Acts 1:6

Letters to the Faithful - Acts 1:6

Berean Standard Bible

So when they came together, they asked Him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

King James Bible

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

Greek Text:

Οἱ μὲν οὖν συνελθόντες ἠρώτων αὐτὸν λέγοντες· Κύριε, εἰ ἐν τῷ χρόνῳ τούτῳ ἀποκαθιστάνεις τὴν βασιλείαν τῷ Ἰσραήλ;

Transliteration:

Hoi mén oun synelthóntes ērṓtōn autón légontes: Kýrie, ei en tō chrónō toútō apokathistáneis tēn basileían tō Israḗl?

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So when they came together

The gathering of the disciples is significant as it reflects the unity and anticipation among the followers of Jesus after His resurrection. This phrase indicates a physical assembly, likely in Jerusalem, where the disciples were instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). The unity of the disciples is a recurring theme in Acts, emphasizing the importance of communal faith and shared mission.

they asked Him

The disciples' question to Jesus shows their direct communication and relationship with Him. It reflects their ongoing learning process and desire for understanding. This interaction highlights the disciples' expectation of Jesus' role and the fulfillment of God's promises. It also underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and wisdom.

“Lord, will You at this time

The use of "Lord" acknowledges Jesus' authority and divinity. The phrase "at this time" indicates the disciples' anticipation of an imminent event. This reflects their understanding of prophetic timelines and their hope for the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. The disciples were aware of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah and the restoration of Israel, such as those found in Isaiah and Ezekiel.

restore the kingdom to Israel?”

The concept of restoring the kingdom to Israel is rooted in Jewish eschatological hopes. The disciples were expecting a political and national restoration, reminiscent of the Davidic kingdom. This expectation is tied to prophecies like those in Amos 9:11-15 and Isaiah 11:10-12, which speak of a future restoration and peace. The question reveals a common misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' kingdom, which He later clarifies as spiritual rather than political. This expectation of restoration is also linked to the covenant promises made to Abraham and David, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His people.

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Acts 1:6, in the New International Version, states: “Then they gathered around him and asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’” This verse captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Acts, occurring just before Jesus’ ascension, as the disciples question Him about the restoration of Israel’s kingdom. To provide a full and in-depth commentary, we must examine the verse’s literary and historical context, its linguistic and theological nuances, its cultural significance, and its relevance for both its original audience and contemporary readers.

The book of Acts, written by Luke as a continuation of his Gospel, chronicles the early church’s growth and the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome. Acts 1:1–11 serves as a prologue, bridging the resurrection appearances in Luke 24 with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). Verse 6 is set in the context of Jesus’ final moments with His disciples, after forty days of teaching about the kingdom of God (1:3). The disciples’ question reflects their expectations, shaped by Jewish eschatology, and Jesus’ response (1:7–8) redirects their focus to their mission as witnesses empowered by the Spirit. This verse thus marks a transition from the disciples’ nationalistic hopes to the universal mission of the church, setting the stage for the global scope of Acts.

Linguistically, the Greek text of Acts 1:6 is rich with meaning: “Hoi men oun synelthontes epērōtōn auton legontes, ‘Kyrie, ei en tō chronō toutō apokathistaneis tēn basileian tō Israēl?’” The phrase “they gathered around him” (hoi men oun synelthontes) suggests an intimate, collective moment, emphasizing the disciples’ unity and eagerness. The verb “epērōtōn” (asked) indicates a formal or earnest inquiry, reflecting the weight of their question. The title “Kyrie” (Lord) acknowledges Jesus’ authority, possibly hinting at their growing recognition of His divine status post-resurrection. The phrase “at this time” (en tō chronō toutō) reveals their expectation of an imminent event, while “restore the kingdom to Israel” (apokathistaneis tēn basileian tō Israēl) uses the verb “apokathistaneis” (restore), which evokes Old Testament promises of Israel’s renewal (e.g., Isa. 1:26; Jer. 33:7). The term “Israel” underscores their Jewish identity and nationalistic hopes, rooted in expectations of a messianic kingdom that would liberate Israel from Roman rule.

