The 40 days between Christ's resurrection and His ascension (Acts 1:1-3) are a conspicuous yet underreported part of His work, when He presented Himself alive by many infallible proofs and spoke of the Kingdom of God. Their significance has been overlooked because attention goes to the Wave Sheaf ascension on the day of resurrection, and because the Catholic holy days, including the Ascension on the 40th day, have wrapped the period in the traditions of men. Yet the 40th day marks the end of Christ's first-coming work and His return to the Father as High Priest, and the days prepare His chosen to receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The source urges careful study of the eleven recorded appearances. The main lesson is the persistent "slow heart of unbelief." The Emmaus disciples (Luke 24) did not recognize Christ until He opened Moses and the prophets, and on the 40th day the apostles still asked about restoring a physical kingdom to Israel. Drawing on the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16), the source argues that if the law and the prophets are not in the heart, even a man risen from the dead will not persuade. What was missing was baptism with the Holy Spirit, which John the Baptist foretold. Boaz winnowing barley in Ruth pictures Christ's mercy and judgment toward His firstfruits. Only the Spirit enables constant focus on Jesus as author and finisher of faith.

For forty days after His resurrection, Christ appeared to the apostles and others about ten times, speaking of the Kingdom, then departing again. He was no longer tied to them as before, because His work was finished and He was oriented toward returning to the Father. His ascension was drawn out over those days and culminated on the 40th day, when He rose visibly from the Mount of Olives in a cloud of power and glory, so the apostles knew it was final until His open, unmistakable return in the same manner. He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit, which came on Pentecost, the 50th day, because He had to go to the Father first. The 40th day is as significant as the crucifixion and resurrection. Ascending, He was presented to the Ancient of Days and given dominion, glory, and a kingdom (Daniel 7). He led captivity captive and gave gifts, namely the Spirit and the church's offices, so that God might dwell in His people (Psalm 68; Ephesians 4). He sat at the Father's right hand, exalted above all angelic and demonic powers (Psalm 110; Ephesians 1). He now reigns as Priest on His throne, entering the heavenly Most Holy Place with His own blood and interceding for us, and He waits until His enemies become His footstool (Hebrews). Unlike Helel's self-willed ascent, Christ was exalted by the Father. The book of Hebrews hangs on this event.