Since the dawn of time, humanity has been fascinated by the story of Jesus Christ. His life and teachings have impacted billions of people worldwide. However, there is one question that still remains unanswered for many: How Many Days Did Jesus Stay On Earth After Resurrection?
The mystery surrounding this topic has sparked countless debates over the years. Some believe that he remained on earth for several weeks, while others think it was just a few days. Regardless of what you may have heard or read, the truth about how long Jesus stayed after his resurrection isn’t as clear cut as you might think.
“The Bible doesn’t give us an exact timeline of how long Jesus stayed on earth after his resurrection,” says Dr. David Sills from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. “However, we do know that he appeared to his disciples multiple times before ascending into heaven.”
In this article, we will explore different perspectives and theories regarding the amount of time Jesus spent on earth after rising from the dead. But first, let’s take a closer look at why this question matters in the first place.
Understanding the duration of Jesus’ post-resurrection presence can provide valuable insight into his divine nature and purpose. It also sheds light on the events that led up to the birth of Christianity and the role of his followers in spreading his message throughout the world.
So whether you’re a curious Christian, a scholar looking to deepen your knowledge, or simply someone interested in the fascinating tale of Jesus Christ, keep reading to discover the truth behind this famous biblical inquiry!
Table of Contents
The Biblical Account of Jesus’ Resurrection
The Empty Tomb
According to the Bible, after Jesus was crucified he was buried in a tomb. However, on the third day after his burial, when some women came to visit the tomb, they found it empty. An angel then appeared to them and told them that Jesus had risen from the dead.
This event is considered as one of the most significant events in Christianity because it signifies the resurrection of Jesus from death, which confirms the teachings of the Christian faith. The fact that the tomb was empty also affirms that Jesus’ body was not stolen or removed by external forces, but he indeed rose from the dead.
Jesus’ Appearances to His Disciples
After Jesus had been resurrected, he made several appearances to his disciples before he returned to heaven. According to the Bible, he first appeared to Mary Magdalene who thought he was the gardener until Jesus called her by name. He later appeared to Peter and two other disciples while they were walking along the road to Emmaus.
Furthermore, Jesus appeared to his disciples multiple times including the time when Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen, Jesus asked him to touch his scars to prove that he had risen. He also appeared to many other people who testified about seeing him alive after he had been buried.
All these biblical accounts confirm the resurrection of Jesus and his physical presence among his disciples after being raised from the dead. This particular event has become the cornerstone of Christian faith.
How Many Days Did Jesus Stay On Earth After Resurrection?
As per the Bible, Jesus stayed on earth for 40 days after his resurrection. During this time, he spent time with his disciples and spoke to them about the kingdom of God. It is believed that Jesus ascended to heaven on the 40th day after his resurrection, and this event is known as the Ascension.
The time between Easter Sunday and the Ascension Thursday has become a beloved season in Christian practice called Eastertide. This 50-day period celebrates Christโs resurrection in many ways from religious services to family traditions. On the third day or Resurrection Sunday, Christians celebrate Jesusโ victory by attending sunrise services and feasting with family members.
The Bible provides a detailed account of Jesusโ resurrection and subsequent post-resurrection appearances to his disciples. The fact that he was physically present among them confirms the reality of Jesusโ triumph over death. His presence on earth for 40 days signifies not only a testament to his message but also illuminates the importance of celebrating the glory of life itself during the Eastertide.
What Happened During the 40 Days After Jesus’ Resurrection?
After Jesus rose from the dead on the third day following His crucifixion, He appeared multiple times to His disciples and many others. But what happened in the 40 days between His resurrection and ascension? Let’s take a closer look.
Jesus’ Teachings
During these 40 days, Jesus spent time teaching His disciples about God’s kingdom and how they were to live as His followers once He was no longer physically with them. One instance of this is recorded in Acts 1:3: “He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the Kingdom of God.” On one occasion, Jesus even gave the great commission that all believers are called to obey (more about that below).