Theologically, Acts 1:6 reveals the disciples’ partial understanding of Jesus’ mission and the nature of God’s kingdom. Their question reflects a common Jewish expectation, drawn from texts like Daniel 7:27 and Zechariah 14, that the Messiah would restore Israel’s political and spiritual sovereignty, overthrowing foreign oppressors like Rome. Jesus’ response in verses 7–8—“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority”—gently corrects their focus, emphasizing that the timing of God’s eschatological plan is under divine control. Instead, He redirects them to their role as witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to spread the gospel “to the ends of the earth” (1:8). This shift highlights a key theme in Acts: the kingdom of God is not limited to a restored Israel but encompasses a universal mission, fulfilling promises like Isaiah 49:6, where Israel is called to be a light to the nations. The verse thus underscores the tension between human expectations and God’s broader purposes, a recurring motif in Acts (e.g., 10:34–35; 15:7–11).

Historically, Acts 1:6 is set in the early 30s CE, shortly after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, in a Judea under Roman occupation. The disciples’ question reflects the socio-political climate of Second Temple Judaism, where messianic hopes were fervent, fueled by Roman oppression and movements like the Zealots, who sought political liberation. Figures like Theudas and Judas the Galilean (Acts 5:36–37) illustrate the widespread expectation of a messianic deliverer. The disciples, having witnessed Jesus’ resurrection, likely believed the time was ripe for Him to fulfill these expectations as the risen Messiah. Luke, writing Acts around 80–90 CE, addresses a mixed audience of Jewish and Gentile Christians, some of whom may have shared similar eschatological hopes or faced tensions over the inclusion of Gentiles in the church. By recording this question, Luke acknowledges these expectations while showing how Jesus reorients them toward a mission that transcends national boundaries.

Culturally, the disciples’ question in Acts 1:6 reflects the Jewish worldview of the time, where the restoration of Israel was tied to covenant promises and national identity. The concept of “restoring the kingdom” would have evoked images of David’s monarchy, Solomon’s glory, or the prophetic visions of a renewed Jerusalem (e.g., Ezek. 37:24–28). For Jewish Christians in Luke’s audience, this question would resonate with their own hopes for Israel’s redemption, especially after the destruction of the temple in 70 CE, which heightened eschatological fervor. For Gentile Christians, the verse might have seemed foreign, as their cultural context—Greco-Roman society—lacked the same covenantal framework. However, Luke’s inclusion of this question, followed by Jesus’ universal commission (1:8), bridges these cultural divides, showing that the gospel fulfills Israel’s hopes while extending salvation to all nations, a theme central to Acts (e.g., 13:46–47).

For the original audience, Acts 1:6 served multiple purposes. For Jewish Christians, it validated their messianic hopes while redirecting them to a broader mission, affirming that God’s plan included both Israel and the Gentiles. For Gentile Christians, it provided insight into the Jewish roots of their faith, clarifying the continuity between the Old Testament promises and the church’s mission. The verse also offered encouragement to early Christians facing persecution or uncertainty, as Jesus’ response emphasized the Spirit’s empowerment for their task, not the immediate fulfillment of political hopes. By framing the disciples’ question as sincere but limited, Luke invited his readers to trust in God’s timing and embrace their role in His global plan.

For contemporary readers, Acts 1:6 speaks to the human tendency to impose our expectations on God’s plans. The disciples’ question reflects a desire for immediate, tangible results, a sentiment that resonates in modern contexts where instant gratification is often sought. The verse challenges believers to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when His timing or methods differ from human desires. It also underscores the importance of mission, as Jesus’ response shifts the focus from speculation about the future to active participation in God’s work. For those within a faith tradition, the verse invites reflection on what it means to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth,” whether through evangelism, service, or advocacy for justice in a globalized world.

