The answer is: 40 days

Acts 1:3

After his miraculous resurrection, Jesus lingered on Earth for 40 days, teaching and appearing to his disciples before his ascension into heaven. This period wasn’t just an interval of rest; it was jam-packed with important lessons. Imagine the excitement and confusion of the disciples seeing their friend, post-resurrection! During this time, he offered convincing proofs of his identity—defying skepticism and sealing their faith.

There's an intriguing echo of significance to the number 40 in the Bible. It often symbolizes a time of testing, trial, or transformation. For instance, Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai, and the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. Likewise, Jesus himself was played by a role that commemorates resilience and teaches lessons about spiritual endurance. The 40 days following his resurrection served as a kind of 'crash course’ for those early followers in understanding their faith, preparing them for what was to come next—the Great Commission instructed to spread his teachings.

Moreover, the ascension moment portrayed in the Gospels emphasizes a transition from an earthly presence to a more profound cosmic one, inviting the believers to continue his presence through their actions and words. This communal responsibility marked the beginning of a new era for his followers—one filled with purpose driven by reflection upon those pivotal 40 days. So, each time we reflect on that period, it reminds us that faith often grows out of intervals of doubt and expectation.