Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 24:51

"And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven." — Luke 24:51 (ASV)

The vicinity of Bethany includes the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:12). Jesus’ action in lifting up his hands and blessing the disciples (v.51) was priestly. The word “bless” (GK 2328) was significant at the opening of Luke. Zechariah the priest was rendered speechless in the temple, so that he was unable to pronounce the priestly blessing on the people when he came out (1:22). Such a blessing now concludes the book. Elizabeth blessed Mary and her child (1:42); Zechariah blessed God (NIV, “praising”) when, on his declaration of John’s name, his speech was restored (1:64); he then blessed (NIV, “praise”) God again in his song (1:68); Simeon blessed (NIV, “praised”) God in the temple on seeing Jesus (2:28) and then blessed his parents (2:34). This word does not appear again in Luke till Jesus blessed the bread at Emmaus (24:30). Luke then uses the word again in v.51 and in v.53. Thus he places Jesus clearly within the spiritual setting of the temple and priesthood. As the resurrected Messiah, Jesus has the authority to bless.

This imagery forms an important part of the letter to the Hebrews, which describes the high priestly intercession of Christ after his ascension into heaven (e.g., Hebrews 1:3, 4:14; 6:19–20; 7:23–25; cf. Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20). Jesus is also the Prophet of God, and we are again reminded of the prophet Elijah (who was “taken up” to heaven; 2 Kings 2:11). Luke’s conclusion, therefore, points to Jesus as prophet, priest, and Messiah.