Practically, Acts 1:6 encourages believers to align their priorities with God’s mission. The disciples’ question, while rooted in legitimate hopes, reveals a limited perspective that Jesus expands. Modern Christians can learn from this, examining their own assumptions about God’s kingdom—whether tied to personal ambitions, cultural values, or political agendas—and seeking to embody the gospel’s universal call. The verse also highlights the importance of community, as the disciples “gathered around” Jesus, suggesting that mission is a collective endeavor. This can inspire contemporary faith communities to work together, empowered by the Spirit, to share the gospel in diverse contexts. The emphasis on divine timing (“not for you to know”) also offers comfort to those facing uncertainty, encouraging patience and trust in God’s unfolding plan.

Theologically, Acts 1:6 points to the already-not-yet nature of God’s kingdom. The disciples’ question assumes the kingdom’s restoration is imminent, but Jesus’ response indicates that it has begun in Him (Luke 4:21) yet awaits full consummation at a time known only to the Father. This tension is central to Acts, where the kingdom is manifest through the Spirit’s work in the church (e.g., 2:42–47) while pointing to a future hope (e.g., 3:19–21). The verse also underscores the role of the Holy Spirit, promised in 1:8, as the power for mission, connecting to Luke’s emphasis on the Spirit’s activity (e.g., Luke 4:18; Acts 2:4). For Christians, this affirms that the church’s mission is not self-initiated but divinely empowered, rooted in Jesus’ authority as the risen Lord.

In conclusion, Acts 1:6 is a concise yet profound verse that captures the disciples’ eschatological hopes and Jesus’ redirection of their focus to the Spirit-empowered mission of the church. Rooted in the historical and cultural context of first-century Judea, it acknowledges Jewish expectations of restoration while expanding them to a universal vision of salvation. The verse challenges both ancient and modern readers to trust in God’s timing, embrace their role as witnesses, and participate in His global mission. By presenting the disciples’ question and Jesus’ response, Acts 1:6 invites believers to move beyond limited perspectives, relying on the Spirit to proclaim the gospel in a world longing for hope.

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Grace and peace be with you all, in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To all brothers and sisters in the faith, scattered throughout cities and villages, gathered in churches and homes, walking in fields and treading the busy streets of our age: may the mercy of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be your constant portion.

I write to you concerning the hope that stirs so often in our hearts, the longing for the fullness of God’s kingdom to come upon the earth. We live in times of both great expectation and great uncertainty. Many of us, like the first followers of Jesus, lift our eyes and ask with longing: “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6).

These were the words of the disciples after the resurrection of our Lord, as they stood in the presence of the One who had triumphed over death. Their hearts, still shaped by their expectations and national hopes, yearned to see the visible and immediate establishment of God’s reign — a reign that would overthrow oppressors, restore justice, and usher in an era of peace and righteousness.

How familiar is this cry to us even today! We long for the brokenness of our world to be healed, for injustices to be overturned, for peace to reign in our lands and in our lives. We watch the news with heavy hearts. We see war, poverty, disease, hatred, and division. We ask with hope and at times with frustration, “Lord, will you restore your kingdom now? Will you set all things right in this moment?”

Let us consider how our Lord answered His disciples then — and how He speaks to us now. Jesus did not rebuke their hope; He did not deny the coming of the kingdom. But He gently redirected their gaze and their trust. He said, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.” In this response lies both a profound humility and a liberating truth.

Brothers and sisters, there are mysteries that belong to God alone. The exact unfolding of His redemptive plan — the when and the how — is held within His sovereign will. To know this is not to despair but to rest in trust. The call to us is not to fixate on dates, signs, or timetables, but to embrace the calling that Jesus immediately placed before His followers: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses...”

The longing for the kingdom is not wrong; it is written into our hearts by the Spirit who groans within us for the full redemption of creation. Yet the way of the kingdom is often hidden, subtle, and patient. It grows like a mustard seed; it works like leaven in the dough. It is proclaimed not merely through great and sudden acts but through faithful witness, sacrificial love, and lives transformed by grace.

