The Forty Days of the Risen Lord and the Promise of Power

Introduction

The Holy Scriptures declare a clear and orderly record of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and the events that followed. Rather than relying on tradition or assumption, we will allow the Word of God (KJV) alone to establish the truth of what took place during the forty days after His resurrection, and what followed thereafter.

1. The Risen Christ Was Seen for Forty Days

The foundation of this period is clearly stated:

Acts 1:3 (KJV)

“To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”

This verse establishes three key truths:

  • Jesus shewed himself alive
  • He provided many infallible proofs
  • He was seen forty days
  • He spoke of the kingdom of God

The record of Scripture therefore centers on the risen Christ teaching, revealing Himself, and confirming His resurrection.

2. The Risen Christ Declared Fulfillment of Scripture

Jesus Himself directed the disciples to understand His resurrection in light of the Scriptures:

Luke 24:44 (KJV)

“These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.”

The Word of God reveals that Christ’s suffering, resurrection, and glory were not random events, but the fulfillment of what had already been written.

3. Christ Opened the Understanding of the Disciples

The disciples did not rely on natural understanding, but on divine illumination:

Luke 24:45 (KJV)

“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,”

This shows that true understanding of Christ is given through His own revelation of the Scriptures.

4. The Message Commanded by the Risen Christ

The risen Lord declared the central message that would be preached:

Luke 24:46–47 (KJV)

“And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

The message is clearly defined:

  • Christ suffered
  • Christ rose from the dead
  • Repentance and remission of sins are preached in His name
  • This message begins at Jerusalem and extends to all nations

5. The Commission Given by Christ

Before His ascension, Jesus gave final instructions to His disciples:

Matthew 28:18–20 (KJV)

“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Also:

Mark 16:15 (KJV)

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

The emphasis is consistent:

  • Authority is in Christ
  • The mission is global
  • The message is the gospel
  • Teaching follows conversion

6. The Promise of the Holy Ghost

The disciples were instructed not to begin their mission immediately, but to wait:

Luke 24:49 (KJV)

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

And again:

Acts 1:4–5 (KJV)

“…he commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father…
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

Acts 1:8 (KJV)

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…”

The pattern is clear:

  • Wait in obedience
  • Receive power from above
  • Then become witnesses

7. The Ascension of Christ

After the forty days were completed, the Lord ascended:

Acts 1:9 (KJV)

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

The ascension marked the conclusion of His earthly appearances during this period.

8. The Time Between Ascension and Pentecost

Scripture indicates the disciples waited in Jerusalem for the promise:

Acts 1:12 (KJV)

“Then returned they unto Jerusalem…”

Acts 2:1 (KJV)

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come…”

Pentecost represents the moment when the promise was fulfilled. Since the resurrection appearances lasted forty days (Acts 1:3), and Pentecost occurred after the ascension, the disciples waited in obedience during the remaining days until that appointed time.

9. The Coming of the Holy Ghost

When Pentecost was fully come:

Acts 2:2–4 (KJV)

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind…
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire…
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

This marks:

  • The fulfillment of Christ’s promise
  • The empowering of the disciples
  • The beginning of public witness in power

10. The First Gospel Preaching and Its Effect

After receiving the Holy Ghost, Peter stood and preached:

Acts 2:38 (KJV)

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”

The result:

Acts 2:41 (KJV)

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

Conclusion

The Scriptures present a clear and unified account:

  • Christ rose from the dead and showed Himself alive
  • He appeared over a period of forty days
  • He taught the Scriptures and revealed the kingdom of God
  • He commanded the preaching of repentance and remission of sins
  • He instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Ghost
  • He ascended into heaven
  • The Holy Ghost came at Pentecost
  • The disciples were empowered to witness, and the Gospel began to spread

All of this is recorded not by human tradition, but by the inspired Word of God.

Final Scripture

John 5:39 (KJV)

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

The forty days after the resurrection testify that the risen Christ is central to all Scripture, and that His Word alone defines the truth of these events.


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