Four proofs of the Resurrection and Ascension

Acts 2:29–36
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In 1992 we took 75 young people on a three week Missions trip to Russia. This was soon after the Iron Curtain of Communism came down and the country was wide open for us to preach the Gospel of Christ to people in schools, churches, prisons, hospitals and even on the streets. A s … More

Resurrection

These verses include four proofs of the Lord’s Resurrection and Ascension:

The empty tomb (vv. 29-31)
The witness of the Resurrection (v. 32)
The witness of the believers (v. 33)
The presence of the Holy Spirit (vv. 34-36)

If the Holy Spirit is in the world, then God must have sent Him. But if Jesus is dead, He cannot send the Spirit; therefore, He must be alive. Furthermore, He could not send the Holy Spirit unless He had returned to heaven to the Father (John 16:7); so Jesus has ascended to heaven! Peter’s conclusion was both a declaration and an accusation: Jesus is your Messiah but you crucified Him.!

Peter’s point is that since David was dead and buried he could not have been referring to himself in Psalm 16:8-11. David was not resurrected, neither did he ascend to heaven (v.34), so these references are to Christ and His Resurrection. Prior to Christ’s Resurrection, the disciples did not believe that He would be raised from the dead. Now they are convinced, and the proof is that they are even willing to be imprisoned. These witnesses are trustworthy. Peter had 120 witnesses to prove it. There is where Christianity rests its case. Jesus Christ is Lord, whether men know it or not. The very forces which control their lives are dependent upon Him.

Application

It was very important for Peter to establish the truth of the Resurrection. What impresses me most about Peter in these verses is his courage, his knowledge, etc. I want to let Jesus be Lord of my life.

Acts 2:29-36 (English Standard Version)

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