Christ's Biography Part 3

Preparation for Last Passover
On the first day of the Festival of Unfermented cakes, when they customarily sacrificed the Passover lamb, the disciples came to Jesus to ask where he wanted them to prepare to observe the Passover. Jesus gave them specific instructions as to whose home they would go, and so the disciples set about preparing (Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16). They were to seek a man carrying a clay water jar and follow him into his house. Then they were to approach the landlord of the house to ask for a guest room for the Passover meal. The man would show them a large, furnished, upper room that they will need to prepare (Luke 22:8-13). Later, Jesus was reclining at the table with his disciples in the prepared room. He tells his disciples that one of them would betray him, and explained a few details about this. This upset the disciples (Matthew 26:20-25). Meanwhile, the disciples started discussing amongst themselves as to which one would do this heinous thing (Luke 22:23). They also had another heated dispute as to who of them was the greatest, and Jesus had to remind them, yet again, that the key was to remain humble (Luke 22:24-27). Jesus goes on to mention that the betrayer would have been better off if he hadn't been born (Mark 14: 21). According to Luke 22:19-23 it says that they had the bread and wine first, and then Jesus mentioned the upcoming betrayal. He also advised them about a change in circumstances: Whereas he'd previously told them to not take a purse, extra food or clothing etc. when out preaching, now they were expected to take supplies along with them as they preached (Luke 22:35-38).
As they continued eating, Jesus passed around the wine and unleavened bread to his disciples telling them the bread symbolized his body, and the wine symbolized his blood that was soon to be poured out for humankind (Matthew 26:26-30). Next, Jesus explained to them that the night ahead was going to be very difficult for them. That they would all be stumbled in connection with his name as was prophesied at Zechariah 13:7 (Matthew 26: 31). Peter denied that he would stumble, at which Jesus replied to him that he will end up denying Christ three times before a cock crows. All the disciples denied that they would be stumbled (Matthew 26:32-35, Luke 22:33-34).

Some people believe that Judas Iscariot was dismissed from the table before Jesus began this special ritual with the wine and bread. However, this is not true, for according to all four gospels Judas was right there with them partaking (Matthew 26:20-30, Mark 14:17-25, Luke 22:19-23, John 13:21-29).

Christ Washes Apostles' Feet
After the evening meal was finished, Jesus arose, took off his outer garment, girded himself with a towed, filled a basin with water, and began washing his men's feet (John 13:4-5). When he came to Simon-Peter, he asked Jesus why he was going to wash his feet, and he didn't want to have Jesus do it. Jesus insisted that it should be done (John 13:6-8). Peter missed the meaning, and so Jesus had to explain it a little more (John 13:9-11). After he finished washing all their feet, he put his outer garment back on and sat, and then asked them if they realize what he'd just done (John 13:12). He went on to explain to them that, although they regard him with the highest respect, still he performed a low, menial task. He did this to give them a lesson in humility. He also made cryptic mention of the impending betrayal at the hand of Judas (John 13:13-20).

Jesus Explaining the Betrayal
After this, Jesus became troubled, and directly told the twelve that he knew one of them was about to betray him (John 13:21). Upon questioning him, Jesus indicated it was Judas who about to do it (John 13:22-26). Right after that Jesus told Judas to go and get on with his business (John 13:27). The other disciples didn't catch the meaning of it (John 13:28-29). Immediately Judas left. It was night (John 13:30). Jesus tried to explain more things, but still they didn't understand (John 13:31-15:27). He explained that he was telling them these things so that they would not be stumbled. That they will be expelled from the synagogues over these things, and that some will come heavily against them over the name of Christ (John 16:1-11). He also goes on to explain many other things that he wanted them to know, sort of a last oration for their encouragement (John 16:12-33), and then spoke a prayer to the Father (John 17:1-26).

