Acts 1:7

Letters to the Faithful - Acts 1:7

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.

King James Bible

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Greek Text:

εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς· Οὐχ ὑμῶν ἐστιν γνῶναι χρόνους ἢ καιροὺς οὓς ὁ Πατὴρ ἔθετο ἐν τῇ ἰδίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ.

Transliteration:

Eipen pros autous· Ouch hymōn estin gnōnai chronous ē kairous hous ho Patēr etheto en tē idia exousia.

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Jesus replied

This phrase indicates a direct response from Jesus to a question posed by the disciples. The context is post-resurrection, where the disciples are eager to understand the timing of the restoration of the kingdom to Israel. Jesus' reply emphasizes His role as a teacher and guide, redirecting their focus from earthly concerns to spiritual truths.

It is not for you to know

Here, Jesus sets a boundary on human understanding, highlighting the limitations of human knowledge concerning divine plans. This echoes Deuteronomy 29:29, where the secret things belong to God. It underscores the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereign plan, rather than relying on human understanding.

times or seasons

The terms "times" (chronos) and "seasons" (kairos) refer to chronological time and opportune moments, respectively. This distinction is significant in biblical prophecy and eschatology, where God's timing is perfect and often beyond human comprehension. Ecclesiastes 3:1 also speaks to the appointed times for every purpose under heaven, reinforcing the idea of divine timing.

that the Father has fixed

This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and predetermined plan. The use of "fixed" suggests a firm, unchangeable decision by God. It reflects the biblical theme of God's control over history and future events, as seen in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares the end from the beginning.

by His own authority

The authority of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, affirming His ultimate power and control over all creation. This authority is not shared or delegated, highlighting the uniqueness of God's sovereignty. Matthew 28:18, where Jesus speaks of all authority given to Him, connects to this, showing the divine authority shared within the Trinity.

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Acts 1:7, in the New International Version, states, “He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.’” This verse captures a critical moment in the narrative of Acts, where Jesus responds to his disciples’ question about the restoration of the kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:6). Spoken just before his ascension, these words carry profound theological, historical, and practical significance, addressing the disciples’ expectations, redirecting their focus, and framing the mission of the early church. To fully grasp the depth of this verse, we must explore its context within Acts, its roots in Jewish eschatological hopes, its theological implications for divine sovereignty and human responsibility, and its role in shaping the narrative arc of Luke’s second volume.

The Book of Acts, written by Luke as a continuation of his Gospel, chronicles the spread of the early church from Jerusalem to Rome under the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:1-11 serves as a prologue, bridging the resurrection appearances of Jesus with the church’s mission. After spending forty days teaching about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3), Jesus is asked by his disciples, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Their question reflects a Jewish expectation of a political and national restoration, rooted in Old Testament promises of Israel’s renewal (e.g., Isaiah 2:2-4; Ezekiel 37:21-28). Jesus’ response in Acts 1:7, followed by his promise of the Spirit and the commission to be witnesses (Acts 1:8), reorients their focus from speculative timelines to the immediate task of mission. This verse, then, is a pivotal transition, clarifying the nature of the kingdom and the disciples’ role in God’s plan.

Theologically, Acts 1:7 emphasizes divine sovereignty over eschatological timing. Jesus’ statement, “It is not for you to know,” firmly places the “times or dates” (chronous ē kairous in Greek, suggesting both specific moments and broader seasons) under the Father’s exclusive authority. This echoes Old Testament teachings, such as Deuteronomy 29:29, which distinguishes between what God reveals and what remains hidden. By withholding knowledge of the kingdom’s full restoration, Jesus underscores that such matters belong to God’s prerogative, not human speculation. This was particularly relevant for the disciples, whose question reflects a preoccupation with the timing of Israel’s political liberation, possibly expecting an imminent overthrow of Roman rule. Jesus’ response does not deny the hope of restoration—Acts later affirms God’s promises to Israel (e.g., Acts 3:19-21)—but redirects attention to the present reality of the kingdom, inaugurated through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and now advancing through the Spirit-empowered church.

