Acts 1:7
Verse
Context
The Ascension
6So when they came together, they asked Him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”7Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Sermons
Erlo Stegen
Willie Mullan
K.P. Yohannan
George Fox
John R. Rice
Herman Bavinck
Sir Robert AndersonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The times or the seasons - Χρονους η καιρους. Times here may signify any large portion of a period, era, or century - such as an Olympiad, lustrum or year; and seasons, the particular part, season, or opportunity in that period, etc., in which it might be proper to do any particular work. God has not only fixed the great periods in which he will bring about those great revolutions which his wisdom, justice, and mercy have designed, but he leaves himself at full liberty to choose those particular portions of such periods as may be best for the accomplishment of those purposes. Thus God is no necessary agent - every thing is put in his own power, εν τῃ ιδιᾳ εξουσιᾳ, under his control and authority; nor will he form decrees of which he must become the necessary executor. The infinite liberty of acting or not acting, as wisdom, justice, and goodness shall see best, is essential to God, nor can there be a point in the whole of his eternity in which he must be the necessary agent of a fixed and unalterable fate. Infinite, eternal liberty to act or not to act, to create or not create, to destroy or not destroy, belongs to God alone, and we must take care how we imagine decrees, formed even by his own prescience, in reference to futurity, which his power is from the moment of their conception laid under the necessity of performing. In every point of time and eternity, God must be free to act or not to act, as may seem best to his godly wisdom.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
It is not for you to know the times, &c.--implying not only that this was not the time, but that the question was irrelevant to their present business and future work.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said unto them,.... To his disciples, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons; meaning, not the times that are past from Adam to Christ; as how long the world stood; when the flood came; when Sodom and Gomorrha were burned to ashes; when the children of Israel came out of Egypt, and the law was given to them; when the kingdom of Israel began, and when the Jews were carried captive, and when they returned; when the sceptre departed from Judah, and Daniel's weeks had an end: or the particular seasons of the year, and the times for planting, ploughing, sowing, reaping, &c. but when should be the time, the day, and hour of the coming of the son of man, when he shall set up his kingdom in a more glorious manner, and the kingdoms of this world shall become his; or when the kingdom shall be restored to Israel. This, by the Jews, is said to be one of the seven things hid from men (k): "seven things are hid from the children of men, and these are they; the day of death, and the day of consolation, and the depth of judgment, and a man knows not what is in the heart of his neighbour, nor with what he shall be rewarded, and "when the kingdom of the house of David shall return", and when the kingdom of Persia shall fall. Which the Father hath put in his own power; and not in the power of a creature, no, not of the angels; see Mat 24:36 wherefore it is vain and sinful, as well as fruitless, to indulge a curious inquiry into these things, or into the times and seasons of what is future; as of the time of a man's death, of the end of the world, of the second coming of Christ; only those things should be looked into which God has revealed, and put into the power of man to know by diligent search and inquiry. Says R. Simeon (l), "flesh and blood, (i.e. man), which knows not , "its times and its moments", (and so the Vulgate Latin renders the words here), ought to add a void space to the blessed God, who knows the times and moments. (k) T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 54. 2. Vid. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 65. fol. 57. 4. (l) Apud R. Sol. Jarchi in Gen. ii. 2.
Acts 1:7
The Ascension
6So when they came together, they asked Him, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”7Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Ascension Power
By Erlo Stegen2.4K42:12Resurrection LifeMAT 24:43MRK 13:32ACT 1:7ACT 1:9PHP 2:9REV 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He reminds the audience that seeing the wounds of Jesus should make it difficult for them to continue sinning. The preacher also discusses the topic of the return of Jesus, highlighting that no one knows the exact time of his coming. He encourages the audience to focus on being witnesses for Jesus in their local communities and to the ends of the earth. The sermon references Bible verses such as Acts 1:7-8, Philippians 2:9-11, and Revelation 1:7 to support the preacher's message.
(Happenings Ahead) the Man of Sin 2
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:05:01Man Of SinACT 1:71TH 5:12TH 2:3REV 13:5REV 13:10REV 13:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not allowing blasphemies against God's name. He warns that believers should not remain silent or pretend to be unaffected when such blasphemies are spoken. The speaker also discusses a character mentioned in the book of Daniel who speaks great things against God and believes that this character will use television to gain power and control over the world. The sermon concludes with a reference to the number 1084 and a declaration that God is the Lord of all.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
By K.P. Yohannan79825:32Holy SpiritDAN 1:8MAT 26:56ACT 1:7ACT 2:1ACT 2:42In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of open-air preaching in India and the impact it had on him. He emphasizes the importance of being transformed by the Holy Spirit and highlights the significance of certain truths that are essential for proper functioning in life. The speaker addresses various struggles people may face, such as unforgiveness, guilt, and haunting sins, and emphasizes the need for God's help in overcoming them. He also discusses the ongoing power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer and the role of being a witness in a world that is considered the enemy's territory.