Mount of Olives, Gethsemane
After singing praises they went out to the Mountain of Olives (Mark 14:26). The Mount of Olives was in the city of Bethany (Mark 11:1)They came to the Garden of Gethsemane, which was apparently on the Mount of Olives. Jesus told his men to wait as he went off to pray. He invited Peter, John and James accompany him, as he was terribly grieved at knowing what was about to happen (Matthew 26:36-38). According to Mark 14:27-31 it is here in Gethsemane that Jesus told them they'd be scattered and that Peter would deny him three times before a cock crowed and all that. Christ went about a stone's throw away (Luke 22:41) by himself to pray. God sent an angel to Jesus to strengthen him (Luke 22:43). Jesus was in severe emotional agony over what was about to occur, and his sweat became as blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:44). Between prayers, he would return to the three men, and each time he'd find them sleeping. This upset him, for he wanted them to keep watch, so he woke them up each time (Matthew 26:39-45). After the third time of this, Judas approached with a crowd of armed men (Matthew 26:46-47). Judas had planned to give the men a sign of whom Jesus was - a kiss. It was at that point that Judas kissed Jesus, upon which the armed men immediately seized hold of Jesus. Simon-Peter was ready to fight, and cut the ear off one of the armed men (Matthew 26:48). Jesus stopped Simon-Peter and healed the ear (Luke 22:50-51). Jesus pointed out to the armed men that they had no need to come with clubs and swords, and that they could have taken him any time before this. Meanwhile, all his disciples scattered (Matthew 26:55-56).

Christ's Arrest
The men took Jesus to the high priest; first to Annas the father-in-law of Caiaphas, and then to Caiaphas,(John 18:12-13) who was gathered with the scribes and older men. Peter followed at a distance to see what was to happen to Jesus (Matthew 26:57-58). According to Mark 14:50-52, a certain young man followed nearby wearing only a robe over his naked body. This man was not Peter (as some believe), as is indicated at John 18:15. The people tried to catch this young man with the robe, but only managed to get a hold of his robe, thus he ran off naked. This young man, although a disciple of Jesus, happened to also be well known to the high priest and so was able to be there in the courtyard with Jesus before the high priest (John 18:15), but Simon-Peter could only get in as far as outside the door (John 18:16). Meanwhile, the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false charges to put against Jesus to kill him. Though many false witnesses came forward, they could find nothing to condemn him for because the false testimonies were not in agreement (Mark 14:56). Jesus made few replies to the grilling the men put to him (Mark 14:60-61). Then, two false witnesses came forward accusing him of what they thought to be blasphemy, and they began taunting him and spitting on him (Matthew 26:59-68).

Peter's denial
As Simon-Peter sat outside all this, people there started to recognize him as being one of Christ's men. Three times Peter denied this, immediately after which a cock crowed. Jesus then turned to look at Peter (Luke 22:61-62). When Peter saw Jesus look at him, he wept inconsolably (Matthew 26:69-75).

Abuse of Christ
Meanwhile, Christ's trial continued through the night. The men who took Jesus into custody taunted him, poked fun at him, and blasphemed against him (Luke 22:63-65). When it became daylight, the chief priests and the scribes started goading him to tell them whether he was really the Christ. However, Jesus responded that even if he said so, they wouldn't believe it (Luke 22:66-67). The chief priests had finally had enough and decided to put Jesus to death. They bound him up and sent him off to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:1-2, Luke 23:1).

Iscariot's Suicide
Judas, in the meantime, felt bitter remorse for his betrayal of Christ. He attempted to give the money back to the chief priests and confessed that he betrayed righteous blood. The chief priests didn't care, so Judas threw the money into the temple and went out and hanged himself (Matthew 27:3-5). The branch he hung himself from broke, thus Judas fell and his body burst open on the impact (Acts 1:16-18). Since the returned money was considered "blood money", the chief priests didn't want to put it into the temple treasury. Therefore, they took it and bought a potter's field to use for burying strangers. Because of this, the field was named "Field of Blood" (Matthew 27:6-8), or "Akeldama" (Acts 1:19). This was the place in which Judas committed suicide, as these scriptures show.

Jesus Before Pilate
The governor asked Jesus if he were indeed the King of the Jews as everyone was accusing him of saying. Jesus did not directly answer the question, and kept silent throughout further questioning, which puzzled Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14). Pilate told the chief priests and the people that he found no crime in Jesus (Luke 23:4). The crowd grew insistent and spoke out further against Jesus (Luke 23:5). After learning Jesus was a Galiliean, Pilate decided to send Jesus to Herod, the ruler of the district of Galilee, who just happened to be in Jerusalem at this time (Luke 23:6-7).

