根据基督教教义名词,耶稣复活四十天后升上天堂。〈使徒行传〉第一章载,耶稣在四十天之内多次向使徒显现,此后,使徒见祂上升进入云端。基督教徒认为,耶稣升天有重大意义,这是因为他们相信,耶稣死而复活之后,要享荣耀并被高举,而且祂已回到天父身边。这一事情是为了指出耶稣和天父以及耶稣和信徒间的新关系。庆祝耶稣升天的仪式为全世界的信徒所遵循,这个庆祝仪式强调了基督的君王身分。从西元4世纪开始,将复活节(Easter)后第四十天,及圣灵降临节的前十天订为耶稣升天日。
In Christian belief, the ascent of Jesus into heaven 40 days after the Resurrection. The Book of Acts relates that, after several appearances to the Apostles over a period of 40 days, Jesus was taken up in their presence and hidden behind a cloud, a symbol of God's presence. The event is thought to indicate a new relationship between Jesus and God and between Jesus and his followers. The feast of the Ascension is universally observed by Christians, and its celebration emphasizes the kingship of Christ. Since the 4th century, it has been celebrated 40 days after Easter and 10 days before Pentecost.