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John 20:22 took place before the Ascension and was related to the work of the Holy Spirit
in the New Birth as promised in John 3:3-5. Here in Acts 1:5 is the empowering for ministry
that was promised in Luke 24:49. The focus here is on the mission of the believers---one
that cannot be accomplished without the supernatural Holy Spirit baptism, which was to
follow Jesus’words about the spreading witness of the gospel through the Spirit-filled
disciples in Acts 1:8 could only be fulfilled with supernatural power as a result of being
baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Act 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.

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up (passive voice); and a
cloud (glory cloud) received him out of their sight.

Act records man’s view from the earth as Jesus ascends into heaven. Hebrews 1:3 reveals the
view from heaven as Jesus ascends: “. . . when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on
the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Verse 13 continues, “But to which of the angels said he
at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?”
Act 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood
by them in white apparel;

the two men are angels who have already been with them but have suddenly materialized,
appearing to the disciples. Jesus has already seen them, just as He had seen Moses and Elijah on
the Mount of Transfiguration.
Act 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus,
which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into
heaven.

The angels are referring to the second advent, not the rapture of the church. At the second
advent, Jesus will descend through the heavens and touched the Mount of Olives (Zechariah
14:4).

Man Chooses An Apostle (12-26)

As 120 disciples waiting in the upper room, Peter addresses the selection of the disciple to replace
Judas.
Act 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from
Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

A Sabbath day’s journey is approximately three-fifths of a mile (John 11:18).