Jesus before Herod
Herod rejoiced to find out that Jesus was sent to him, for he heard many things about Jesus and hoped to see a sign from him (Luke 23:8). Herod began thoroughly questioning Jesus, but Jesus wouldn't respond (Luke 23:9). Meanwhile, the scribes and chief priests continued to accuse Jesus (Luke 23:10). So, Herod and his soldiers made fun of him by putting a bright garment on him and sent him back to Pilate (Luke 23:11). Because of these goings-on, Herod and Pilate, who were at enmity with one another, became friends (Luke 23:12).

Jesus and Pilate part 2
Pilate now starts to try to reason with the people again concerning Jesus. He reiterates that he found no criminal activity in the man, and pointed out that even Herod found nothing criminal in him. Therefore, he tells the crowd he plans to simply chastise him and then release him (Luke 23:13-16). According to John 19:1 Pilate gave orders to scourge Jesus. However, the crowd cried out that they wanted Barabbas released instead (Luke 23:18).

Barabbas
From festival to festival, according to custom, the governor would release a prisoner to the crowd - whichever prisoner they wanted. At this time there was a notorious prisoner named Barabbas in custody. Barabbas was a seditionist and a murderer (Mark 15:7, Luke 23:19). Pilate asked them: Do you want me to release Jesus to you, or Barabbas? Pilate was aware that they were handing Jesus over to him out of envy and nothing more, and was trying to give them a chance to turn back from their course against him (Matthew 27:15-18). On top of this, Pilate's wife had a bad dream regarding Jesus and begged Pilate to have nothing to do with him, so Pilate was trying to overturn this ordeal (Matthew 27:19). However, no matter what he tried, the crowd kept clamoring for Barabbas to be the one released. Pilate tried three times to get the crowd to release Jesus. Finally, he asks the crowd what Jesus did that was so deserving of death (Luke 23:22). They continued to demand Christ's death, and he couldn't win out over their voices (Luke 23:23-24). Therefore, he washed his hands before the crowd and claimed "I am innocent of this man's blood. You yourselves must see to him." Barabbas was released to the crowd, and Jesus was whipped and handed over to be murdered (Matthew 27:20-26).

Thorny crown
The soldiers took Jesus, put a thorny crown and a purple robe on him (Mark 15:17) and started making fun of him, hitting and spitting on him. When they finished with this they took him away to be killed (Matthew 27:27-31) after stripping off the purple robe and putting his outer garment back on him (Mark 15:20). According to John 19:5, Jesus was still wearing the purple robe as he stood again before the crowd. This shows that, though they took the purple robe off and put on his original outer garment, they put the purple robe on over that.

Simon of Cyrene
As they were going out, a native of Cyrene named Simon, who was father to Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21) was assigned to help Jesus carry his cross. Following Jesus was a great multitude including women who were bewailing him (Luke 23:26-27). Jesus told the women to stop crying over him because days will come in which their very lives are turned upsidedown (Luke 23:28-31). Two criminals were being led along with Jesus to be executed (Luke 23:32). Eventually they came to Golgotha, a.k.a. "Skull Place". Jesus asks God to forgive the people for they know now what they are doing (Luke 23:34). They gave him wine with gall (Mark 15:23 says wine with myrrh) to drink but he refused it. After they nailed him to the cross, they distributed his garments by casting lots (Luke 23:34). They continued to mock him and make fun of him (Luke 23:35-37). They also posted a sign over his head that said "This is Jesus King of the Jews" (Matthew 27:32-37), which Pilate himself wrote (John 19:19). The people didn't like the sign and asked Pilate to change it, but he refused (John 19:20-22).

