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Book of Acts - Chapter 1 - Verse 9

1:9
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Meaning

According to the scripture, after Jesus had finished speaking to his disciples, he ascended into heaven in their presence. This moment is significant in Christian theology as it represents Jesus' return to the Father in heaven after completing his earthly ministry. The act of Jesus being taken up into heaven symbolizes his victory over sin and death, as well as his ultimate authority and power as the Son of God. The cloud that received Jesus out of their sight demonstrates the divine nature of his departure, connecting it to other biblical accounts of God's presence being associated with clouds, such as when the Israelites were led by a pillar of cloud in the wilderness. This event also serves as a fulfillment of Jesus' promise to his disciples that he would go to prepare a place for them in his Father's house. Overall, this verse signifies the completion of Jesus' earthly mission and sets the stage for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, marking the beginning of the spread of Christianity throughout the known world.

Theological Overview

One common theological interpretation of the verse "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." is that it signifies Jesus' ascension into heaven. The act of being taken up into the clouds references Jesus' return to the Father after completing his earthly ministry. It symbolizes his exaltation and the fulfillment of his mission on earth. Additionally, the image of a cloud receiving him out of their sight can be seen as a representation of the divine presence of God enveloping Jesus as he ascends. This moment marks the transition from Jesus' physical presence with his disciples to his ongoing spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the divine nature and authority of Jesus as the Son of God.

American Standard Version

And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
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