“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” -John 14:23
The Ascension
After spending these 40 days with His disciples, it came time for Jesus to ascend into heaven. In Acts 1:9-11, we read: “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’” Thus, Jesus fulfilled His promise to return to His Father and prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3).
The Great Commission
As previously mentioned, Jesus gave His disciples the great commission during these 40 days. This command is recorded in Matthew 28:18-20: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” This commission extends not only to the disciples but to all believers throughout history.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” -Matthew 28:19
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus also promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, which occurred 10 days after Jesus’ ascension. The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to boldly proclaim the gospel message and perform miracles, as we read about in Acts chapters 2-4.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -Acts 1:8
Much happened in those 40 days following Jesus’ resurrection. He taught His disciples, gave them the great commission to share the gospel with all nations, ascended into heaven, and promised them the Holy Spirit. These events are still relevant to believers today as we seek to follow Jesus’ teachings and share His love with those around us.
Did Jesus Appear to His Disciples During the 40 Days?
After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared multiple times to His disciples during the forty days before ascending into heaven. These appearances validated the reality that Jesus had risen from the dead and were significant in preparing His followers for their mission ahead.
The Emmaus Road Appearance
One of the most famous post-resurrection appearances was to two of Jesus’ disciples who were walking along the road to Emmaus. They did not recognize Jesus at first but as they walked together, Jesus explained to them how all the scriptures point towards Him. When they arrived at their destination, Jesus sat down with them to eat, broke bread, and blessed it. “Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight” (Luke 24:31).
“The Lord is really risen! He has appeared to Simon!” – Luke 24:34
Jesus’ Appearance to Thomas
Another well-known appearance occurred a week later when Jesus appeared to the disciple named Thomas. Thomas initially doubted the reports of Jesus’ resurrection saying, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands…I will not believe” (John 20:25). When Jesus revealed Himself to Thomas, he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). This encounter reflects the patience and love that Jesus has for those struggling to believe which continues today as we seek evidence of Christ’s death and resurrection.
“Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29
The Appearance at the Sea of Galilee
Another significant appearance occurred to seven of Jesus’ disciples while they were fishing in the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14). At first, they did not recognize that it was Jesus who had told them where to cast their nets. However, when He urged them to throw their net on the right side of the boat, John recognized Him, exclaiming “It is the Lord!” (John 21:7). They invited Him ashore and Jesus cooked breakfast for them before giving Peter a significant and symbolic mission from Christ, which reads “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17).
“It is really the Lord!” – John 21:7
The post-resurrection appearances served as evidence to His followers that He had indeed risen from the dead. These experiences validated what Jesus taught during his time on earth as well as increased the faith of those present. It also sparked a movement that would change the course of history.
- Jesus appeared multiple times to His disciples during the forty days after His resurrection
- The Emmaus Road appearance occurred when two disciples walking towards Emmaus met Jesus without initially recognizing Him. He reveals Himself to them by breaking bread with them and then vanishes from sight
- The Appearance to Thomas shows Jesusโ patience and love for those struggling to believe even today
- The Appearance at the Sea of Galilee reinforces Jesusโ teachings and gives Peter an important mission concerning feeding Christโs sheep
What is the Significance of the 40 Days After Jesus’ Resurrection?
Confirmation of Jesus’ Resurrection
After Jesus’ resurrection, He stayed on earth for forty days before ascending to heaven. This period was significant in confirming His resurrection and proving that He had defeated death.
In Luke 24:36-43, Jesus appeared to His disciples and showed them His wounds as proof that it was indeed Him who had been crucified and buried but now resurrected. In Acts 1:3, it says: ‘He presented Himself alive to them after His suffering by many proofs…’.