Nailed Between Robbers
Jesus was positioned between two robbers during the third hour (Mark 15:25). The crowd continued to taunt him and make fun of him. One of the robbers also began reproaching him (Matthew 27:38-44). The other robber rebuked the first, reminding him that the two of them deserved their execution, whereas Jesus didn't deserve his (Luke 23:39-41). Then the robber went on to ask Jesus to remember him, and Jesus granted him that (Luke 23:42-43). While Jesus was nailed up, the soldiers took his outer garments and divvied them up amongst themselves. As for his inner garment, they saw that it was made of exceptionally good quality, so they cast lots over who would get that. This was in fulfillment of the prophecy at Psalms 22:18 (John 19:23-24). Next to the cross stood Mary, the mother of Jesus with her sister, and Mary who was the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Next to his mother, Jesus saw the disciple whom he loved, John (John 19:26, compared to John 13:23 and John 21:24). Therefore, he entrusted his mother into John's care, and John follows through with it (John 19:26-27). According to Mark 15:40, the women were standing at some distance: Mary Magdelene and Mary the mother of James the less, Joses and Salome. According to Matthew 27:55-56 there was also the mother of the disciples James and John as well. At some point, Jesus asks for a drink, in fulfillment of the prophecy at Psalms 22:15 (John 19:28-29). Then, from the sixth hour to the ninth hour, darkness fell over the land. At about the ninth hour, Jesus called out "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani!" which means "My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me!" At this, the people thought he was calling out for Elijah and started poking fun at him for it. During this, someone gave him a sponge soaked in sour wine to give him a drink (Matthew 27:45-48). Another man came along to poke him in the side with a spear, and blood with water came out of Jesus (Matthew 27:49). After that Jesus cried out with a loud voice,(Matthew 27:50) saying "Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit" and expired (Luke 23:46). According to John 19:31-36, Jesus was jabbed in the side with a spear after his death. Immediately, upon his death, the curtain of the temple sanctuary was completely rent in two, the earth quaked and huge rocks were broken. The quake was so severe that it shook the dead out of the tombs. The army officers watching grew afraid and finally admitted that surely Jesus was indeed God's Son (Matthew 27:51-54).

Prophetic Fulfillment
The Jews were not allowed to let people hang on a cross overnight during the Preparation. As a result, they had to break the legs of the men who were still alive on their crosses. This would cause them to die quicker so they wouldn't hang overnight. When they went to break Jesus' legs, they saw it wasn't necessary because he was already dead (John 19:31-36). This was in fulfillment of the prophecy at Psalms 34:20. This also was the point according to John when Jesus was speared and blood and water came out.(John 19:34,37). This was in fulfillment of the prophecy at Isaiah 53:5.

Joseph of Arimathea
Very late in the afternoon a rich man named Joseph of Arimathea came to ask Pilate for Christ's body. This Joseph was a reputable member of the Sanhedrin (Mark 15:43). Joseph had not condoned the actions taken against Jesus (Luke 23:51). In fact, he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he was in fear of the Jews (John 19:38). Pilate first made sure that Jesus was already dead (Mark 15:44-45) and then commanded that the body be handed over to Joseph. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in fine linen, and laid it in a memorial tomb that he had carved out from the rock. He sealed the tomb by rolling a huge rock into the entrance of it (Matthew 27:57-60). While Joseph was getting the body ready, the Pharisee Nicodemus came bringing about 100 pounds/45 Kilograms of myrrh and aloes to dress the body with (John 19:39). He helped Joseph dress and wrap the body and bury it (John 19:40). After they left, Mary Magdelene came with the other Mary to sit in front of the grave (Matthew 27:61). Then the ladies returned to prepare perfumed oils and spices for the burial, but had to wait until after the Sabbath to finish the burial process (Luke 23:55-56).

Guarding the Tomb
The next day, the chief priests came to Pilate because they remembered that Jesus said he would be raised up three days after his death. They asked that Pilate send men to guard the tomb so no one could take the body and say Jesus was raised up. Therefore, Pilate told them to use their own guards and make the tomb as secure as they wished, and they did. (Matthew 27:61-66).

