Chapter one verses nine through fourteen: Jesus had returned from being with God the Father where He received His inheritance (the universe), having earned it by way of His sinless life and salvation- providing death. Like the “nobleman” in the parable of the pounds, Jesus (the Nobleman) had gone away (to heaven) to receive a kingdom and will one day return to claim it. Note in the parable that both the nobleman and the people remained in the kingdom area (earth) after His return. Jesus will one day return to earth to occupy the headquarters of  His earthly inheritance (Lk. 19:12-27).

At this point Jesus has finished teaching His disciples “the things concerning the Kingdom of God” and is ascending from the Mount of Olives into a cloud. As He ascends the disciples look on and for a moment do not notice two “men” dressed in white standing in their midst. These “men” were angels who ask them why they are gazing up into the heavens, noting that they will see Jesus return “in the same manner as you have seen Him go into heaven.” Note that Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives (vs 12), to which the angels said He would return. Now let us turn to Zech. 14:4 for confirmation of that fact. Here we find that upon His return to earth His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives before He and His saints enter Jerusalem to establish God’s earthly kingdom where New Jerusalem will later be located. Note that the angels are dressed in white apparel. Note also that God’s saints will also be given white linen garments upon their rebirth (Heb. 13:2) at Christ’s return.

Remembering Christ’s command, the disciples returned to Jerusalem to an upper room where they “abode”–meaning that they were all staying in a large upper room. Such rooms were common among many homes of that day. Upon returning to the room they came together in one accord, being of the same mind and faith. The group included Mary and Jesus’ half-siblings. Jesus had at least 4 brothers: James, Joses, Simon and Judas. He had at least two sisters: “Are not His sisters here among us?” (Mat. 13:55,56). Jesus is called Mary’s “firstborn” (Mat. 1:25). James is called “the brother of the Lord” in Galatians 1:19.In Psalm 69:8,9 it is said that Jesus will become strangers to His Mother’s children. In Matthew 12:46-50 His mother and His brethren are said to have followed Him to Capernaum where they tried to disrupt His ministry. These Scriptures soundly refute the belief that Mary had no other children and that she died a virgin. L.J.