Introduction: The Prophecies About Jesus’ Ascension
The ascension of Jesus is a profound event in Christian theology, signifying His return to the Father and the completion of His earthly ministry. The prophecies about Jesus’ ascension are detailed in the Old Testament and were fulfilled in the New Testament, confirming His identity as the Messiah. These prophecies, along with non-biblical references, provide a comprehensive view of Jesus’ ascension. This article explores the prophecies about Jesus’ ascension, their fulfillment, and supporting references for deeper understanding.
Bible Gateway is a good reference for looking up the scriptures mentioned below.
1. Ascending on High (Psalm 68:18)
Prophecy: “When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious—that you, Lord God, might dwell there.” (Psalm 68:18)
Fulfillment: This prophecy is fulfilled in Ephesians 4:7-10, where it describes Jesus ascending to heaven, where He “led captivity captive” and gave gifts to His followers through the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:9 records Jesus physically ascending into heaven, witnessed by His disciples.
Non-Biblical Reference: The 1st-century historian Josephus, in Antiquities of the Jews, provides insight into the early Christian community and its belief in the ascension. Although Josephus does not explicitly mention Jesus’ ascension, his works offer valuable context about the period.
2. Seated at the Right Hand of God (Psalm 110:1)
Prophecy: “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'” (Psalm 110:1)
Fulfillment: In Mark 16:19 and Acts 2:33, Jesus ascended to heaven and sat at the right hand of God. This position of authority is also highlighted in Hebrews 1:3.
Non-Biblical Reference: Early Christian apologists like Justin Martyr and Irenaeus frequently referenced the ascension and Jesus’ place at the right hand of God, demonstrating the theological importance of the event in early Christian thought.
3. The Son of Man Coming with the Clouds (Daniel 7:13-14)
Prophecy: “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.” (Daniel 7:13-14)
Fulfillment: Jesus references this prophecy in Matthew 26:64 and it was fulfilled in Acts 1:9-11, when Jesus ascended into heaven, “taken up in a cloud.”
Non-Biblical Reference: Tacitus, a Roman historian, wrote about the early Christians in Annals, describing their belief in Jesus’ divine nature, including His resurrection and ascension. Though indirect, Tacitus’ writings reflect the impact of these beliefs on Roman society.
4. The King of Glory Ascending (Psalm 24:7-10)
Prophecy: “Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.”
Fulfillment: In Acts 1:9, Jesus ascended into heaven, where He was received in glory, having conquered sin and death.
Non-Biblical Reference: Early Christian writers such as Ignatius of Antioch and Clement of Rome emphasized the glory of Jesus’ ascension. Their letters and teachings shaped early Christian views on the significance of this event.
5. His Greatness Reaches the Ends of the Earth (Micah 5:2-4)
Prophecy: “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord… and his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.”
Fulfillment: After Jesus’ ascension, His message spread to the ends of the earth. In Acts 1:8, Jesus instructs His disciples to spread the gospel, which is being fulfilled today through the global church.
Non-Biblical Reference: Justin Martyr also references this spread of the Christian message in his Dialogue with Trypho, showing how early Christians understood the expansion of Jesus’ message as a fulfillment of prophecy.
6. Exalted and Highly Lifted Up (Isaiah 52:13)
Prophecy: “See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.”
Fulfillment: In Philippians 2:9-11, Jesus is exalted after His resurrection and ascension, where He is given the name above all names, and every knee will bow.
Non-Biblical Reference: The Didache, an early Christian document, references the ascension and return of Jesus, showing how the early Christian community viewed the fulfillment of the prophecies about Jesus’ exaltation.
Conclusion: The Prophecies About Jesus’ Ascension Fulfilled
The prophecies about Jesus’ ascension were fulfilled in the New Testament, confirming Jesus’ divine mission. His ascension to the right hand of God and the global spread of His message are powerful testaments to the accuracy of these prophecies. Early Christian writings and historians such as Tacitus and Josephus offer additional support for the ascension’s impact on history. These accounts demonstrate the profound truth of Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
For more information concerning the prophecies about Jesus, see our main page on Jesus Prophecies.