What happened after Jesus Christ's resurrection?
Let’s review! Here is summarized and highlighted timeline:
On Sea of Galilee Shore
Jesus reveals himself to seven of his disciples while they are fishing on Lake Galilee (John 21:1-24). Those who witnessed him were Peter, John, James, Thomas, Nathanael, and two other unidentified disciples (likely Philip and Andrew, who lived in the general area).
During this appearance Peter miraculously catches 153 fish in his net, then has Jesus questioned him three times if Peter loves him. Peter then realizes he will die a martyrs’ death. Christ also indicates that John will stay alive long enough to write about the end of the age and his Second Coming in the Book of Revelation
After these events, Jesus again showed Himself to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias…And Jesus said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the ship, and you shall find some.” Then they shed the net, but they did not have the strength to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Jesus instructed to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” Simon Peter went up to the shore and drew the net to the land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three . . . (John 21:1, 6, 10-11).
Special Appearance to James
Jesus make a special appearance to James his biological half-brother (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3, Galatians 1:19). This appearance, according to Paul, took place between Christ’s appearance before 500+ people and a time he was seen to all the apostles (1Corinthians 15:5-7). It is not clear whether Paul is referring to Christ’s first meeting in Galilee or his last appearance when he ascended into heaven.
Jesus Ascends to Father
Jesus meets with the disciples on the Mount of Olives (Acts 1). Just before his ascension, he gives them what we call the Great Commission. He also instructed them to wait in the city of Jerusalem, so that they may receive the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Acts 1:4-5).
The disciples ask Jesus if he will now restore the kingdom to Israel. He says that it is not for them to know when this will happen. He emphasizes that they will soon receive power from God. He blesses the disciples and starts to ascend above the mount, as he returns to heaven.
Two angels in white show up as the disciples stare at the Lord rising above the clouds. The angels tell them that Jesus will come back to the earth in the same way they saw him leave (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:6-11).
After he said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud hid him from their sight. As he was going, they were looking into the sky. Suddenly, two men wearing white clothes stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky? Jesus, whom you saw taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go.” (Acts 1:9-11).
Pentecost - Receiving the Holy Spirit
Per Christ’s instruction, the disciples wait ten days in Jerusalem for the promise of God’s spirit. On the day of Pentecost, the birth of the New Testament church begins, when God delivers his Holy Spirit to more than 3,120 people (Acts 2). Jesus’ ministry after his resurrection sets the foundation for the perfect beginning of the Christian church.
- Mary is the first witness Jesus chose to reveal himself alive, early Sunday morning. (Mark 16:9-11, John 20:11-18).
- Jesus appeared with two men on the way to Emmaus Sunday afternoon. (Luke 24:13-33)
- Thomas doubts disciplines’ word (John 20:26-27, 29).
On Sea of Galilee Shore
Jesus reveals himself to seven of his disciples while they are fishing on Lake Galilee (John 21:1-24). Those who witnessed him were Peter, John, James, Thomas, Nathanael, and two other unidentified disciples (likely Philip and Andrew, who lived in the general area).
During this appearance Peter miraculously catches 153 fish in his net, then has Jesus questioned him three times if Peter loves him. Peter then realizes he will die a martyrs’ death. Christ also indicates that John will stay alive long enough to write about the end of the age and his Second Coming in the Book of Revelation
After these events, Jesus again showed Himself to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias…And Jesus said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the ship, and you shall find some.” Then they shed the net, but they did not have the strength to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Jesus instructed to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” Simon Peter went up to the shore and drew the net to the land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three . . . (John 21:1, 6, 10-11).
Special Appearance to James
Jesus make a special appearance to James his biological half-brother (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3, Galatians 1:19). This appearance, according to Paul, took place between Christ’s appearance before 500+ people and a time he was seen to all the apostles (1Corinthians 15:5-7). It is not clear whether Paul is referring to Christ’s first meeting in Galilee or his last appearance when he ascended into heaven.
Jesus Ascends to Father
Jesus meets with the disciples on the Mount of Olives (Acts 1). Just before his ascension, he gives them what we call the Great Commission. He also instructed them to wait in the city of Jerusalem, so that they may receive the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Acts 1:4-5).
The disciples ask Jesus if he will now restore the kingdom to Israel. He says that it is not for them to know when this will happen. He emphasizes that they will soon receive power from God. He blesses the disciples and starts to ascend above the mount, as he returns to heaven.
Two angels in white show up as the disciples stare at the Lord rising above the clouds. The angels tell them that Jesus will come back to the earth in the same way they saw him leave (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:6-11).
After he said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud hid him from their sight. As he was going, they were looking into the sky. Suddenly, two men wearing white clothes stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky? Jesus, whom you saw taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go.” (Acts 1:9-11).
Pentecost - Receiving the Holy Spirit
Per Christ’s instruction, the disciples wait ten days in Jerusalem for the promise of God’s spirit. On the day of Pentecost, the birth of the New Testament church begins, when God delivers his Holy Spirit to more than 3,120 people (Acts 2). Jesus’ ministry after his resurrection sets the foundation for the perfect beginning of the Christian church.
