Harmony of the Gospels [Jesus Appears to Apostles & Ascension]

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes the Harmony of the Gospels series by exploring the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to His disciples and the Ascension. He explains Jesus rebuking the apostles for their initial unbelief and commissioning them to preach the gospel to all nations, emphasizing baptism and the power of the Holy Spirit in their mission. Fr. Matthias clarifies the symbolism behind miraculous signs and the nature of Jesus’ resurrected body. He discusses the restoration of Peter, the importance of faith without physical proof as taught through Thomas’s encounter, and the significance of the Great Commission to make disciples baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The talk also touches on early church practices, apostolic authority, and how the apostles were prepared to continue Christ’s work empowered by the Holy Spirit after His Ascension.