Faith Online
acts 1:7-21

Explore the Bible Online

Acts 1:7-21

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

Scripture focus

7. 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. 8. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11. Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 12. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. 13. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James. 14. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 15. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 16. Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 17. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. 18. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. 19. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. 20. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. 21. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Acts 1:7-21 — KJV

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

A little insight, only with your permission.

Optional Google Analytics cookies help us understand visits to public pages. Accept or decline—you can change your choice in Cookie settings in the footer. How Google uses data (opens in a new tab)