Acts 1:7
Jesus replied, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.
He replied
This phrase indicates a direct response from Jesus to His disciples. The Greek word used here is "εἶπεν" (eipen), which is a common term for "said" or "replied." It signifies the authoritative nature of Jesus' response. In the context of Acts, this reply is crucial as it addresses the disciples' concerns about the restoration of the kingdom to Israel. Jesus' words are not just casual conversation; they are a divine revelation and instruction.

It is not for you
The phrase underscores the limitation of human understanding concerning divine plans. The Greek phrase "οὐχ ὑμῶν ἐστιν" (ouch hymōn estin) emphasizes that certain knowledge is reserved for God alone. This serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God and the need for humility and trust in His timing and purposes. Historically, this reflects the Jewish expectation of a political Messiah, which Jesus redirects towards a spiritual kingdom.

to know
The Greek word "γνῶναι" (gnōnai) is used here, meaning "to know" or "to understand." This implies that some aspects of God's plan are beyond human comprehension. Theologically, it suggests that faith involves trusting God even when we do not have all the answers. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

the times or seasons
The terms "χρόνους" (chronous) and "καιρούς" (kairous) refer to different aspects of time. "Chronous" denotes chronological time, while "kairous" refers to opportune or appointed times. This distinction highlights that both the unfolding of history and the specific moments of divine intervention are under God's control. In the biblical narrative, this reassures believers that God is orchestrating history according to His perfect plan.

the Father
This title for God emphasizes His role as the sovereign ruler and loving parent. The Greek "ὁ Πατήρ" (ho Patēr) reflects the intimate relationship between God and His people. In the context of Acts, it reassures the disciples of God's care and authority. Theologically, it underscores the Trinitarian relationship, with the Father as the source of divine authority and timing.

has set
The Greek word "ἔθετο" (etheto) means "has set" or "appointed." This indicates that God has predetermined the course of events. It reflects the biblical theme of divine sovereignty, where God has a plan and purpose for everything. Historically, this would comfort the early Christians facing uncertainty, reminding them that God is in control.

by His own authority
The phrase "ἐν τῇ ἰδίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ" (en tē idia exousia) emphasizes that God's authority is inherent and self-derived. Unlike human authority, which is often delegated or limited, God's authority is absolute and independent. This reassures believers that God's plans are not subject to human influence or change. Scripturally, it aligns with the understanding that God's will is ultimate and unchallengeable, providing a foundation for trust and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing His disciples after His resurrection and before His ascension. He is providing them with guidance and instruction.

2. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' words. They are seeking understanding about the timing of the restoration of the kingdom to Israel.

3. The Father
Refers to God the Father, who has sovereign authority over times and seasons.

4. Mount of Olives
The location where Jesus is speaking to His disciples, a significant place in biblical prophecy and Jesus' ministry.

5. The Ascension
The event that follows shortly after this passage, where Jesus ascends to heaven, marking the end of His earthly ministry and the beginning of the disciples' mission.
Teaching Points
Divine Authority Over Time
God alone has the authority to determine the times and seasons. This should lead us to trust in His perfect timing and plan.

Focus on the Mission
Instead of being preoccupied with the timing of future events, believers are called to focus on the mission Jesus has given us: to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Understanding that God has fixed times by His own authority should bring comfort and peace, knowing that He is in control of all things.

Patience and Faithfulness
We are called to be patient and faithful, living in anticipation of God's promises while actively engaging in the work He has set before us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's authority over times and seasons affect your daily life and decision-making?

2. In what ways can you shift your focus from seeking knowledge of future events to fulfilling the mission Jesus has given you?

3. How does the assurance of God's sovereignty bring comfort in uncertain times?

4. What practical steps can you take to cultivate patience and faithfulness as you wait for God's promises to be fulfilled?

