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Forty days passed by, and during these days Jesus often spoke with his disciples about the kingdom of God. Still they did not understand that it would not be an earthly kingdom, like the kingdom of David had been. At last the time came for their farewell meeting.

During this time Jesus appeared to his disciples and when they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them saying "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

While they talked earnestly together, Jesus said, "John the Baptist baptized you with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days."

Some of the disciples asked, "Will you at that time restore the kingdom of Israel?" But Jesus said "It is not for you to know the plans of the heavenly Father, but you shall receive power from heaven when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and this power will cause you to witness boldly to me in Jerusalem, in all the country of Judah, in Samaria and in the farthest parts of the world. But do not go away from Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit is given to you."

While Jesus talked to them they were standing together on the Mount of Olives, and suddenly the disciples saw him being caught up into heaven. They watched until he disappeared from sight in bright clouds, after which they saw him no more. But still they stood gazing upward, hoping to catch one more glimpse of their departing Lord.

Two angels came and stood beside them, clothed in beautiful garments of white. They said "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven will come again in the same manner as he went away."

Then they left the place and went into Jerusalem, into a room upstairs where they met together with other friends of Jesus to wait and pray until the promised Holy Spirit would be given to them. No longer were they sorrowing, for now great joy filled their hearts and there was no doubt that Jesus was really the Christ.