Acts 1:6 KJV

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

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Acts 1:6 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Acts 1:6

Acts 1:6 states, "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 stands at a critical juncture in the narrative of Acts, encapsulating both the anticipation of the apostles and the profound implications of Jesus' resurrection.

Contextual Overview

In this verse, the disciples are in the presence of the risen Christ, who has instructed them to await the coming of the Holy Spirit. Their question reflects a lingering expectation of a political messiah who would restore the kingdom of Israel. This inquiry reveals their struggle to comprehend the nature of Jesus' mission and the spiritual kingdom that He was establishing.

The Disciples' Expectation

The disciples' question, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" signifies their desire for restoration after centuries of oppression. This inquiry is marked by several important theological implications:

  • Historical Context: The Jewish nation was under Roman occupation, leading to a fervent hope for a messianic deliverer. The disciples perceived Jesus' resurrection as the precursory event leading to the establishment of such a kingdom.
  • Spiritual Misunderstanding: Despite spending years with Jesus and witnessing His miracles, the disciples still struggled to understand that Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36).

Jesus' Response

While the subsequent verses outline Jesus' response, it’s key to recognize that His silence towards their question is significant. By not directly affirming their assumption of a political kingdom, He emphasizes the spiritual and universal nature of His reign. The response indicates a shift from a nationalistic understanding to a mission that transcends ethnic and national boundaries.

The Kingdom of God

The inquiry leads to a deeper reflection on the nature of the Kingdom of God. Jesus came to fulfill the prophecies concerning the kingdom, but in a manner that was previously unimagined by the disciples:

  • A Spiritual Kingdom: Jesus’ kingdom is established not through physical power or socio-political reforms but through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers.
  • Universal Scope: The mission is universal, as indicated in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, extending beyond the Jewish nation to all nations.

Implications for the Early Church

The expectation of the disciples reflects a common misunderstanding within the early church that would be addressed through the teachings of Paul and the other apostles. The concept of the kingdom would evolve to include:

  • Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: Jesus emphasizes the coming of the Holy Spirit, foretold as essential in empowering believers for the mission ahead (Acts 1:8).
  • Mission Focus: The early church’s mission would be characterized by evangelism and the establishment of communities, transcending nationalistic agendas.

Theological Reflections

Acts 1:6 encapsulates the profound theological journey from a misunderstanding of God’s kingdom towards a fuller understanding of the eschatological hope and the empowerment of believers. Matthew Henry notes that the disciples' question illustrates their "earthly-mindedness," while Clarke emphasizes the importance of awaiting divine timing for the fulfillment of God’s promises.

This passage serves as a reminder for contemporary believers and church leaders about the importance of aligning their expectations with the scriptural vision of God’s kingdom. The early church's journey from misunderstanding to clarity serves as an instructive model for spiritual growth.

Conclusion

Acts 1:6 invites pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars to wrestle with the nature of Christ's kingdom. It challenges prevailing concepts of power and influence, urging a reorientation towards spiritual priorities. As the church today seeks empowerment through the Holy Spirit, it must also navigate the complexities of stewardship, mission, and the eternal kingdom that Christ established. The hope of restoration remains, not in temporal kingdoms, but in the eternal reign of Christ over all creation.