THE REALITY OF THE RISEN JESUS

36 Asaa they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peaceab to you!” 37 But they were startled and terrifiedac and thought they were seeing a ghost.ad 38 “Why are you troubled?”ae he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself!af Touch me and see,ag because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish,D 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.

44 He told them, “These are my wordsah that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets,ai and the Psalmsaj must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their mindsak to understandal the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written:E The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day,am 47 and repentance forF forgiveness of sinsan will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations,ao beginning at Jerusalem.ap 48 You are witnessesaq of these things. 49 And look, I am sending youG what my Father promised.ar As for you, stay in the cityH until you are empoweredI,as from on high.”

THE ASCENSION OF JESUS

50 Then he led them out to the vicinity of Bethany,at and lifting up his handsau he blessed them. 51 And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven.av