Women at the Tomb
A couple of days later, after the Sabbath, very early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdelene and the other Mary came back to visit the tomb carrying spices with which to grease the body with (Mark 16:1-2). Joanna was also with them (Luke 24:10). When they arrived they saw the tomb had been unsealed by God's angel, with an angel yet sitting on the stone. Mark 16:5 states the women entered the tomb and saw the angel sitting on the right side. The guardsmen became so scared of this angel that they passed out (Matthew 28:1-4). According to Luke 24:4-5 states that there were two angels next to the women. This would explain one sitting on the rock, and one standing next to them. One of the angels spoke to the women, telling them to not be afraid and explained that Jesus was raised up. He also told the women to go into Galilee to tell the others that Jesus had been raised. The women left as quickly as they could to tell the news, though they were in great fear and trembling (Mark 16:8), but on the way they met Jesus himself. The women paid due respect to Jesus, and he instructed them to continue to Galilee to report to the others (Matthew 28:5-10). As the women continued on, the guards who fainted had already gone into the city to report the sight of what happened at the tomb to the chief priests. The chief priests gave them hush money and told them to say that people came and stole the body of Christ. The men accepted the bribe (Matthew 28:11-15). Meanwhile, the women finally arrived and started telling about what happened, though nobody would believe them (Luke 24: 10-11). However, the apostles Simon-Peter and John ran hurriedly to Christ's tomb, and saw that only the bandages that were around the body was left, and wondered about this (Luke 24:12, John 20:3). Although they ran together, the other disciples managed to run ahead of them and get there first (John 20:4). After reaching the tomb and finding Jesus gone, they all returned home (John 20:10).

Two Angels
Mary Magdalene kept standing outside near the memorial tomb, weeping. After a while she went to look into the tomb, and saw two angels in there: One standing at the head of the where the body used to be, and one standing at the foot. They asked her why she was crying, and she responded that she didn't know where Jesus had been taken (John 20:11-13). After that, she turned and saw Jesus standing there, though she didn't recognize him. At first she thought she was speaking with the gardener, but then Jesus said her name, at which Mary recognized him. Then Jesus told her to stop holding onto him for he is to ascend to the Father. She then went to tell the other disciples that she'd seen Jesus (John 20:14-18).

Christ's First Appearance
Later that day, some of the apostles were journeying to the village of Emmaus, which was about seven miles (roughly 10 kilometers) from Jerusalem. As they walked they discussed the recent events concerning Jesus. As they conversed, Jesus himself appeared and started towards them, though they didn't recognize him. Jesus asked them what they were speaking about. They told him about the happenings with Christ's murder (Luke 24:13-24). Jesus responded that all those things had to occur out of necessity, explained to them about many of the prophecies and scriptures pertaining to all this (Luke 24:25-27). Finally, they arrived at Emmaus, and Jesus made like he was going to continue farther. However, the apostles talked him into staying with them longer, for it was late and getting dark. The incognito Jesus agreed, and went into the house to eat with them. At the meal he took the bread, blessed it, and then handed it to them. At this point, they finally recognized who he really was, but then he disappeared (Luke 24:28-31). They realized this is why the "stranger" could speak so eloquently from the scriptures (Luke 24:32). Within the hour they got up to go to Jerusalem to find the rest of the apostles and told them all about what happened (Luke 24:33-35).

Christ's Second Appearance
Late in the day, on the first day of the week, they were in a locked room. The room was locked for they were in fear of the Jews. While they were speaking of the recent events Jesus himself stood in their midst and wished them peace (Luke 24:36, John 20:19). They all became frightened because they thought they were beholding a spirit. So, Jesus invited them to touch him and see that he was truly flesh and bone right there with them (Luke 24:37-39). He also showed him his hands, feet, and side, but they were beside themselves with joy, and still not quite believing. So, Jesus asked for some food, and they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it in front of them as further proof (Luke 24:40-43, John 20: 20). He then opened their minds so that they could fully comprehend the scriptures and teachings that he had previously taught them (Luke 24:44-45). He also bestowed Holy Spirit on them (John 20:22-23). He continued teaching them other things, and at some point they were traveling because he led them out as far as Bethany (Luke 24:46-50).

Christ's Third Appearance
Thomas the Twin didn't happen to be with them on the day of all this happening. Therefore, he was very skeptical when all the others were telling him about these things. So, he said that, unless he could see Jesus himself, he wouldn't believe it. Eight days later, when they all happened to be assembled in a locked room again, Jesus appeared to them wishing them peace. This time, Thomas was present. Then Jesus spoke directly to Thomas, and gave him something to believe (John 20:24-29). Jesus performed many signs and miracles before the disciples as well (John 20:30-31).

