The Daily Lectionary
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Thursday, May 9, 2024: Ascension of the Lord
Ascending in Glory:
Embracing Divine Authority and Mission
Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 7)
Introduction
With Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Thursday, May 9, 2024: Ascension of the Lord
Ascending in Glory:
Embracing Divine Authority and Mission
Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 7)
Introduction
This week's scriptural readings capture a profound moment of transition and empowerment within the Christian narrative. In Acts 1:1-11, we witness the Ascension of Jesus, underscoring His divine authority and the mission bestowed upon His followers. Psalm 47 echoes this celestial celebration, inviting all nations to acknowledge God's reign with jubilant praise. Ephesians 1:15-23 expands on this theme, as Paul prays for the faithful to receive wisdom and revelation, enabling them to fully grasp the extent of Christ's power and authority, which is far above all earthly rule. Concluding with Luke 24:44-53, we see the fulfillment of Scripture and Jesus’ final blessing before He ascends, leaving His disciples prepared and uplifted to spread the Good News. Together, these passages weave a tapestry of divine ascent, kingly rule, and the call to spiritual enlightenment and mission.
The opening passage of Acts 1:1-11 serves as a pivotal link between the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, both authored by Luke the Evangelist. This segment reiterates Jesus’ final interactions with His disciples, emphasizing the promise of the Holy Spirit and the commissioning of the disciples as witnesses to the ends of the earth. It also vividly describes Jesus' ascension into heaven after offering His final teachings. These verses not only set the theological and geographical scope of the apostolic mission but also underscore the continuity of Jesus’ work through the Spirit-empowered ministry of His followers.1 1 In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2 until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Expository Commentary
Verses 1-2 — Introduction and Summary of the Gospel:
- Verse 1 begins with Luke addressing Theophilus, whom he also addressed at the beginning of the Gospel of Luke, indicating that Acts is a continuation of his previous account. He refers to his "first book" (the Gospel of Luke), which dealt with all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day of his ascension.
Verses 3-5 — The Promise of the Holy Spirit:
- Verse 2 transitions to the period after the resurrection, noting that Jesus gave instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. This underscores the divine authority and guidance under which the apostles operated.
- Verse 3 describes Jesus presenting himself alive to his apostles after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. This establishes the certainty of the resurrection and the continued teaching of Jesus about the kingdom, a central theme of his ministry.
- Verse 4 recounts a specific gathering where Jesus commands the apostles not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father. This refers to the baptism with the Holy Spirit, previously spoken of by John the Baptist.
Verses 6-8 — The Ascension and the Great Commission:
- Verse 5 contrasts John’s baptism with water and the upcoming baptism with the Holy Spirit, marking a new phase in the followers' empowerment for their mission.
- Verse 6 shows the apostles asking Jesus if he will at this time restore the kingdom to Israel, indicating their ongoing misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' kingdom.
- Verse 7 Jesus redirects their focus from the timing of the kingdom’s restoration to their role in the kingdom's unfolding. He emphasizes that the times and seasons are set by the Father’s authority.
Verses 9-11 — The Ascension:
- Verse 8 is a pivotal verse where Jesus outlines the geographic and spiritual scope of the apostolic mission: they will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon them, and they will be his witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This verse acts as a thesis statement for the rest of Acts.
- Verse 9 describes the actual ascension of Jesus into heaven as the disciples watch. This miraculous event is detailed visually, marking a significant transition in the narrative and the disciples' experience.
Throughout this passage, the themes of witness, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and the unfolding plan of God are interwoven with the historical events of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension, providing a foundational understanding for the reader about the purpose and direction of the early Church. This commentary aims to clarify these connections and emphasize the passage’s significance in the broader narrative of Acts.
- Verses 10-11 introduce two men in white robes (angels), who reassure the disciples that Jesus, who has been taken into heaven, will come in the same way as they saw him go into heaven. This promise of return adds an eschatological dimension, affirming the Christian hope in Christ’s second coming.
Psalm 47 is a jubilant hymn of praise and celebration, exhorting all nations to recognize the supremacy and kingship of God. It calls for the people to clap their hands and shout to God with loud songs of joy, as it vividly depicts God as a sovereign ruler who subdues nations and chooses our inheritance for us. This Psalm, often associated with the Ascension of Jesus, is used in both Jewish and Christian liturgies to commemorate God's sovereignty and His rule over the earth. It emphasizes communal worship and the universal acknowledgment of God's rule, making it a powerful call to worship and rejoice in the Lord's divine authority and gracious governance.1 Clap your hands, all you peoples;
shout to God with loud songs of joy.
