Ascension, needs no supplement, and can have no continuation, world
without end. And so, whatever may be the meaning of that singular
phrase, 'began to do and teach,' it does not, in the smallest degree,
conflict with the assurance that He hath ascended up on high, 'having
obtained eternal redemption for us,' and 'having finished the work
which the Father gave Him to do.'

II. But then, secondly, we have to notice what Christ continues to do
and to teach after His Ascension.

I have already suggested that the phraseology of the first of my
texts naturally leads to the conclusion that the theme of this Book
of the Acts is the continuous work of the ascended Saviour, and that
the language is not forced by being thus interpreted is very plain to
any one who will glance even cursorily over the contents of the book
itself. For there is nothing in it more obvious and remarkable than
the way in which, at every turn in the narrative, all is referred to
Jesus Christ Himself.

For instance, to cull one or two cases in order to bring the matter
more plainly before you--When the Apostles determined to select
another Apostle to fill Judas' place, they asked Jesus Christ to show
which 'of these two Thou hast chosen.' When Peter is called upon to
explain the tongues at Pentecost he says, 'Jesus hath shed forth this
which ye now see and hear.' When the writer would tell the reason of
the large first increase to the Church, he says, 'The Lord added to
the Church daily such as should be saved.' Peter and John go into the
Temple to heal the lame man, and their words to him are, 'Do not
think that our power or holiness is any factor in your cure. The Name
hath made this man whole.' It is the Lord that appears to Paul and to