Acts 1:6

"Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?”"

Key Reflection

In Acts 1:6, the disciples gather and directly ask Jesus about his plans for the restoration of Israel's kingdom, reflecting their expectation that he would reign as a political leader and liberate them from Roman rule. This question reveals the common Jewish hope for an earthly messianic kingdom at the time, which contrasts with the nature of Jesus' coming kingdom as described later in Scripture—more spiritual and eternal than they anticipated.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 6. When they therefore were come together. At the Mount of Olives. See Ac 1:9,12. Wilt thou at this time, etc. The apostles had entertained the common opinions of the Jews about the temporal dominion of the Messiah. They expected that he would reign as a prince and conqueror, and free them from the bondage of the Romans. Many instances of this expectation occur in the Gospels, notwithstanding all the efforts which the Lord Jesus made to explain to them the true nature of his kingdom. This expectation was checked, and almost destroyed by his death, Lu 24:21.

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