Acts 1:5-7
– The Ascension and the Promise of the Holy Spirit After Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles gathered with him and still expected that he would restore Israel’s kingdom in a political sense. This section shows their misunderstanding and Jesus’ correction. Instead of giving them political power, Jesus points them to the spiritual work they must do and promises the power of the Holy Spirit for that mission. The focus shifts from earthly kingdoms to spreading the gospel to all nations. v. 6: The disciples asked Jesus, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" Acts 1:6 a). They were still thinking about a political or national restoration, expecting the Messiah to give them back their earthly kingdom. This shows that even after Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles did not fully understand his spiritual mission. Their hope was still fixed on a visible, earthly kingdom, rather than the spiritual kingdom of God that Jesus taught about. v. 7: Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority” (Acts 1:7 b). He tells them that God alone decides when and how his plans are fulfilled. The timing of God’s kingdom is his secret. We should not be too curious about the future, but focus on what God has given us to do now. Jesus redirects their attention from their own desires to God's will and timing.
Copyright information for
MHM