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From Easter to the Ascension
“Harrowing of Hell” fresco (c. 1430s) by Fra Angelico. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.
Jesus rose bodily from the dead on Easter Sunday, but he did not ascend to heaven until 40 days later. What was going on during this period of more than a month?
Luke puts it this way, “He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3)
John mentions two appearances after Easter and before the Ascension. A week after the Resurrection, Jesus entered the locked room where the Apostles were gathered and told Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” (Jn 20:27) Sometime later, he appeared again at the Sea of Tiberias where the Apostles had been fishing overnight and makes them breakfast. While there Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him.
Paul adds yet another fascinating detail, “he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:6) Paul probably wrote his First Letter to the Corinthians in the mid-50s, about 20 years after the Resurrection. It would make sense that some of the eyewitnesses had died by then, especially if they had been older during Jesus’ public ministry.
All of these post-Resurrection appearances underscore that this was no vision or dream. Moreover, the body was not stolen or otherwise missing. The same body that had been nailed to the cross rose from the dead and was glorified. And this same one would ascend to the Father.
Blessed Pascha!