2 For the LORD, the Most High, is awesome,
a great king over all the earth.
3 He subdued peoples under us,
and nations under our feet.
4 He chose our heritage for us,
the pride of Jacob whom he loves. Selah
5 God has gone up with a shout,
the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises;
sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the king of all the earth;
sing praises with a psalm.
8 God is king over the nations;
God sits on his holy throne.
9 The princes of the peoples gather
as the people of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to God;
he is highly exalted.
Expository Commentary
Verse 1 — "Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with loud songs of joy.":Verse 2 — "For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, a great king over all the earth.":
- This opening verse acts as a universal call to worship, inviting all people, not just the Israelites, to participate in praising God. The clapping and loud shouts of joy indicate a celebration, akin to welcoming a king or celebrating a victory.
Verse 3 — "He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet.":
- The psalmist explains the reason for this celebration: God's awe-inspiring nature and His sovereignty. Described as "the Most High" and "a great king over all the earth," the verse emphasizes God’s supremacy and authority over the entire world, not just His chosen people.
Verse 4 — "He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves." Selah:
- This verse reflects on God's historical actions on behalf of His people, subduing other nations under Israel. It highlights the divine assistance that Israel received in conquering and claiming their promised land. It is both a recollection of past victories and a recognition of God's ongoing protection and favor.
Verse 5 — "God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.":
- Here, the focus shifts to God's specific provision and selection for Israel—their land and heritage, described as "the pride of Jacob," which is another name for Israel, reflecting God's special affection and covenant with them. "Selah" is likely a musical interlude or pause, giving time to reflect on these profound truths.
Verse 6 — "Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.":
- This verse could symbolically represent God’s ascension after a victorious battle, accompanied by celebratory shouts and trumpet blasts. It is reminiscent of royal or military processions, celebrating triumph. In Christian liturgy, this verse is often associated with Ascension Day, symbolizing Jesus’ ascent to heaven.
Verse 7 — "For God is the king of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!":
- The repetitive call to "sing praises" emphasizes the unending and exuberant worship due to God. The focus on singing specifically to "our King" underscores His personal relationship to His people as their sovereign and protector.
Verse 8 — "God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.":
- This verse reaffirms God's rule over all the earth, not just Israel, and calls for a response that is both joyful and musically rich ("with a psalm"). It's a universal proclamation of God’s kingship and an invitation for all to acknowledge Him through song.
Verse 9 — "The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham; for the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted.":
- The psalmist portrays God as not only Israel’s king but also as the ruler over all nations. The image of God seated on His holy throne symbolizes His stable and authoritative rule, evoking a scene of divine court and governance.
This commentary on Psalm 47 portrays it as a psalm of divine kingship and global dominion, celebrating God's rule and His deeds for His people, while also calling all nations to recognize and rejoice in His sovereignty.
- The final verse captures a scene of unity among different nations under God’s rule, suggesting that leaders from various nations come together under the acknowledgment of God's supreme authority. The reference to "the people of the God of Abraham" connects this rule to the Abrahamic covenant, which is foundational for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. "The shields of the earth" metaphorically represent military power, all of which ultimately belong to God, who is above all earthly powers and "highly exalted."
In Ephesians 1:15-23, the apostle Paul expresses his gratitude and admiration for the faith and love exhibited by the Ephesian Christians. Overflowing with thankfulness, he writes of his continual prayers for them, specifically that God would grant them a spirit of wisdom and revelation to deepen their understanding of Him. This passage highlights the power and supremacy of Christ, who is seated at God's right hand, far above all earthly and spiritual rulers. Paul emphasizes the vastness of Christ's authority and the church's privileged position as His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all, portraying the church not just as followers, but as integral parts of Christ's transcendent rule.1 15 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20 God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Expository Commentary
erses 15-16 — Gratitude for Faith and Love:
- Verse 15: Paul expresses his joy over hearing of the Ephesians' faith in Jesus and their love towards all the saints. Faith and love are recurring themes in Paul’s letters and are often used as markers of a genuinely transformative gospel impact.
Verse 17 — Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom and Revelation:
- Verse 16: He does not cease to give thanks for them while mentioning them in his prayers. This reflects Paul’s pastoral heart and his practice of intercessory prayer, highlighting the constant spiritual support he extends to the churches.
