The Ascension of Jesus

Readers’ Theatre: Acts 1:6-14

(The Voice.™) 

1:         When they had gathered just outside Jerusalem at the Mount of Olives,

            the disciples asked Jesus,

2:         Is now the time, Lord—

            the time when You will reestablish Your kingdom in our land of Israel?

3:         The Father, on His own authority,

            has determined the ages and epochs of history,

            but you have not been given this knowledge.

            Here’s the knowledge you need:

            you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.

            And you will be My witnesses,

            first here in Jerusalem, then beyond to Judea and Samaria,

            and finally to the farthest places on earth.

1:         As He finished this commission,

            He began to rise from the ground before their eyes

            until the clouds obscured Him from their vision.

            As they strained to get one last glimpse of Him going in heaven,

            the Lord’s emissaries realized two men in white robes

            were standing among them.

2:         You Galileans,

            why are you standing here staring up into the sky?

            This Jesus who is leaving you and ascending to heaven

            will return in the same way you see Him departing.

1:         Then the disciples returned to Jerusalem—

            their short journey from the Mount of Olives

            was an acceptable Sabbath Day’s walk.

3:         Back in the city, they went to the room where they were staying—

            a second-floor room.

            The whole group of believers—

            Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip,

2:         and Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James,

            Simon the Zealot, Judas (son of James),

1:         and a number of women including Mary (Jesus’ mother),

            and some of Jesus’ brothers—

3:         the whole group devoted themselves to constant prayer

            with one accord.

This dramatic reading was taken (with a few minor changes near the end of the passage) from The Voice.™  Copyright © 2006, 2007, 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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