Facts about Thomas
1. Is it true that Thomas gave one of the strongest declarations of Jesus’ divinity?
True or False
True or False
2. Is it true that Thomas demonstrated courage before the Crucifixion?
True or False
True or False
3. The Apostle Thomas is also called________?
a. Didymus
b. Twin
c. Both a and b
a. Didymus
b. Twin
c. Both a and b
4. Is it true that Thomas was no more doubting than the rest of the disciples?
Yes or No
Yes or No
5. Thomas met Jesus how many days after the Resurrection?
a. 3
b. 5
c. 1 week
a. 3
b. 5
c. 1 week
“Be angry and do not sin.”
Perhaps the most toxic ingredient in prison life is anger – not just anger against those who were responsible for your conviction. Anger and rage are all around you, day and night. For the slightest cause, prisoners lash out in anger against each other. Inmates are angry with Correctional Officers. Some COs are always grouchy, as if it’s part of their job description. When rival gangs commit acts of violence, the whole prison population suffers.
Anger in prison is so pervasive, I grieve when I see my Brothers in Christ respond with the same emotional and behavior patterns as everyone else around them.
I find that the root of most anger is that something happens that does not match our expectations.
Many times and in many ways Scripture tells us, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you” (Eph 4:31; Col 3:8). “... for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)
But, you may ask, didn’t Paul say, “Be angry, and do not sin”? (Eph 4:26, quoting Psalm 4:4). Notice that verse is just five verses before Paul’s command to “put away all anger.” So what’s up with that?
Some modern English versions translate Eph. 4:26 as “In your anger do not sin,” or “When you are angry, do not sin,” which is how most commentaries and preachers explain the verse. That’s nice, but wrong. I checked the Greek text. It’s an imperative command: “Be angry!” Which begs the question: About what are we supposed to be angry?
We find the answer in the context (Eph 4:17 – 5:8). What Paul wants us to be angry about is sin, the sin that infects each one of us, sinful attitudes prevalent in those who do not know Christ. Paul lists them: sensuality, greed, deceit, stealing, profanity, selfishness, bitterness, slander, and yes, anger.
So how should you respond when someone barks in anger against you? Proverbs 15:1 offers practical advice that absolutely works: “A soft answer turns away wrath.”
Anger in prison is so pervasive, I grieve when I see my Brothers in Christ respond with the same emotional and behavior patterns as everyone else around them.
I find that the root of most anger is that something happens that does not match our expectations.
Many times and in many ways Scripture tells us, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you” (Eph 4:31; Col 3:8). “... for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)
But, you may ask, didn’t Paul say, “Be angry, and do not sin”? (Eph 4:26, quoting Psalm 4:4). Notice that verse is just five verses before Paul’s command to “put away all anger.” So what’s up with that?
Some modern English versions translate Eph. 4:26 as “In your anger do not sin,” or “When you are angry, do not sin,” which is how most commentaries and preachers explain the verse. That’s nice, but wrong. I checked the Greek text. It’s an imperative command: “Be angry!” Which begs the question: About what are we supposed to be angry?
We find the answer in the context (Eph 4:17 – 5:8). What Paul wants us to be angry about is sin, the sin that infects each one of us, sinful attitudes prevalent in those who do not know Christ. Paul lists them: sensuality, greed, deceit, stealing, profanity, selfishness, bitterness, slander, and yes, anger.
So how should you respond when someone barks in anger against you? Proverbs 15:1 offers practical advice that absolutely works: “A soft answer turns away wrath.”
The International Lutheran Deaf Association
Convention
June 11-14, 2026
Hilton Cincinnati Airport
Florence, Kentucky
Convention
June 11-14, 2026
Hilton Cincinnati Airport
Florence, Kentucky
Customer or Disciple?
Pastor Richard Wurmbrand was a Jewish Lutheran Pastor in Romania, who endured imprisonment under Nazi occupation during World War II, and then 14 more years of imprisonment and brutal torture under the communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu.
Pastor Wurmbrand has observed that many Christians come to Jesus Christ as His customer, not as His disciple.
Wurmbrand compares Christ to a baker, to whom people come to buy bread and other good things that the bakery has to offer. ...much like we come to Christ to receive forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. And while we are at it, we take advantage other blessings that Christ offers – provision for our bodily needs, protection from danger and sickness, and care for loved ones.
In that sense, we are Christ’s customers, but that does not make us His disciples, any more than a person who buys bread in the bakery is a disciple of the baker.
The one who wants to become the baker’s disciple will not simple buy his bread, thank the baker, and leave to eat the baker’s produce. Rather, the baker’s disciple comes around behind the counter, puts on the baker’s apron and learns the baker’s craft, as is he taught and mentored by the master himself.
So it is with one who wants to be a disciple of Jesus.
Pastor Wurmbrand has observed that many Christians come to Jesus Christ as His customer, not as His disciple.
