Acts 1:6

“When they, therefore, were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?”

This verse takes place after the resurrection of Jesus Christ and just before His ascension into heaven. The disciples were gathered together with Jesus, and they posed a question to Him. Let’s examine this verse in context and explore its significance.

Historical Context:During this time, the disciples had spent considerable time with Jesus after His resurrection. They had witnessed His teachings and miracles, and they believed Him to be the long-awaited Messiah. However, there was still a prevalent expectation among the Jewish people that the Messiah would establish a physical kingdom in Israel and deliver them from Roman rule. The disciples’ question reflects their anticipation of such an event.

• The Disciples’ Question:

The disciples asked Jesus, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Their question reveals their desire for Jesus to initiate an immediate political and national restoration of Israel’s kingdom. They were eager to witness the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies that spoke of the Messiah’s reign and the restoration of Israel’s glory.

Jesus’ Response:In the following verses (Acts 1:7-8), Jesus provides an answer to the disciples’ question. He says, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Jesus essentially redirects their focus from the timing of the restoration of the kingdom to the mission they were about to embark upon. He tells them that the specific timing of the kingdom’s restoration is not for them to know but is within the Father’s authority. Instead, Jesus emphasizes the coming of the Holy Spirit and the disciples’ role as witnesses of His teachings and His redemptive work. He commissions them to share the Gospel message throughout Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Key Takeaways:

• The disciples’ question reflects a prevalent misconception among the Jewish people of that time, hoping for an immediate political deliverance.
• Jesus redirects their focus to the mission of spreading the Gospel and the imminent arrival of the Holy Spirit.
• Jesus affirms that the timing of the restoration of the kingdom is within God’s control and not for them to know.

This verse teaches us the importance of aligning our priorities with God’s plan. The disciples were eager for an earthly kingdom, but Jesus directed their attention to the spiritual task at hand. It also reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and while we may have questions about the future, we are called to faithfully serve Him and be witnesses to His work in the world.

By studying this verse and its surrounding context, we gain insights into the disciples’ expectations, Jesus’ response, and the redirection of their focus towards the mission of spreading the Gospel.