The phrase “the Father has set by his own authority” reinforces the theme of divine control. The Greek term exousia (authority) highlights God’s sovereign power to determine the course of history. This aligns with Jesus’ teachings elsewhere, such as Mark 13:32, where he states that even the Son does not know the day or hour of the end, only the Father. For Luke’s audience, likely a mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians in the late first century, this would counter apocalyptic fervor or attempts to predict the end times, a concern in early Christianity (e.g., 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3). It also affirms the Trinitarian dynamic in Acts: the Father ordains, the Son commissions, and the Spirit empowers (Acts 1:8). By emphasizing God’s authority, Jesus invites trust in divine timing, freeing the disciples from the burden of knowing the unknowable.

Historically, Acts 1:7 reflects the context of first-century Jewish messianic expectations. The disciples’ question about restoring the kingdom to Israel stems from a deep-seated hope for national deliverance, fueled by passages like Daniel 7:27 and Zechariah 14:9. Under Roman occupation, many Jews anticipated a Messiah who would liberate Israel and establish a theocratic kingdom. The disciples, having witnessed Jesus’ resurrection, likely believed this moment was near. Jesus’ response gently corrects this expectation, not by dismissing the hope of restoration but by reframing it within God’s broader redemptive plan. The kingdom is already present in Jesus’ reign (Luke 17:21), yet its full consummation awaits God’s timing. This balance would resonate with Luke’s readers, who faced the tension of living in the “already” and “not yet” of God’s kingdom, especially as the delay of Christ’s return prompted questions about eschatology.

Literarily, Acts 1:7 serves as a narrative pivot, shifting the focus from the disciples’ curiosity to their mission. Luke’s account is structured to show the gospel’s expansion from Jerusalem to the “ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8), and this verse ensures that the disciples’ energy is directed toward witness, not speculation. The immediate context—Jesus’ promise of the Spirit and the ascension (Acts 1:8-11)—reinforces this shift, as the disciples are commissioned to proclaim the gospel globally. The verse also echoes themes from Luke’s Gospel, where Jesus redirects questions about timing to faithfulness in the present (e.g., Luke 12:42-46). For Luke’s readers, Acts 1:7 would serve as both a theological clarification and a call to action, urging them to focus on spreading the gospel rather than calculating the end times.

Practically, Acts 1:7 challenges the disciples—and by extension, the church—to prioritize mission over curiosity. The disciples’ question reflects a natural human desire to understand God’s plan fully, but Jesus’ response emphasizes obedience over knowledge. The promise of the Spirit in the next verse (Acts 1:8) equips them for this task, shifting their focus to proclaiming Jesus as Lord. This has implications for Luke’s audience and modern readers, encouraging believers to trust God’s sovereignty and engage in the mission of witness, regardless of unanswered questions about the future. The verse also guards against distraction, a concern in the early church as false prophets and apocalyptic speculation could divert attention from the gospel (e.g., 1 Timothy 1:4).

In a broader theological context, Acts 1:7 underscores the tension between divine mystery and human responsibility. While God holds the times and seasons, the disciples are given a clear mandate to act as witnesses. This balance is central to Acts, where the Spirit guides the church’s mission, yet human agency—through preaching, suffering, and community—drives the gospel’s spread (e.g., Acts 8:1-4; 13:2-3). The verse also connects to Luke’s emphasis on the kingdom of God, a theme woven through both his Gospel and Acts. The kingdom is both present and future, and Acts 1:7 ensures that the church’s focus remains on living out its reality now, trusting God for its consummation.

For Luke’s original audience, Acts 1:7 would have been both corrective and encouraging. Jewish Christians, steeped in expectations of national restoration, would find assurance that God’s promises to Israel remain valid, though their fulfillment lies in God’s hands. Gentile Christians, less familiar with these hopes, would see the universal scope of the gospel, as the mission extends beyond Israel to all nations (Acts 1:8). Theophilus, to whom Acts is addressed (Acts 1:1), would find in this verse a call to trust in God’s plan and participate in the church’s mission, grounded in the certainty of Jesus’ authority.