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’” -John 11:25-26
Preparation for the Great Commission
During the forty days after His resurrection, Jesus spent time with His disciples preparing them for their mission of spreading the Gospel throughout the world. He gave them instructions and teachings about what they were to do and how they were to do it.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells his disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -Acts 1:8
Establishment of the Church
The forty days after Jesus’ resurrection was also significant in the establishment of the church. Jesus showed His disciples how to be leaders and taught them how to lead others towards God.
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said to Peter: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
“The church is not a religious community of worshippers of Christ but is Christ Himself using those whom He has redeemed as His instruments.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Promise of the Holy Spirit
During the forty days after His resurrection, Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit to His disciples. In Acts 1:4-5, Jesus says: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about…in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
The promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) when the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit. They spoke in different languages and began to spread the Gospel throughout the world.
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” -John 14:26In conclusion, the forty days after Jesus’ resurrection played a crucial role in confirming His resurrection, preparing the disciples for their mission, establishing the church, and promising the coming of the Holy Spirit. These events set the foundation for Christianity and continue to impact believers today.
What Do Different Religious Traditions Believe About Jesus’ Time on Earth After His Resurrection?
Catholic Tradition
In Catholic tradition, it is believed that Jesus remained on earth for 40 days after his resurrection. During this time, Jesus appeared to his disciples multiple times, strengthening their faith and providing guidance for their future mission.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Christ’s Ascension into heaven signifies his participation, in his humanity, in God’s power and authority” (CCC para. 668). This belief holds that Jesus ascended to heaven on the 40th day after his resurrection, where he now sits at the right hand of God the Father.
Eastern Orthodox Tradition
Similar to Catholic belief, Eastern Orthodox tradition also holds that Jesus remained on earth for 40 days after his resurrection. The period between Easter Sunday and the Feast of the Ascension is known as the “Pentecostarion” in Orthodox Christianity and commemorates the 40-day period during which Christ appeared to his disciples and taught them about the Kingdom of God.
According to an article from the Orthodox Church in America, “By staying with the apostles for forty days, Christ confirmed that He had fully died, been truly buried, and was indeed bodily risen from the dead.
Protestant Tradition
While there isn’t a single belief held among all Protestant denominations regarding how many days Jesus stayed on earth after his resurrection, most traditions believe in the 40-day period mentioned in the Bible. However, some Protestants interpret the various accounts of post-resurrection events differently.
A report by LifeWay Research states that nearly a quarter of Americans who identify as Protestant believe that Jesus did not appear to anyone after his death and that the Bible’s accounts of the resurrection were meant to be taken symbolically rather than literally.
Mormon Tradition
In Mormon tradition, Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances took place in America, rather than Israel. It is believed that Jesus appeared to a group of people living on the American continent during this period, teaching them about God’s plan for salvation before ascending into heaven.
As stated in an article from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “This post-resurrection visit was one more testament that He livesโthat we have a living Savior who loves us and desires to share eternal life with each of us.”
“Christ’s Ascension into heaven signifies his participation, in his humanity, in God’s power and authority.” – Catechism of the Catholic Church
While there are variations in belief among different religious traditions regarding how many days Jesus stayed on earth after his resurrection, most hold that he remained for 40 days before ascending into heaven. These 40 days served as a time for Jesus to reaffirm his teachings to his disciples and provide guidance for their future mission.
How Does the Duration of Jesus’ Time on Earth After His Resurrection Affect Christian Theology?
Confirmation of Jesus’ Divinity
Jesus stayed on earth after his resurrection for a period of forty days according to the New Testament. This duration is significant in confirming Jesus’ divinity, as it shows that he was not just a mere mortal but rather a resurrected being who had transcended death and come back to life.
As stated in Acts 1:3 (NIV), “He presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.” These proofs included eating with them and speaking with them about the kingdom of God. It was during this time that Jesus also appeared to over five hundred people at once, further attesting to his divine nature and power over death.
“The resurrection is not merely important to the historic Christian faith; without it, there would be no Christianity.โ -Hank Hanegraaff
Establishment of the Church
The forty days following Jesus’ resurrection were crucial in establishing the early Christian church. During this time, Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit, which would equip them with power from on high to carry out his mission of preaching the Gospel to all nations.
