This verse has been misinterpreted down through the years. It is not alluding to our Lords Ascension, but of His 'going up' to Jerusalem to the Feast of Tabernacles. Why would His Ascension be in question this early when it is at least six months hence?. It makes no sense. The odd choice of words here...analempsis...would be better translated as His 'retirement'. The word before it, sumpleroo, means to be completed or accomplished. So, this is not speaking of His Ascension then. It means the time was come that Jesus must no longer retire from Judea and the area around Jerusalem. He had been staying around the Galilee to avoid the Jews' laying hold of Him before His ministry was ended, and full proof of His divine mission given, and some of the prophecies concerning Him accomplished. In those days, one 'went up' to Jerusalem to the feasts. Three that were required to attend in Jerusalem were Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Here, Jesus is setting His sights on Jerusalem to 'go up' to the Feast of Tabernacles. The Hebrew reads, 'aliyah' meaning 'to go up'. So, this passage has nothing to do with His 'going up to Heaven', but 'going up' to Jerusalem...because He has to despite the Pharisees and 'Jews' that want to lay hold of Him.
- cody927 (3/28/2017 5:41:22 PM) [qBible.com]

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