ and his disciples in Galilee; but what he said to them there, and at other interviews, he subjoins to what he said to them at the first visit he made them on the evening of the day he rose; and has now nothing more to account for but his ascension into heaven, of which we have a very brief narrative in these verses, in which we are told, I. How solemnly Christ took leave of his disciples. Christ's design being to reconcile heaven and earth, and to continue a days-man between them, it was necessary that he should lay his hands on them both, and, in order thereunto, that he should pass and repass. He had business to do in both worlds, and accordingly came from heaven to earth in his incarnation, to despatch his business here, and, having finished this, he returned to heaven, to reside there, and negotiate our affairs with the Father. Observe, 1. Whence he ascended: from Bethany, near Jerusalem, adjoining to the mount of Olives. There he had done eminent services for his Father's glory, and there he entered upon his glory. There was the garden in which his sufferings began, there he was in his agony; and Bethany signifies the house of sorrow. Those that would go to heaven must ascend thither from the house of sufferings and sorrow, must go by agonies to their joys. The mount of Olives was pitched upon long since to be the place of Christ's ascension: His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, Zac 14:4. And here it was that awhile ago he began his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Luk 19:29. 2. Who were the witnesses of his ascension: He led out his disciples to see him. Probably, it was very early in the morning that he ascended, before people were stirring; for he never showed himself openly to all the…

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.