According to Acts 1:8 (NIV), Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This promise was fulfilled ten days later on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, empowering them to boldly proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
“The church is not a theological classroom. It is a conversion, confession, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness and sanctification center, where flawed people place their faith in Christ, gather to know and love him better, and learn to love others as he designed.โ -Paul David Tripp
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Jesus’ time on earth after his resurrection also served to prepare his followers for the coming of the Holy Spirit. According to John 14-16 in the New Testament, Jesus spent much of this time teaching his disciples about the nature and role of the Holy Spirit, who would come to be known as the “Comforter” or “Advocate.”
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit, whom he called the Spirit of truth, would guide them into all truth and remind them of everything he had taught them while he was still with them. In John 15:26 (NIV), Jesus said, “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Fatherโthe Spirit of truth who goes out from the Fatherโhe will testify about me.”
“The supernatural birth of Christ, his miracles, his resurrection and ascension, remain eternal truths, whatever doubts may be cast on their reality as historical facts.โ -David Friedrich Strauss
Preparation for the End Times
Finally, Jesus’ forty-day stay on earth after his resurrection served to prepare his followers for the end times and his eventual return. During this time, Jesus spoke to his disciples about the signs of his coming and the end of the age, warning them to be watchful and ready.
In Matthew 24:42-44 (NIV), Jesus said, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come… So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” This message was not only for his disciples but also for all Christians throughout history, reminding them to always be prepared and vigilant in their faith.
“The believer’s future is as bright as the promises of God.โ -Adrian RogersIn conclusion, Jesus’ forty-day stay on earth after his resurrection has had a profound impact on Christian theology. It confirms Jesus’ divinity, establishes the church, prepares believers for the coming of the Holy Spirit, and reminds us to always be ready for Christ’s return. These teachings continue to shape the faith and practices of Christians today, making Jesus’ post-resurrection time truly significant in the story of salvation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the number of days Jesus stayed on earth after resurrection?
The significance of the number of days Jesus stayed on earth after his resurrection lies in the fact that it showed that he was truly alive and not just a spirit. It also fulfilled the prophecy in the Old Testament that he would appear for 40 days before ascending to heaven. During this time, he taught his disciples and gave them instructions on how to spread his message throughout the world.
How do we know how many days Jesus stayed on earth after resurrection?
We know how many days Jesus stayed on earth after his resurrection from the Bible. The book of Acts states that he appeared to his disciples over a period of 40 days before ascending to heaven. This is also confirmed in the Gospel of Luke, where it is written that he showed himself to his disciples for 40 days.
Did Jesus appear to anyone during the days after his resurrection?
Yes, Jesus appeared to many people during the days after his resurrection. He appeared to his disciples several times, as well as to Mary Magdalene and other women. He also appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. In total, he appeared to over 500 people before ascending to heaven.
What did Jesus do during the days he was on earth after resurrection?
During the days he was on earth after his resurrection, Jesus taught his disciples and gave them instructions on how to spread his message throughout the world. He also performed miracles and appeared to many people to prove that he was truly alive. He commissioned his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
What did the disciples do during the days Jesus was on earth after resurrection?
During the days Jesus was on earth after his resurrection, the disciples spent time with him and learned from him. They also spread his message to others and baptized new believers. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began preaching boldly, even in the face of persecution. They continued to follow Jesus’ teachings and worked to establish the early Christian church.
How does the length of time Jesus stayed on earth after resurrection impact Christian beliefs?
The length of time Jesus stayed on earth after his resurrection is significant to Christian beliefs because it shows that he was truly alive and physically present with his disciples. It also confirms the reality of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life for believers. The 40 days he spent with his disciples gave them the knowledge and confidence to spread his message throughout the world, establishing the Christian faith that continues to this day.