What Happened After Jesus Ascended to Heaven?
The ascension of Jesus bridges the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the establishment of the church’s mission in the world. The New Testament provides a detailed account of Jesus’ ascension and the following events that shaped the early Christian community. This article explores the significance of what came about after Jesus ascended to heaven.
The Ascension of Jesus
The ascension of Jesus is recorded most explicitly in Acts 1:9-11, where, after instructing his disciples, Jesus “was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” The disciples, gazing upward, are addressed by two angels who assure them that “this Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” This is a theological transition. Jesus’ ascension signifies the completion of his mission on earth–his life, death, and resurrection–and the commencement of his exalted ministry at the right hand of God (Hebrews 1:3).
The ascension also marks the end of Jesus’ physical presence with his followers and the beginning of a new mode of presence through the Holy Spirit. Jesus had promised, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18). His departure would usher in a new era of divine indwelling and empowerment for his disciples.
What Happens After the Ascension - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Immediately following the ascension, the disciples returned to Jerusalem in obedience to Jesus’ command to “wait for the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4). This referred to the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would empower the disciples for their mission. Jesus had previously instructed them, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
The anticipation of the Spirit’s arrival is rooted in Old Testament prophecy, particularly Joel 2:28-29, which foretold a time when God would pour out his Spirit on all flesh. The disciples’ obedience in waiting reflects their growing understanding of the necessity of divine empowerment for the task ahead. Their time in the upper room, devoted to prayer and unity (Acts 1:14), set the stage for the transformative events that would soon unfold.
Pentecost: The Birth of the Church
Ten days after the ascension, during the Jewish festival of Pentecost, the promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled. Acts 2:1-4 describes how the disciples were all together when “suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
This event marks the birth of the church as a distinct community, empowered to bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus. The miraculous ability to speak in various languages enabled the disciples to proclaim the gospel to the diverse crowds gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost. Acts 2:5-8 notes that Jews from “every nation under heaven” heard the message in their own languages, which is a reversal of the confusion of tongues at Babel (Genesis 11). The gospel is a universal gift.
Peter’s sermon on Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2:14-36, interprets these events as the fulfillment of prophecy and calls the listeners to repentance and faith in Jesus as the risen Messiah. The response is remarkable: “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). The church, which had numbered in the hundreds, suddenly expanded into the thousands, demonstrating the power of the Spirit and the effectiveness of the apostolic witness.
The Apostolic Mission and the Spread of the Gospell
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost inaugurated a new phase in redemptive history–the global mission of the church. Jesus’ followers, once fearful and uncertain, became bold proclaimers of the gospel. The book of Acts details the rapid spread of the Christian message from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and ultimately to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
The apostles performed signs and wonders, validating their message and demonstrating the continued presence and power of God among his people (Acts 2:43; 3:6-7; 8:7). The early church devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42), embodying a new community full of love, generosity, and unity.
Persecution soon arose, but this did not stop the movement. It made it stronger, and scattered believers and further the spread of the gospel (Acts 8:1-4). The conversion of Saul of Tarsus (later Paul) in Acts 9 was a turning point, as he became the apostle to the Gentiles, carrying the message of Jesus beyond the boundaries of Judaism and into the wider Greco-Roman world.
Ascension Implications
The ascension establishes the exaltation of Jesus as Lord and Christ. Peter declares in his Pentecost sermon, “God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). Jesus’ enthronement at the right hand of God fulfills the messianic expectation of Psalm 110:1 and establishes him as the mediator between God and humanity (Hebrews 8:1; 9:24-25).
The ascension also inaugurates Jesus’ ongoing ministry of intercession. Hebrews 7:25 states, “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Jesus’ presence in heaven assures believers of continual access to God’s grace and mercy.
Because Jesus ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit was able to come down as the Helper for his followers. Jesus himself said, “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). The Spirit’s indwelling presence empowers believers for witness, sanctification, and service.
Finally, the ascension points forward to Jesus’ return. The angels’ words in Acts 1:11–“this Jesus… will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven”–anchor the church’s hope in the future consummation of God’s kingdom. The ascension, therefore, is both a conclusion and a promise, assuring believers that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead and to establish his reign in fullness (Revelation 21:1-4).
The Greater Works of the Church
A striking statement by Jesus in John 14:12 sheds light on the post-ascension mission of the church: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” The collective ministry of the church, empowered by the Spirit, will have a greater extent and reach.
The rapid expansion of the church, the transformation of lives, and the global proclamation of the gospel are the “greater works” that flow from Jesus’ ascension and the sending of the Spirit. The church, as the body of Christ, continues his mission in the world, bearing witness to his resurrection and embodying his love and truth.
Conclusion - What Happened After Jesus Ascended to Heaven?
After Jesus ascended to heaven, the early church experienced a profound transformation. The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost empowered the disciples to fulfill the Great Commission, resulting in the rapid spread of the gospel and the formation of a new community of faith. The ascension of Jesus signifies his exaltation, the inauguration of his heavenly ministry, and the promise of his return. Believers are empowered by the Spirit, and are called to continue the mission of Jesus, bearing witness to his lordship and anticipating the day when he will return to make all things new. The events following the ascension are the foundation of the church’s identity, mission, and hope.