Acts 1:9-14

3. The Ascension the necessary condition before the advent of the Spirit, Acts 1:9-14 .

Compare note on Luke, entire § 156. We assume that on Olivet, about a sabbath day’s journey from the city, yet within the limits of the Bethany territory, took place this converse and departure.

How truly the ascension of Christ was the preceding condition to the sending of the Spirit, we, in fact, learn by turning from the writings of Luke to the Gospel of John. So do the different evangelists supplement and confirm each other. The narrators are several, the truth is one. See our notes to John 16:6-11. ”The ascension of Elijah,” says Baumgarten, “was as the flight of a bird, which none can follow; the ascension of Christ, as a bridge from earth to heaven for all who will to ascend.”