When we last left our disciples at the end of verse three they were preparing to say their goodbye’s to Jesus. The next few verses take place moment before his ascension and both Jesus and his followers are trying to squeeze in as much in as possible. Jesus begins to tell them about the promised Holy Spirit, reminding them of John the Baptist (who has been dead now for some time) and his water baptism and comparing it the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Then, like ADD children, the disciples interrupt and blurt out the question that is on all their minds: “Are you going to set up your kingdom on earth now?” The text doesn’t say anything about Jesus’ disposition or the look on his face though I imagine it was one of bemused puzzlement. He answer’s their question as “no”, in essence, reminding them they will not be in the know about such things, then guides the conversation back on course to finish his description of the Holy Spirit’s work.

About that work there is much to know. The Holy Spirit’s entering a person’s life is compared to a baptism, which throughout the New Testament era and previously was always immersion. This is a startling depiction, being immersed, or completely surrounded by God’s Spirit, having him wash over your being. I imagine this is not simply figurative, but may possibly be even more literal than what the apostles saw at Pentecost with the flames of fire licking the tops of people’s heads. Regardless of what it looks like, the reality of that moment is lasting (you didn’t lose the Spirit’s presence like Old Testament saints did) and empowering (the believer is provided strength and knowledge to make the gospel known).

Jesus then ascends, slowly enough that they all stand around watching as the savior floats higher and higher, a cloud covering him at one moment and he continues to rise. What Jesus was doing during the ascension we are not told. Was he simply standing in the air? Was he in a seated position and levitating higher and higher? Did he throw his hands up over his head and strike a Superman pose? Luke didn’t see fit to tell us. Personally I like to think of him standing, arms crossed, looking about nonchalantly like a guy riding alone in a slow elevator. Luke wasn’t a master of the details, but what he does give us is important.

One important detail is the two men, angels really, who suddenly appear standing next to the apostles and asking in good humor, “Why do you stand here looking up into the sky?” I imagine their presence and their question startled the lot of them. Again, we are not told, but I imagine these are the same two angels that appeared like spirit ninjas in Luke 24.4: “suddenly two men stood beside them in dazzling attire.” The same number, the same description of clothing, and they even started off with a question, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Who are these two messengers of God? Again, we’re not given such details. But I do not believe they were the harbinger angels announcing the birth of Jesus, or other angelic beings witnessed in the Old Testament. In each of those cases the witnesses were struck with fear and fell to the ground as if in worship. The first words of those beings were usually “Fear not!” or some variant thereof. These two evoke a different reaction and, I believe, serve a different purpose. Notice they do not make any pronouncements or deliver any prophecy from God, they are simply there to add definition to the events the witnesses are experiencing. It may be that there are a wide variety of angels, each serving their own purpose. These two appear to be observers mostly. Whoever they are, whatever their purpose, they make a bold promise, “in the same way Jesus left, he will return!”

He’s returning. What do you have left to do to be ready for his return?