In a contemporary Christian context, Acts 1:7 remains profoundly relevant. It challenges believers to avoid fixation on end-times predictions, which can lead to division or complacency, and instead focus on faithful witness in the present. The verse affirms God’s sovereignty, offering comfort in uncertain times, while calling the church to active engagement in mission. It also invites humility, acknowledging that some aspects of God’s plan remain hidden, yet his call to obedience is clear. For modern readers, Acts 1:7 is a reminder to trust in God’s timing, rely on the Spirit’s power, and participate in the global mission of proclaiming Christ.

In conclusion, Acts 1:7 is a concise yet rich statement that reorients the disciples’ expectations and sets the tone for the mission of the early church. It affirms God’s sovereignty over history, corrects misguided eschatological hopes, and calls believers to focus on witness rather than speculation. Rooted in Jewish expectations and fulfilled in the gospel’s universal reach, the verse bridges divine mystery and human responsibility. As part of Acts’ prologue, it prepares readers for the Spirit-driven expansion of the church, inviting them to trust in God’s plan and embrace their role as witnesses to the ends of the earth. Through its theological depth and practical challenge, Acts 1:7 continues to guide the church in faithful mission amidst the uncertainties of God’s unfolding kingdom.

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Grace and peace be to you, beloved brothers and sisters, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns in glory and whose coming is sure. May you be strengthened in all wisdom and steadfastness, as you walk worthy of your calling.

It is written in the sacred Scriptures that after the resurrection of our Lord, He appeared to His disciples over many days, speaking of the kingdom of God. And as they gathered with Him on the Mount of Olives, they inquired eagerly, asking, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” But Jesus replied to them, saying, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority” (Acts 1:7).

Beloved, let us take these words to heart. For they reveal to us the wisdom of God concerning our present life and the manner in which we are to await the fullness of His kingdom. Even now, many inquire concerning the future—of when this age shall end, when justice will be fully established, when every tear will be wiped away. Such longings are holy and good, for they arise from the Spirit within us, groaning for the redemption of all things. Yet the Lord Himself teaches us that there are matters which belong to the secret counsel of the Father, beyond the reach of our understanding or speculation.

Therefore, beloved, let us not be anxious concerning times and seasons. Many voices in the world will entice you to endless predictions and speculations. There will be those who seek to profit from stirring fear, and others who will tempt you to neglect the present for the sake of an uncertain vision of the future. Beware of such distractions. For the Master has made it plain: the knowledge of the Father’s times is not entrusted to us. What is entrusted to us is faithfulness in the present moment.

You are called, therefore, not to fix your gaze upon distant horizons, but to serve the Lord with gladness today. The apostles themselves, after hearing these words, did not withdraw into seclusion, waiting idly for the kingdom. No, they were clothed with power from on high and went forth as witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. So must you also be found in active obedience, empowered by the Spirit, proclaiming the good news and doing the works of love and justice in your communities.

Do not allow your hearts to be troubled by the apparent delay of the Lord’s coming. With the Lord, a thousand years are as one day, and one day as a thousand years. His purposes are sure, and His timing is perfect. He is not slow concerning His promises, as some count slowness, but is patient, not desiring that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Therefore, your patient endurance is an act of trust in His goodness.

Meanwhile, as you await His appearing, be steadfast in prayer, abounding in love, zealous for good works. Care for the widow and the orphan; extend hospitality to the stranger; bear one another’s burdens; forgive as you have been forgiven. In this way, the kingdom of God is already breaking into the present age, through the lives of those who yield themselves to His Spirit.

Do not seek to pry open what God has chosen to keep sealed. Instead, seek to be faithful in what He has revealed to you plainly: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This is the law of the kingdom and the preparation for its full appearing.