Wurmbrand compares Christ to a baker, to whom people come to buy bread and other good things that the bakery has to offer. ...much like we come to Christ to receive forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. And while we are at it, we take advantage other blessings that Christ offers – provision for our bodily needs, protection from danger and sickness, and care for loved ones.
In that sense, we are Christ’s customers, but that does not make us His disciples, any more than a person who buys bread in the bakery is a disciple of the baker.
The one who wants to become the baker’s disciple will not simple buy his bread, thank the baker, and leave to eat the baker’s produce. Rather, the baker’s disciple comes around behind the counter, puts on the baker’s apron and learns the baker’s craft, as is he taught and mentored by the master himself.
So it is with one who wants to be a disciple of Jesus.
The men crucified with Jesus –
What were their crimes?
Pieter Lastman – “The Crucifixion,” 1616
The Rembrandt House Museum, Amsterdam
The Rembrandt House Museum, Amsterdam
For a long time something in the story about the crucifixion of Jesus has bothered me. The two men who were crucified with Christ – What were their offenses? What crimes did they commit that deserved the death penalty?
The Gospels, in most of our English versions, call them thieves or robbers. And for a long time that has puzzled me.
In the Roman justice system, was simply stealing actually regarded a capital offense, deserving the death penalty? That didn’t see quite right.
What did these two men do that was so bad that one of them would say, “We are receiving what we deserve for our crimes.” (Luke 23:41)?
The ancient Greek language had two different words for thief or robber. A kleptes was a person who simply took things that belonged to other people. But a lestes was bandit, a person who used violence against their victims. This is the word we find in the Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan:
A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers [lestais]. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. (Luke 10:30)
Matthew 27:38 says that these were the kind of men who were crucified with Jesus – not mere pickpockets, shoplifters or porch pirates. These guys inflicted bodily injury or even killed people to get what they wanted.
John 18:40 also identifies Barabas as a lestes – a violent robber, a bandit. Both Mark and Luke further tell us that Barabas “committed murder in an insurrection” He is the one whom the crowd asked for Pilate to release, instead of Jesus.
Based on what we now know about the two men who were crucified with Jesus, I wonder if these two men were associates of Barabas. I wonder if the Roman officers had already scheduled three crucifixions for that Good Friday, three crosses – one reserved for Barabas. But Jesus took his place.
This is a fitting illustration for how, on the cross, Jesus also took our place.
In my study of this word lestes, I discovered that in some contexts this word can also mean rebel, revolutionary, one who engages in insurrection, as Barabas did.
It is WE who have rebelled against God and His authority. But Jesus, by His submission to His Father’s will, wins us back.
The Gospels, in most of our English versions, call them thieves or robbers. And for a long time that has puzzled me.
In the Roman justice system, was simply stealing actually regarded a capital offense, deserving the death penalty? That didn’t see quite right.
What did these two men do that was so bad that one of them would say, “We are receiving what we deserve for our crimes.” (Luke 23:41)?
The ancient Greek language had two different words for thief or robber. A kleptes was a person who simply took things that belonged to other people. But a lestes was bandit, a person who used violence against their victims. This is the word we find in the Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan:
A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers [lestais]. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. (Luke 10:30)
Matthew 27:38 says that these were the kind of men who were crucified with Jesus – not mere pickpockets, shoplifters or porch pirates. These guys inflicted bodily injury or even killed people to get what they wanted.
John 18:40 also identifies Barabas as a lestes – a violent robber, a bandit. Both Mark and Luke further tell us that Barabas “committed murder in an insurrection” He is the one whom the crowd asked for Pilate to release, instead of Jesus.
Based on what we now know about the two men who were crucified with Jesus, I wonder if these two men were associates of Barabas. I wonder if the Roman officers had already scheduled three crucifixions for that Good Friday, three crosses – one reserved for Barabas. But Jesus took his place.
This is a fitting illustration for how, on the cross, Jesus also took our place.
In my study of this word lestes, I discovered that in some contexts this word can also mean rebel, revolutionary, one who engages in insurrection, as Barabas did.
It is WE who have rebelled against God and His authority. But Jesus, by His submission to His Father’s will, wins us back.
Standing on the Fence
After Jesus rose from the dead, He met with His disciples in Galilee. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; however some doubted. (Matthew 28:17) That’s an odd statement. They saw Him, they worshipped Him, but still didn’t believe He was alive?
No, the Greek word that is translated here as “doubted” is not the word that means unbelief. Rather, the word distazo literally means trying to stand in two places at the same time. This is similar to English idiom “sitting on the fence,” or as we express it in ASL, “standing on the fence.” The word means to hesitate, not ready to commit.
After all the disciples had seen and heard and knew to be true, some still hesitated to fully commit to Christ. It seems amazing. But... what about us?
After all the disciples had seen and heard and knew to be true, some still hesitated to fully commit to Christ. It seems amazing. But... what about us?
These last two articles are from a series of studies which Pastor Ron has published on YouTube: Digging for Gold. www.christdeaf.org/gold
