23. THE OF CHRIST Mark 16:19 19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, --The Great Commission and the instructions connected therewith. was received--By the Father and all the heavenly host. up into heaven,--This must have been a happy meeting since it had been about thirty-three and a half years since Jesus left heaven. He was blessing his disciples when he parted from them. (Luke 24:51.) He was borne up from Mount Olivet and a cloud received him out of sight. (Acts 1:9-12.) He also ascended from Bethany. (Luke 24:50-51.) No contradiction here as skeptics claim from the fact that Bethany is situated on the east side of Mount Olivet. He ascended from both Bethany and Mount Olivet. Jesus will return to earth again in like manner as he ascended. (Acts 1 10, 11.) After his resurrection Jesus associated with his disciples on earth forty days. (Acts 1:3.) and sat down at the right hand of God.--It means that Jesus was exalted to honor and power in the heavens. It was esteemed the place of the highest honor to be seated at the right hand of a prince. So, to be seated at the right hand of God means that Jesus is exalted to the highest honor of the universe. (Ephesians 1:20-23.) The language of the verse establishes a close connection in time between the close of the speech Jesus made and his ascension. The same connection is indicated by Luke both in his gospel and in Acts, where, although he quoted none of the words reported by Mark, he reports a conversation quite similar to it which occurred on the same occasion and was immediately followed by the ascension. (Luke 24:49-51; Acts 1:4-9.)