THE ASCENSION AND THE ASSEMBLY
Acts 1:9-14
I. Introduction
A. The Book of Acts is a Bridge
B. An Alliterated Outline
1. The Ascension v. 9
2. The Angels vv. 10-11
3. The Apostles vv. 12-13
4. The Assembly v. 14
II. The Necessity of the Ascension v. 9
A. To Adjust Expectations
B. To Discourage Rumors
C. To Demonstrate the New Theological Reality
D. To Offer a Final Proof of Authority
1. As a Proof of His Eternal Identity
2. As a Pattern of His Future Return
III. The Historicity of the Ascension
A. In the Emphasis on the Visual Reality vv. 9-11
B. In the Sequence of Final Events
1. The Ascent of Jesus
2. The Descent of the Spirit
3. The Advent of Jesus
IV. The Reason for the Angels vv. 10-11
A. To Certify
B. To Clarify
V. The Mustering of the Host vv. 13-14
A. The Extraordinary Ordinary (Humility) v. 13
B. The Discipline of Waiting Together (Unity) v. 14
C. The Opportunity of Prayer (Priority) v. 14