Verse 18 — Understanding Hope and Inheritance:
- Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation: Paul prays for the Spirit to grant the Ephesians deeper insight and understanding, specifically in their knowledge of God. This emphasizes not intellectual knowledge alone but experiential knowledge that transforms character and deepens faith.
Verse 19-20 — God’s Incomparably Great Power for Believers:
- The eyes of your heart enlightened: Paul uses a metaphor here, suggesting a deeper, inner understanding. He wants believers to fully realize the hope of God’s calling, the richness of God’s glorious inheritance in the saints, and the immense power available to them. This understanding is meant to transform how they view their circumstances and the future.
Verses 21-22 — Christ’s Authority and His Headship Over the Church:
- Verses 19-20: The focus here is on the power that God exercises on behalf of believers—described as exceedingly great. This power is the same as that which God exerted in raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms. By linking Christ's resurrection power to that available to believers, Paul underscores the divine strength supporting their lives and mission.
- Verse 21: Christ is exalted above every authority, power, dominion, and title—not only in the present age but also in the one to come. This establishes Jesus as the supreme authority over both earthly and spiritual realms.
Verse 23 — The Church as the Body of Christ:
- Verse 22: God placed all things under Christ’s feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church. This metaphor of "feet" signifies subjection and complete control, reinforcing Christ’s role as sovereign over all entities and events.
This passage is a powerful reminder of the spiritual resources available to believers through Christ, emphasizing not only personal salvation but also the cosmic significance of Christ's redemptive work. It invites readers to reflect on their own understanding of God’s call, the hope set before them, and the power at work within them.
- Verse 23: The church is described as Christ’s body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way. This illustrates an intimate and vital connection between Christ and the church, with the church functioning as the manifestation of Christ’s presence and power on earth.
The closing verses of Luke's Gospel encapsulate the profound moment when the risen Jesus, appearing to His disciples, unveils the deeper understanding of the scriptures concerning Himself. He emphasizes that all that had been written in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms was fulfilled through His suffering, death, and resurrection. This passage culminates in Jesus commissioning His disciples to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem and being empowered by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Finally, it recounts the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, an event that marks both an end and a beginning, as His followers are left in awe and joy, committed to continuous worship and blessing God.24 44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53 and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Expository Commentary
Verse 44 — "Then he said to them, 'These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.'": Jesus reiterates the necessity of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning Himself. He emphasizes that His life and mission were not random events but were prophesied in detail across the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.
Verse 45 — "Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures,": This verse signifies a pivotal moment where Jesus enlightens His disciples’ understanding—both spiritually and intellectually—enabling them to grasp the full meaning of the scriptures that pertain to Him. This understanding is crucial for their future role as bearers of the gospel.
Verse 46-47 — "and he said to them, 'Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.'": Jesus summarizes the core of the gospel message: His suffering, resurrection, and the call for repentance and forgiveness of sins. He outlines the disciples’ mission to spread this message universally, starting from Jerusalem, emphasizing the global scope of the gospel.
Verse 48 — "You are witnesses of these things.": Jesus appoints the disciples as witnesses, a legal and spiritual role that charges them with testifying to the truth of His life, death, and resurrection, and the hope it offers.
Verse 49 — "And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.": Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, referred to here as "power from on high," which the Father had promised. He instructs them to wait in Jerusalem until they receive this gift, which is essential for their effectiveness and courage in their mission.
Verses 50-51 — "Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.": The narrative moves to Bethany where Jesus performs a final priestly act of blessing, signifying ongoing spiritual favor and empowerment. His ascension, while they are being blessed, marks His return to the divine glory, signaling both a physical and spiritual departure.
Verse 52-53 — "They worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.": The disciples respond to Jesus’ ascension with worship and joy rather than mourning. Their continual presence in the temple, blessing God, indicates a life transformed by the encounter with the risen Christ and a public testimony of their faith.
This section of Luke not only concludes the Gospel but sets the stage for the Acts of the Apostles, also authored by Luke, detailing the early church’s empowerment by the Holy Spirit and the spread of the gospel starting from Jerusalem.
Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]
The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM, aided by ChatGPT. The biblical commentaries provided here are intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes only. The interpretations and insights offered are based on the authors' understanding and perspective of the Bible, which may be influenced by their theological training, denominational background, and personal beliefs.
The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM, aided by ChatGPT. The biblical commentaries provided here are intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes only. The interpretations and insights offered are based on the authors' understanding and perspective of the Bible, which may be influenced by their theological training, denominational background, and personal beliefs.
The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
