What does Acts 1:7 mean?

Explanation

Acts 1:7 is a response from Jesus to a question posed by the apostles concerning the restoration of the kingdom to Israel.

They were likely expecting a political and territorial kingdom to be established.

Jesus' response indicates that the timing of the kingdom's restoration is not for them to know.

The verse emphasizes that certain information, such as divine timelines, is reserved for God alone.

It conveys a deeper meaning that the human understanding of divine mysteries is limited, and that trust and faith in God's sovereignty are required.

It redirects the focus from knowing the specifics of the future to trusting in God's ultimate control over historical events.

Historical Context

Acts 1:7 is part of the narrative that describes the Ascension of Jesus into heaven after His resurrection. The "times or the seasons" refers to the eschatological timeline – the events related to the end times and the second coming of Christ.

Historically, the early Christian community was eagerly anticipating the imminent return of Jesus and the establishment of God's kingdom.

This statement by Jesus serves to caution the apostles and by extension the early church against setting dates or becoming preoccupied with the timing of eschatological events.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse presents several insights:

• Divine Sovereignty: It reaffirms the concept that God alone is sovereign and decides the timing of eternal purposes.
• Eschatological Mystery: The verse supports the view that the details of the end times are mysterious and beyond human comprehension.
• Apocalyptic Expectation: In Christian eschatology, the verse is considered pivotal in understanding that while the return of Christ is certain, the exact timing is not for believers to know.
• A Call for Vigilance: It can be interpreted as an exhortation for Christians to remain vigilant and faithful instead of being consumed by date-setting.

Practical Applications

In daily life, the teachings of Acts 1:7 can be applied in these ways:

• It encourages believers to live a life of dependency on God, trusting His timing and plan.
• It can serve as a warning against becoming overly focused on predicting future events, thereby neglecting present duties and responsibilities.
• It promotes readiness and a focus on spiritual growth and evangelism as one awaits the fulfillment of God's promises.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:36 - "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 - "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."

• Mark 13:32-33 - "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is."

Language Study

The key words in this verse in the original Greek are:

• "Times" (chronos): Referring to chronological or sequential time.
• "Seasons" (kairos): Signifying the right, critical, or opportune moment.
• "Power" (exousia): Denotes authority or jurisdiction.

This indicates a distinction between general time and specific, opportune moments, all under God's authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other religious and cultural beliefs:

• Many ancient religions and mythologies have prophecies and divinely preordained events, but the emphasis on God's exclusive knowledge of these events is distinct in Judeo-Christian thought.
• In contrast to deterministic views of the future found in some cultural myths, the Judeo-Christian perspective allows for a divine plan that is assured, but the details and timing of which remain confidential.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, this verse challenges the notion that all phenomena can be predicted given enough information. It aligns with the understanding that some aspects of reality, such as quantum states or chaotic systems, can be inherently unpredictable.

The verse suggests that there may be elements of the cosmos or history that are similarly beyond human predictive ability due to their divine nature.

Commentaries

Various commentaries emphasize different aspects of Acts 1:7:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that this reply from Jesus was intended to redirect the apostles from their nationalistic hopes to a spiritual mission.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary suggests that the verse teaches a balance between awareness of eschatological events and responsible living in the present.
• John Calvin’s Commentary on Acts highlights the impropriety of the disciples' question and insists that Christians should not be overly curious about the timings known only to God.