Catholic Bible Study — Glorious Mysteries: The Ascension

Podcast: Catholic Bible Study
Host: Augustine Institute (Dr. Ben Akers, with guest Dr. James Prothero)
Date: December 18, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Dr. Ben Akers is joined by Dr. James Prothero for the second installment in a five-part series on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. The main theme centers on the scriptural and theological depths of the Ascension of Jesus, exploring its significance within salvation history, its Old Testament roots, and its implications for Christian life today. The discussion is deeply rooted in biblical exegesis and is intended to help listeners meditate more fruitfully on the Ascension when praying the Rosary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Scriptural Account of the Ascension ([00:00]–[07:36])

• Primary Text: Acts 1:6–11 offers the fullest account of the Ascension, though it is briefly referenced at the end of Luke’s Gospel.
• Timeline: The Ascension occurs 40 days after the Resurrection, on a Thursday (the “Thursday of the sixth week of Easter”), but sometimes its celebration is moved to Sunday in some regions ([01:40]).
• Significance of 40: Symbolizes a period of preparation and drawing near to God (e.g., Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness, Jesus’ 40 days in the desert) ([02:04]).
• The Disciples’ Question:
  “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” — Reflects anticipation that Jesus’ messianic mission involves a glorious, earthly kingdom ([03:35]).
• Jesus’ Response:
  “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons... But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...” (Acts 1:7–8, paraphrased)
  He redirects them from curiosity about timing to their mission of global witness, emphasizing that the “kingdom” will not be narrowly national but universal ([05:00]–[06:14]).
• Memorable Quote:
  Dr. Akers: “God doesn’t always, like, you know, work according to our time schedule. But he’s never late.” ([04:51])

Theological Meaning: Old Testament Echoes & Messianic Fulfillment ([07:36]–[13:30])

• Old Testament Foundations:
  • Psalm 110: Central for understanding the Ascension, as it is a coronation psalm:
    “The Lord says to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.” ([09:08])
  • Jesus as New Adam & New David:
    The Ascension is Jesus’ enthronement as the new Adam (restoring dominion over creation lost by sin) and the new, eternal King from David’s line ([11:31]).
• Christ’s Kingship and Royal Identity:
  The Ascension is not simply a departure; it’s Jesus’ enthronement at the Father’s right hand—a visible sign that the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament is reigning in glory.

Priestly Dimension: The Ascended Lord as High Priest ([13:30]–[16:58])

• Christ as High Priest:
  Drawing on Hebrews, Dr. Prothero explains that Jesus’ Ascension marks Him not only as king but also as the eternal high priest.
  • Psalm 110 again is key:
    “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”
  • Melchizedek Connection:
    Jesus’ priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, is unique—offering bread and wine, and extending forever by virtue of Jesus’ resurrection, not biological descent ([14:50]).
  • Perpetual Intercession:
    “His [Jesus’] intercession is eternal, it’s ongoing. His offering, his one time death on the cross, is always being presented before the eyes of the Father because He, in His glorified body that yet still has the scars… is always there before the Father.” — Dr. Prothero ([15:42])

The Ascension and the Gift of the Holy Spirit ([12:25]–[13:30])

• Necessity of Departure:
  Jesus says it is “better for you that I go” (John 16) because His Ascension makes possible the outpouring of the Spirit, who mediates Christ’s presence globally, “present in every heart” ([12:38]).
• Memorable Exchange:
  Dr. Akers: “That’s always been challenging... How is it better that Jesus would leave?”
  Dr. Prothero: “Because if I don’t go, I won’t be able to sit on my throne and send the Holy Spirit.” ([12:32]–[12:38])

The Ascension, Resurrection, and Christian Hope ([16:58]–[19:27])

• Connection to Christian Life:
  • The Ascension is the foundation for the believer’s hope of resurrection, as seen in Philippians 3:20–21:
    “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour... who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body...”
  • Universal Kingship:
    The Ascended Christ is sovereign over every event in our lives—even the difficulties—because “everything is under His feet” ([18:50]).
• Baptism and Ascension Link:
  1 Peter 3:21 ties the efficacy of baptism to Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.
• Living Confidence:
  “Nothing can beat his promise. Nothing can touch him. Everything is under his feet. Even the bad things in our life we know are still under the power of Jesus and that he’ll guide and direct everything as the One who’s at the steering wheel of the universe for our good, ultimately.” — Dr. Prothero ([19:11])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God’s Timeliness:
  “God doesn’t always... work according to our time schedule. But he’s never late.” — Dr. Akers ([04:51])
• On the Ascension’s True Meaning:
  “The Ascension is not celebrating an absent God... but it’s, ‘I’m ascending to the right hand of the Father so that I can be with you by sending you the Spirit.’” — Dr. Akers ([19:27])
• On Christ’s Perpetual Priesthood:
  “Jesus is sinless and he’s eternal. So when he intercedes for you, his intercession is eternal. His offering... is always being presented before the eyes of the Father.” — Dr. Prothero ([15:42])
• Reflecting on Hope and Sovereignty:
  “Nothing can beat his promise. Nothing can touch him. Everything is under his feet.” — Dr. Prothero ([19:18])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00–01:23]: Introduction, context, and overview of the Glorious Mysteries–Ascension focus
• [01:23–06:14]: Reading Acts 1:6–11, context, and meaning of “40 days”
• [06:14–07:36]: The “New Joshua”—Jesus’ mission moves from local to universal
• [07:36–13:30]: Old Testament roots—Psalm 110, messianic implications, why the Ascension matters
• [13:30–16:58]: Christ as eternal High Priest—Melchizedek, Hebrews, ongoing intercession
• [16:58–19:27]: The Ascension’s impact on Christian hope, baptism, and confidence in Christ’s kingship

Conclusion

This episode richly explores the Ascension as more than a departure; it's a pivotal, multi-layered reality marking Christ’s enthronement as King and High Priest. The hosts connect the Ascension with Old Testament prophecy, Christ’s ongoing intercession, the sending of the Holy Spirit, and the foundation for Christian hope. Listeners are invited to see the Ascension as the locus of Christ’s sovereign power—a reality that shapes prayer, trust, and devotion, especially when meditating on the Rosary’s Glorious Mysteries.

Next Episode Teaser:
The series continues with Pentecost, exploring the descent of the Holy Spirit ten days after the Ascension.

“May the good Lord bless and keep you.” — Dr. Ben Akers ([19:27])