Acts 1:10
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὡς
while
G5613
ὡς
while
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
2 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
εἰς
toward
G1519
εἰς
toward
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανὸν
heaven
G3772
οὐρανὸν
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
7 of 18
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
πορευομένου
went up
G4198
πορευομένου
went up
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
8 of 18
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
αὐτοῖς
as he
G846
αὐτοῖς
as he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρειστήκεισαν
stood by
G3936
παρειστήκεισαν
stood by
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
14 of 18
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
Cross References
Luke 24:4And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:John 20:12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.Revelation 7:14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.Mark 16:5And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.Acts 10:30And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,Matthew 28:3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:Matthew 17:2And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.Daniel 7:9I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.Revelation 3:4Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.Acts 10:3He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
Historical Context
Angelic appearances at key moments (resurrection, ascension) authenticated divine activity. The promise of Christ's return became foundational to apostolic preaching and Christian hope, addressing both comfort and accountability.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of Christ's return 'in like manner' shape your daily living and priorities?
- What balance exists between 'looking up' in hope and engaging the mission before you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'two men in white apparel' were angels serving as divine messengers. Their question gently rebuked prolonged gazing at heaven when mission awaited on earth. The angelic message reinforced Christ's visible, bodily return 'in like manner' - the same Jesus who ascended will return personally and physically.