| Geneva Study Bible {8} And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. (8) Christ ascends into heaven, and departing bodily from his disciples, fills their hearts with the Holy Spirit. People's New Testament 24:50 He led them out as far as to Bethany. For other accounts of the Ascension, see Mr 16:19,20 Ac 1:1-9. Blessed them. The last act of the Savior upon the earth was a blessing. Wesley's Notes 24:50 He led them out as far as Bethany - Not the town, but the district: to the mount of Olives, Acts 1:12, which stood within the boundaries of Bethany. Scofield Reference Notes Margin as far as until they were opposite Bethany. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 50-53. to Bethany-not to the village itself, but on the "descent" to it from Mount Olivet. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 24:50-53 Christ ascended from Bethany, near the Mount of Olives. There was the garden in which his sufferings began; there he was in his agony. Those that would go to heaven, must ascend thither from the house of sufferings and sorrows. The disciples did not see him rise out of the grave; his resurrection could be proved by their seeing him alive afterwards: but they saw him ascend into heaven; they could not otherwise have a proof of his ascension. He lifted up his hands, and blessed them. He did not go away in displeasure, but in love, he left a blessing behind him. As he arose, so he ascended, by his own power. They worshipped him. This fresh display of Christ's glory drew from them fresh acknowledgments. They returned to Jerusalem with great joy. The glory of Christ is the joy of all true believers, even while they are here in this world. While waiting for God's promises, we must go forth to meet them with our praises. And nothing better prepares the mind for receiving the Holy Ghost. Fears are silenced, sorrows sweetened and allayed, and hopes kept up. And this is the ground of a Christian's boldness at the throne of grace; yea, the Father's throne is the throne of grace to us, because it is also the throne of our Mediator, Jesus Christ. Let us rely on his promises, and plead them. Let us attend his ordinances, praise and bless God for his mercies, set our affections on things above, and expect the Redeemer's return to complete our happiness. Amen. Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. | 
