Mark 16:19

Mark 16:19

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

a. NLT: When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

b. NIV: After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.

c. YLT: The Lord, then, indeed, after speaking to them, was received up to the heaven, and sat on the right hand of God;

d. Amplified Bible: So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and He sat down at the right hand of God.

e. Worrell Translation: The Lord Jesus, therefore, after He spake to them, was caught up into Heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

1. “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them…”

a. so [3303 * men] [Strong: a primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with 1161 (this one, the former, etc.):--even, indeed, so, some, truly, verily. Often compounded with other particles in an intensive or asseverative sense.]

b. then [3767 * oun] [Strong:  apparently a primary word; (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly:--and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore.]

c. after [3326 * meta] [Strong: a primary preposition (often used adverbially); properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession) with which it is joined; occupying an intermediate position between 575 or 1537 and 1519 or 4314; less intimate than 1722 and less close than 4862):--after(-ward), X that he again, against, among, X and, + follow, hence, hereafter, in, of, (up-)on, + our, X and setting, since, (un-)to, + together, when, with (+ -out). Often used in composition, in substantially the same relations of participation or proximity, and transfer or sequence.]

d. the Lord [2962 * kurios] [Strong: from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir.]

e. had spoken [2980 * laleo] [Strong: a prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. utter words:--preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter.]

f. unto them [846 * autos] [Strong: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

2. “…he was received up into heaven…”

a. he was received up [353 * analambano] [Strong: from 303 and 2983; to take up:--receive up, take (in, unto, up).]

b. into [1519 * eis] [Strong: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).]

c. heaven [3772 * ouranos] [Strong: perhaps from the same as 3735 (through the idea of elevation); the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity):--air, heaven(-ly), sky.]

1). The ascension is recorded in Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50, 51 and Acts 1:6-11 and was witnessed by the apostles.

a). Luke 24:50, 51 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

b). Acts 1:6-11 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

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.

1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

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.

2). There is a reference in 1 Corinthians that recounts 500 believers saw him at the same time after his resurrection.

a). 1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

(1) It is unclear when this occurred. None of the 4 Gospels recorded it. Some scholars believe it could have happened when Jesus told his disciples to meet him in Galilee (Matthew 28:16). I only mention it because some have said this could have occurred at the ascension  

3. “…and sat on the right hand of God.”

a. and [2532 * kia] [Strong: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. sat [2523 * kathizo] [Strong: another (active) form for 2516; to seat down, i.e. set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell):--continue, set, sit (down), tarry.]

c. on [1537 * ek] [Strong: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):--after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, ...ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.]

d. the right hand [1188 * dexios] Strong: from 1209; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes):--right (hand, side).]

e. God [2316 * theos] [Strong: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

1). Most believers do not realize the importance of the event of Christ Jesus sitting on the right hand of God after his ascension. This is a reference to Psalm 110:1, the most quoted or alluded to verse in the New Testament from the Old Testament; it is quoted or alluded to 16 times. The reason Psalm 110:1 is the most quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament is because, other than the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Christ and depositing his own blood in the heavenly Holy of Holies (Hebrews 9:12), the sitting down of Christ at the right hand of God is the most pivotal moment in the establishment of the New Covenant. Jesus said that it was necessary that he go away for only then would the Holy Ghost would be poured out.

a). John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

2). The baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking with other tongues was poured out only after Jesus sat down at the right hand of God.

a). Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

3). Without the giving of the Holy Ghost, the enforcement of the New Covenant, beginning with the new birth would have been impossible. First of all, it is the Holy Ghost that recreates the human spirit when a person becomes born again.

a). Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

b). 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

4). It is the will of God that every believer be baptized in the Holy Ghost and be empowered to be His witnesses through signs and wonders.

a). Hebrews 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

b). Acts 1:4-8 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

5). One of the 16 quoted or alluded to instances of Psalm 110:1 in the New Testament is found in Hebrews 12.

a).  Hebrews 10:12, 13 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;

10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

6). Jesus is sitting next to the Father waiting and expecting his enemies to be made his footstool. The instrument he will use to accomplish that task is the church, empowered with the power of the Holy Ghost. For a more lengthy study of this see my notes under Psalm 110:1.