If you go to the bookstore and ask for the section on the Ascension, you will be disappointed. You would be lucky if the bookstore had a single book.
While the resurrection, miracles, and other aspects of Jesus’ life have been very well covered, the ascension...not so much. If you are interested in finding out more about the Ascension, the three books below are worth checking out.
While the resurrection, miracles, and other aspects of Jesus’ life have been very well covered, the ascension...not so much. If you are interested in finding out more about the Ascension, the three books below are worth checking out.
40 Days: Encountering Jesus Between the Resurrection And Ascension (Alton Gansky)
If you are looking more for a sermon style or devotional book, then Gansky’s book on the Ascension is the least dense on this list. The book reads quickly and is written in a less scholarly or academic tone. The book is now out of print but can be purchased used.
Ascension Theology (Douglas B. Farrow)
If 40 Days is the least dense, then Farrow’s book earns the prize for most dense. Unlike 40 Days, there is no story here. This is the kind of book you read at a desk. It’s academic in style, but also profoundly deep. If you're after more of the history of the theology, then this is the book you want to pick up.
Upward: Faith, Church, and the Ascension of Christ (Anthony J. Kelly)
Upward is the happy medium between 40 Days and Ascension Theology. It’s, again, lacking the storytelling elements that make 40 Days a quick and easy read but is a little easier to follow than Ascension Theology. If you are after a devotional style book that helps you both understand the Ascension and makes you grow, then this is the book for you.
The Resurrection of our Lord and The Ascension of our Lord (William Milligan)
I’ve read a lot about the Ascension and the best I’ve ever read is a work that is now public domain (which means it’s free online if you can find it); it’s by William Milligan--one of the most well-known theologians of his day. The book gives you the deep theology of the Ascension but blends it with a story that will help you grow in faith spiritually.
Archive.org has a copy, but if you want something a little cleaner and more formatted, then there are print copies available on Amazon.
Archive.org has a copy, but if you want something a little cleaner and more formatted, then there are print copies available on Amazon.