Epistle 236
By George Fox0PSA 2:4PSA 83:14PSA 105:34JER 9:3JER 51:25MAT 13:6JHN 6:35ACT 1:7HEB 13:81PE 2:22JUD 1:12REV 6:13George Fox preaches about the enduring power of truth and the sovereignty of God amidst trials and tribulations. He encourages believers to find strength in Christ, the bread of life and water of life, even when faced with destruction and darkness. Fox reminds his audience to rejoice in God's truth, to endure temporary hardships with faith, and to trust in the unwavering love and power of God over all challenges and adversities.
False Teaching About the Last Days
By John R. Rice02CH 7:14JER 23:29MAT 24:29MRK 13:32JHN 14:12ACT 1:5ACT 1:7John R. Rice addresses the prevalent belief in the imminent return of Jesus, fueled by various signs and events like the atomic bomb, rise of Russia, and the establishment of Israel, leading to a sense of urgency and defeatism among Christians. He refutes the idea that specific events must occur before Christ's return, emphasizing the imminency of His coming as taught in the Bible. Rice highlights the importance of focusing on soul-winning and revival efforts regardless of current world conditions or misinterpretations of Scriptures, urging believers to trust in God's power and promises for salvation and revival.
The Divine and Human Nature of Christ
By Herman Bavinck0MAT 4:10JHN 1:14ACT 1:7COL 2:9HEB 5:9Herman Bavinck preaches about the unique and profound union of God and man in the person of Christ, emphasizing that Christ is both fully God and fully man. The confession of Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world is foundational to the Christian faith. The apostles' preaching confirms Christ's identity as the Son of God, who was born of a woman, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and was raised to life, achieving reconciliation and eternal righteousness. The doctrine of the Two Natures in Christ ensures that all attributes and works ascribed to Him in Scripture are maintained, preserving His deity and humanity in perfect unity.
Principles of Interpretation
By Sir Robert Anderson0PSA 22:16ISA 53:8JOL 2:28ZEC 9:9MAT 11:14ACT 1:7ROM 5:212PE 2:9REV 6:12Sir Robert Anderson emphasizes the importance of interpreting prophecies with wisdom, sobriety, and reverence, as Lord Bacon advised, to avoid division and misinterpretation. He warns against setting specific dates for Christ's return, as it is a matter of faith and not for us to know the times. Anderson urges for a calm and thoughtful approach to prophetic study, avoiding extravagant views and focusing on the principles of interpretation gained from Scripture. He highlights the danger of loose and superficial reading of prophecies, especially in relation to the Antichrist and the Papacy.
Iv. the Unveiled Prophecy Sign
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0DAN 12:9JOL 2:28AMO 3:7MAT 24:29ACT 1:71CO 14:3EPH 3:51TH 5:202PE 1:19REV 1:3Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of understanding prophecy, especially in relation to 'the time of the end' and 'The day of the Lord' as mentioned in Daniel and Matthew. He highlights the increasing unveiling of prophecy in modern times, contrasting the past neglect with the current surge in interest through conventions, conferences, and literature. Chafer urges the audience not to dismiss those studying prophecy as fanatics, but to recognize the significance of comprehending God's plan through prophecy, which serves as a foundation for missions.
Events That Will Happen on the Second Coming of Christ, the Day of the Lord
By Bob Jennings0MAT 24:36JHN 6:39ACT 1:7ROM 13:111TH 4:162TH 1:8REV 11:15Bob Jennings preaches about the certainty of the great day of the Lord, emphasizing the events that will occur at the parousia, including the revelation of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the 'rapture' of believers, the gathering of all believers, the judgment day, and the destruction of unbelievers. He highlights the importance of being ready for this day by repenting of sin, unconditionally giving one's life to God, and believing in Jesus as the one who paid our sin-debt, to be rescued from the wrath to come.
Exposition on Psalm 6
By St. Augustine0DEU 13:3ISA 65:24MRK 13:32ACT 1:7ROM 5:14ROM 7:251CO 15:56COL 3:101TH 5:21PE 4:18St. Augustine preaches on Psalm 6, reflecting on the day of judgment and the importance of turning to God in repentance. He delves into the symbolism of the number eight, representing the eternal life attained after the end of this world. Augustine emphasizes the need to let go of worldly desires and turn towards spiritual renewal, symbolized by the transition from living according to the body to living according to the soul. The psalmist's plea for healing and deliverance highlights the soul's struggle with sin and the longing for God's compassion and mercy. Through tears, prayers, and repentance, the soul seeks transformation and restoration, acknowledging its weaknesses and sins.