Differing Endings
Now, here the book of Mark has two different endings, depending on the manuscript used. The longer ending says, verbatim according to the New International Version: When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either. Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
The second used conclusion to Mark is much shorter. This ending says, verbatim according to the New World Translation: But all the things they had been commanded they related briefly to those around Peter. Further, after these things, Jesus himself sent out through them from the east to the west the holy and incorruptible proclamation of everlasting salvation.
This is where the bible book of Mark ends.

Another Large Catch
After all these things Jesus manifested himself in the city of Tiberias. This is what happened: Simon-Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael from Cana, James and his brother John and two other disciples were gathered together. Simon-Peter decided to go fishing, and the rest of them went with him. They caught nothing all night. Just as dawn was breaking they saw Jesus on the shore, thought they didn't realize it was him. Jesus asked them if they'd not caught anything all night. They answered that they hadn't caught a single fish. Jesus told them to cast the net, and then draw it in. When they tried to draw it in, the net was so packed with fish they couldn't pull it in. At that, the apostle John recognized him as Jesus and told that fact to Simon-Peter, who jumped into the water and swam out to the beach to greet Jesus (John 21:1-7). The remainder of them brought the boat to the beach, dragging the catch along (John 21:8). When they reached shore, they saw Jesus sitting there next to a fire that was cooking bread and fish. Jesus told them to bring some of the fish they caught. Simon-Peter went to fetch the net of fish. There were one hundred and fifty-three big fish in the net, and despite that, the net did not burst. Jesus directed them to eat the breakfast before them. None of them dared to ask who he was, for they had all figured it out. Jesus gave them the bread and fish. According to John this was the third time they'd seen Jesus after his death (John 21: 9-14). Jesus then spoke to Simon Peter, telling him to shepherd, and feed Christ's sheep. Then he gave Simon-Peter a specific prophecy on the manner in which Simon-Peter would be killed (John 21:15-19). After that, Simon-Peter looked at the apostle John, and then asked Jesus what would be John's future. Jesus informed Peter that it was not really his business (John 21:20-23).

Given Commandments
The eleven disciples went into Galilee to a mountain that Jesus had arranged for them. When they saw Jesus, they paid their utmost respect, though some of them still doubted. Jesus proceeded to tell them that all authority was given to him on earth and in heaven. He then instructed his disciples to go to make more disciples of the people of the nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all the commandments he'd given them (Matthew 28:16-20).

Christ Ascends
Jesus showed himself to the disciples for forty days before being taken up to heaven (Acts 1:1-3). While Jesus was appearing during this time he gave certain commandments: That the disciples do not leave the city of Jerusalem, but to wait for the baptism from Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). As they were all assembled, Jesus taught them that they will not get full knowledge of some certain things, but that they will receive Holy Spirit and preach to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:6-8). According to Acts 2:1-21 this reception of Holy Spirit occurred. Here in Bethany, after Jesus told them these things, and while the apostles were looking on, Jesus lifted up his hands, blessed them and was borne to heaven. The form of a cloud concealed him from their view (Luke 24:50-52, Acts 1: 9). As they were all still gazing into the sky, two men in white clothing stood by them and asked why they were looking into the sky, and then told them that Jesus who was taken up before them into the sky will come in the same manner that they beheld him going into the sky (Acts 1:10-11). Then they all returned to Jerusalem from there, they were at the Mount of Olives, (in Bethany) which is about a Sabbath day's journey (John 11:18) from Jerusalem. (Acts 1:12).

Judas Replaced
Because Judas betrayed Jesus, the apostles felt they had to replace him. They chose two men, Joseph called Barsabas, surnamed Justus, and Matthias. They prayed to God to help them choose which one of the men to replace Judas. Then they cast lots, and the lots fell upon Matthias. Therefore, Matthias was reckoned along with the other twelve apostles (Acts 1:23-25).

This concludes the three part biography of Jesus Christ.