Therefore, beloved, I urge you not to become weary in doing good or distracted by speculation about the end. Instead, be filled with the Spirit and be faithful witnesses in whatever sphere of life you inhabit. The kingdom of God advances through every act of love, every word of truth, every choice of justice, and every prayer lifted in hope. Do not despise small beginnings. A kind word, an act of forgiveness, a cup of cold water given in Jesus’ name — these things are not forgotten in the sight of God.

Moreover, remember that Jesus Himself, who ascended into heaven, will come again. This is our sure hope. Until that day, we live as ambassadors of His reign, sowing seeds of the gospel in a world that desperately needs light.

In practical terms, let this mean for us:

Love one another fervently, for love is the mark of Christ’s disciples.

Practice forgiveness, refusing to be overcome by bitterness.

Pursue justice in your communities, speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Be generous to the poor, the stranger, and the outcast.

Remain steadfast in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength daily.

Proclaim the good news of Jesus with courage and compassion.

Live with expectancy, not anxiety — knowing that the kingdom will surely come, even if not on our timetable.

I leave you with these words of encouragement: The God who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in our world even now. His Spirit empowers us to live as citizens of the kingdom even in the midst of a fallen age. Do not lose heart. Keep your lamps burning. Watch and pray. Work while it is day, knowing that your labor in the Lord is never in vain.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, now and always.

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Eternal and Sovereign Father, Creator of all that is seen and unseen, whose throne is established in the heavens and whose kingdom knows no end, we come before You with hearts bowed in reverence and voices lifted in praise. Through Your mercy and by the blood of Your Son Jesus Christ, we are granted access to Your presence; through Your Spirit, we are drawn into fellowship with You and with one another.

O Lord our God, as Your disciples of old once gathered in eager expectation before the risen Christ, so we now gather—across lands and languages, across generations and nations—with longing in our hearts. We, too, lift our voices and ask, “Lord, will You at this time restore Your kingdom upon the earth?” For we see the brokenness of this world; we groan with creation for its redemption. We witness violence and injustice; we feel the weight of sin and suffering; we are burdened with the ache of waiting.

Yet we know, O Lord, that the times and seasons are held in Your sovereign hand, fixed by Your eternal authority. We confess our impatience and surrender our desire to know what You have chosen to conceal. Teach us, gracious Father, to trust in Your perfect wisdom, to rest in Your faithful promises, to walk in humble obedience even when we do not see the full unfolding of Your plan.

Send forth Your Spirit upon us afresh, O God. Clothe us with power from on high. Kindle within us a fire of holy love and a passion for Your glory. Make us bold witnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let our words proclaim Your truth; let our lives embody Your grace. May we shine as lights in the darkness, bearing the message of hope to the ends of the earth.

Strengthen us to labor faithfully while we wait. Let us not be idle or distracted, but diligent in prayer, steadfast in love, generous in compassion, and fervent in the work of justice and mercy. Teach us to see Your kingdom in the small and hidden places—in the daily acts of kindness, in the patient sowing of peace, in the quiet endurance of those who suffer, and in the joyful gathering of Your people.

Grant us wisdom to discern the movements of Your Spirit. Guard us from the folly of empty speculation. Keep us from fear and despair. Fill us instead with holy expectancy, with unwavering hope, with the joy of those who know that their Redeemer lives and that His kingdom will surely come.

We pray for our brothers and sisters throughout the world, many of whom suffer for the sake of Your name. Strengthen their faith. Comfort them with the nearness of Your presence. Let their witness bear abundant fruit. Unite us all as one body in Christ, bound together in love and mission.

And so, O King of kings and Lord of lords, we lift our eyes to You. As the first disciples watched their Lord ascend into glory, so we look with hope to the day when He will return in power and great glory. Until that day, may we be found faithful. Until that day, may we serve with joy. Until that day, may we pray as Jesus taught us: Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

To You alone be all honor, glory, dominion, and praise—now and forevermore. Amen.