And know this also: the Father who holds the times and seasons in His authority is the same Father who holds your life in His hands. Nothing escapes His sovereign care. Therefore, when trials arise, do not fear. When the world shakes, stand firm. When others despair, bear witness to the hope that is within you. For your hope is not anchored in human calculations or shifting circumstances, but in the unchanging promise of the living God.

Finally, beloved, encourage one another with these words. Let your speech be seasoned with grace. Comfort the fainthearted, strengthen the weak, and be patient with all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And may you be found blameless and steadfast on the day of His appearing, which shall come at the appointed hour known only to the Father. Until then, be diligent, be hopeful, and be faithful.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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Eternal Father, Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth, who holds all times and seasons in Your perfect wisdom, we come before You in reverence and humility, our hearts bowed and our hands lifted to You, the only wise God. You who spoke the stars into being and established the boundaries of the sea, You who appoint the rising and setting of rulers and nations, You who know the end from the beginning—how wondrous are Your ways and how unsearchable Your judgments!

We confess, O Lord, that we are often restless in our waiting. We long to see the fullness of Your kingdom come, to witness justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. We yearn for the day when death shall be no more, when every tear is wiped away, and when all creation shall be set free from its bondage to decay. Yet You have spoken through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that it is not for us to know the times or the seasons which You, O Father, have fixed by Your own authority.

Grant us, therefore, hearts of trust and patience. Teach us to rest in Your sovereign care, knowing that Your purposes unfold with perfect wisdom and love. Forgive us for the ways we have sought to grasp what is hidden, for the times we have been distracted by vain speculations or led astray by voices of fear. Cleanse us from the pride that would demand knowledge not meant for us, and from the anxiety that forgets Your faithful promises.

Instead, O Lord, anchor us in the truth of Your Word and the power of Your Spirit. Fill us with the same Spirit who empowered the apostles to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. Let us not grow weary in doing good, nor falter in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. May our lives bear the fruit of the kingdom in this present age: love that covers a multitude of sins, joy that is rooted in Your unchanging grace, peace that surpasses understanding, patience that endures in hope, kindness that reflects Your mercy, goodness that honors Your name, faithfulness that holds fast to Your promises, gentleness that invites the weary, and self-control that glorifies You.

Strengthen us, O Lord, in the tasks You have entrusted to us today. Whether in word or deed, in great matters or in small, may we serve with joyful hearts and unwavering diligence. Keep us from the temptation to idleness or despair, and guard us from the lure of hastening what You have wisely delayed. Let us remember that every day is a gift from You, an opportunity to walk humbly with You and to shine as lights in the midst of a darkened world.

We pray for the church, Your body on earth. Unite us in love, that we may be one even as You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are one. Pour out a spirit of wisdom and discernment among us, that we may not be tossed to and fro by every wind of teaching, nor drawn into fruitless controversies. Raise up shepherds after Your own heart, who will guide Your people with integrity and compassion. And may we, Your people, be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

We lift before You the nations of the earth, the rulers and authorities whom You have appointed for a time. Grant them wisdom and justice, that they may govern in ways that reflect Your righteousness. We pray for those who suffer under oppression, for those who hunger and thirst for justice, for the poor, the persecuted, and the displaced. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

And we pray for those who have grown weary in waiting, whose hearts are faint and whose hope flickers. Comfort them, O Lord, with the sure promise of Your coming. Remind them that though the vision tarries, it will surely come; it will not delay beyond Your perfect plan. May we all be found awake and watchful, our lamps trimmed and burning brightly with the oil of faith and love.

Until that day, when our Lord Jesus Christ is revealed in glory, when every eye shall see Him and every knee shall bow, keep us faithful. Teach us to live in the tension of the already and the not yet, bearing witness to the reign of Christ even as we long for its consummation. Let us be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor in You is not in vain.

To You, O Father, who holds all times and seasons; to You, O Son, who reigns at the Father’s right hand and will return in power; to You, O Holy Spirit, who fills us with life and hope—be all glory, honor, and praise, now and forever. Amen.