acts 1:7

Bible study online

Acts 1:7

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”

— D.L. Moody
Acts 1:7
Verse 7 of 26

Scripture focus

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.

Acts 1:7KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 1:7

Theological / Devotional

He said. Christ did not give a direct answer to His disciples’ inquiry. Instead, He directed them to the work that lay ahead.

Times or the seasons. Gr. chronoi kai kairoi. Chronoi refers to chronological “time,” thought of simply as such, in a general sense, and kairoi to specific, climactic points of time, with emphasis on what takes place. Thus by “times” Jesus here apparently refers to the seemingly endless procession of the ages, and by “seasons” to the climactic events to occur at the end of the age (see on Matt. 24:3). It is as if Jesus said, “It is not for you to know the date, or the precise manner in which the kingdom will be established.” Living as a man among men, Jesus knew neither the day nor the hour of His coming (see on Matt. 24:36). Here is a gentle rebuke to men (1) who are not yet ready to receive all knowledge (John 16:12), but (2) who know enough to carry out their Lord’s commission (Matt. 28:19, 20), and (3) who will be guided by signs and by the Spirit (Matt. 24:32, 33; Mark 16:17, 18; John 16:13).

Put in his own power. Rather, “fixed by his own authority.” The Greek word used here for “power” or “authority” (exousia) differs from that used for “power” (dunamis) in v. 8 (see on John 1:12). God is not the servant of time, but its Master. His knowledge transcends time, for He is omniscient, knowing all things (Ps. 139:1-6; Prov. 15:3; Heb. 4:13). His foreknowledge is a proof of His deity (Isa. 46:9, 10). He shares what He will with those who serve Him (Deut. 29:29; Ps. 25:14; John 15:15; 16:25).

By SdaBc