Ascension
Following his resurrection, Jesus spent forty days appearing to his disciples and instructing them about the kingdom of God before the event recorded in Acts 1. From the Mount of Olives, he was taken up into heaven in their sight, with two angels announcing his future return in the same manner. This ascension concluded his earthly ministry, fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, and exalted him to the right hand of the Father, where he serves as intercessor. It also prepared the way for the Holy Spiritโs arrival at Pentecost and established the foundation for the churchโs mission and hope of Christโs second coming.
Meanwhile in the World
The Roman Empire is at its peak under Augustus and Tiberius (Pax Romana). Rome controls the entire Mediterranean world. Roads, common language (Greek), and peace make travel and communication easy - the 'fullness of time.' Herod the Great rules Judea as a client king.