Spiritual Times and Seasons
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 30:11PSA 149:2PRO 2:6ECC 3:3ISA 37:22JER 31:4MAT 5:4LUK 6:21ACT 1:71CO 1:19J.C. Philpot preaches on the vanity of all creature enjoyments and the importance of experiencing the killing and healing work of grace in the soul. Through the examples of King Solomon, he emphasizes the need to be broken down in self-abasement before God and exalt Jesus as the only Savior. Philpot highlights the continuous cycle of breaking down and building up in a Christian's life, leading to a deep sense of mourning over sin and a spiritual joy that allows one to dance before the Lord.
Revival's Source
By John Sale0PSA 115:1ZEC 4:6JHN 3:8ACT 1:71CO 3:6John Sale reflects on the historical significance of the church building in Northampton, Massachusetts, once served by Jonathan Edwards and other great Christian leaders who witnessed the First Great Awakening. He emphasizes the need for revival in our current times, highlighting that revival originates from God alone and is not a result of human efforts or techniques. Sale points to the importance of faithfully using the means appointed by the Holy Spirit, such as preaching the Word of God and prayer, while acknowledging that the outpouring of God's Spirit is sovereign and cannot be manipulated by human actions.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The times or the seasons - Χρονους η καιρους. Times here may signify any large portion of a period, era, or century - such as an Olympiad, lustrum or year; and seasons, the particular part, season, or opportunity in that period, etc., in which it might be proper to do any particular work. God has not only fixed the great periods in which he will bring about those great revolutions which his wisdom, justice, and mercy have designed, but he leaves himself at full liberty to choose those particular portions of such periods as may be best for the accomplishment of those purposes. Thus God is no necessary agent - every thing is put in his own power, εν τῃ ιδιᾳ εξουσιᾳ, under his control and authority; nor will he form decrees of which he must become the necessary executor. The infinite liberty of acting or not acting, as wisdom, justice, and goodness shall see best, is essential to God, nor can there be a point in the whole of his eternity in which he must be the necessary agent of a fixed and unalterable fate. Infinite, eternal liberty to act or not to act, to create or not create, to destroy or not destroy, belongs to God alone, and we must take care how we imagine decrees, formed even by his own prescience, in reference to futurity, which his power is from the moment of their conception laid under the necessity of performing. In every point of time and eternity, God must be free to act or not to act, as may seem best to his godly wisdom.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
It is not for you to know the times, &c.--implying not only that this was not the time, but that the question was irrelevant to their present business and future work.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said unto them,.... To his disciples, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons; meaning, not the times that are past from Adam to Christ; as how long the world stood; when the flood came; when Sodom and Gomorrha were burned to ashes; when the children of Israel came out of Egypt, and the law was given to them; when the kingdom of Israel began, and when the Jews were carried captive, and when they returned; when the sceptre departed from Judah, and Daniel's weeks had an end: or the particular seasons of the year, and the times for planting, ploughing, sowing, reaping, &c. but when should be the time, the day, and hour of the coming of the son of man, when he shall set up his kingdom in a more glorious manner, and the kingdoms of this world shall become his; or when the kingdom shall be restored to Israel. This, by the Jews, is said to be one of the seven things hid from men (k): "seven things are hid from the children of men, and these are they; the day of death, and the day of consolation, and the depth of judgment, and a man knows not what is in the heart of his neighbour, nor with what he shall be rewarded, and "when the kingdom of the house of David shall return", and when the kingdom of Persia shall fall. Which the Father hath put in his own power; and not in the power of a creature, no, not of the angels; see Mat 24:36 wherefore it is vain and sinful, as well as fruitless, to indulge a curious inquiry into these things, or into the times and seasons of what is future; as of the time of a man's death, of the end of the world, of the second coming of Christ; only those things should be looked into which God has revealed, and put into the power of man to know by diligent search and inquiry. Says R. Simeon (l), "flesh and blood, (i.e. man), which knows not , "its times and its moments", (and so the Vulgate Latin renders the words here), ought to add a void space to the blessed God, who knows the times and moments. (k) T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 54. 2. Vid. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 65. fol. 57. 4. (l) Apud R. Sol. Jarchi in Gen. ii. 2.