5. How can you encourage others in your community to trust in God's perfect timing and authority?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 24:36
Jesus similarly emphasizes that no one knows the day or hour of His return, not even the angels in heaven, but only the Father. This underscores the theme of divine authority over time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1
This verse speaks to the idea that there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens, reinforcing God's control over time.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2
Paul echoes the teaching that the times and seasons are not for us to know, as the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
The Unknown To-MorrowAlexander MaclarenActs 1:7
Christ's Mission and OursS. Conway Acts 1:1-8
A True Commencement Must have Respect to What has Gone BeforeH. C. Trumbull, D. D.Acts 1:1-12
Aspects of Christ on the EarthActs 1:1-12
Christ Directs Thought to HeavenActs 1:1-12
Christ Preceding His Apostles to HeavenA. Maclaren, D. DActs 1:1-12
Christ's Finished and Unfinished WorkA. Maclaren, D. DActs 1:1-12
Jesus LivesJ. Stoughton.Acts 1:1-12
Literary HistoriesW. R. Campbell.Acts 1:1-12
St. Luke a Model for the Bible StudentR. Burgess, B. D.Acts 1:1-12
Teaching to be Combined with DoingGf. Pentecost.Acts 1:1-12
The Ascending LordMonday ClubActs 1:1-12
The Ascension of ChristJ W. Hamilton.Acts 1:1-12
The Ascension: its Central PositionNesselmann.Acts 1:1-12
The Beginning of Apostolicity (1J. Parker, D. D.Acts 1:1-12
The Beginning of Apostolicity (2J. Parker, D. D.Acts 1:1-12
The Coronation of ChristW. B. Campbell.Acts 1:1-12
The Ever-Active ChristA. Verran.Acts 1:1-12
The Gospels and the ActsW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 1:1-12
The Gospels the Living Picture of ChristLittle's "Historical Lights."Acts 1:1-12
The Last Days of the Gospel PeriodW. Hudson.Acts 1:1-12
The Memorabilia of ChristActs 1:1-12
The Ministry of Jesus a BeginningW. Hudson.Acts 1:1-12
The Permanence of Christ in HistoryA. Maclaren, D. DActs 1:1-12
The Pre-Eminence of the Doctrine of Christ IncarnateEvangelical MagazineActs 1:1-12
The Resurrection and Ascension of ChristD. Jennings.Acts 1:1-12
The Unchanged PlanW. R. Campbell.Acts 1:1-12
The Uniqueness of Christ's Earthly MinistryD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 1:1-12
TheophilusBp. Jacobsen.Acts 1:1-12
A Witnessing ChurchG. Smeaton, D. D.Acts 1:4-8
Last WordsJ. R. Thomson, M. A.Acts 1:4-8
No Better for the Baptism of FireW. M. Punshon.Acts 1:4-8
Our Need of the Holy SpiritH. W. Beecher.Acts 1:4-8
The Ascension of ChristD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 1:4-8
The Baptism of the Holy GhostT. W. Jenkyn, D. D.Acts 1:4-8
The Disciples Waiting At Jerusalem for the Promise of the FatherW. Cousin.Acts 1:4-8
The Gospel First Tested At JerusalemWilliams of Wern.Acts 1:4-8
The Lord's Last Command to His DisciplesW. Hudson.Acts 1:4-8
The Need of WaitingW. E. Chadwick, M. A.Acts 1:4-8
The Power of the Holy SpiritActs 1:4-8
The Promise of the FatherS. S. TimesActs 1:4-8
The Promise of the SpiritC. Hodge, D. D.Acts 1:4-8
The Saviour's Last ChargeW. Halls.Acts 1:4-8
The Spirit Essential to the Establishment of the Christian ChurchJ. Morgan, D. D.Acts 1:4-8
True BaptismPreacher's AnalystActs 1:4-8
Waiting for the Promise of the FatherC. J. Brown, D. D.Acts 1:4-8
Waiting Upon God in His OrdinancesActs 1:4-8
Carnal Conceptions of Christ's KingdomR. Tuck Acts 1:6, 7
Before the AscensionT. H. Barnett.Acts 1:6-8
Christ's Last Instruction to His ApostlesW. Hudson.Acts 1:6-8
Christ's Last Words to His DisciplesD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 1:6-8
Craving for Forbidden KnowledgeP.C. Barker Acts 1:6-8
Ensnared by InquisitivenessScientific IllustrationsActs 1:6-8
God has His Own PlansH. W. Beecher.Acts 1:6-8
God's Decisions UnknownLyman Abbott, D. D.Acts 1:6-8
God's Plans are in His Own KeepingPhillips Brooks.Acts 1:6-8
Human Knowledge LimitedF. N. Peloubet.Acts 1:6-8
Last WordsE. Johnson Acts 1:6-8
Limitation of Human KnowledgeT. De Witt Talmage.Acts 1:6-8
Mysteries in NatureProf. C. A. Young.Acts 1:6-8
Prophecy: Fantastic Interpretation OfC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 1:6-8
Prophecy: Purpose OfH. W. Beecher.Acts 1:6-8
Speculations Versus DutyC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 1:6-8
The Benefits to Character of Ignorance of the FutureT. D. Woolsey, D. D.Acts 1:6-8
The Disciples' QuestionJ. P. Lunge, D. D.Acts 1:6-8
The Sufficiency of Human KnowledgeT. Carlyle.Acts 1:6-8
Times and SeasonsF. W. Brown.Acts 1:6-8
Times and Seasons not to be Known by the Best of MenT. Horton, D. D.Acts 1:6-8
Times MisinterpretedJ. Jacox, B. A.Acts 1:6-8
The Ascension. Heaven and Earth Visibly UnitedR.A. Redford Acts 1:6-11
People
Alphaeus, Andrew, Barsabas, Bartholomew, David, James, Jesus, John, Joseph, Judas, Jude, Justus, Mary, Matthew, Matthias, Peter, Philip, Simon, Theophilus, Thomas, Zelotes
Places
Akeldama, Field of Blood, Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Olivet, Samaria
Topics
Appoint, Authority, Control, Epochs, Events, Fixed, Isn't, Kept, Order, Placed, Power, Replied, Reserved, Seasons, Within, Yours
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 1:7

     1020   God, all-knowing
     2045   Christ, knowledge of
     4945   history
     5267   control
     5812   concealment

Acts 1:4-9

     7241   Jerusalem, significance

Acts 1:5-8

     3040   Holy Spirit, promise of

Acts 1:6-7

     4903   time
     8112   certainty

Acts 1:6-8

     2376   kingdom of God, coming
     7259   promised land, later history

Acts 1:7-8

     1170   God, unity of
     1513   Trinity, mission of

Acts 1:7-9

     2565   Christ, second coming

Library
June 3. "Ye Shall Receive the Power of the Holy Ghost" (Acts i. 8).
"Ye shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost" (Acts i. 8). There is power for us if we have the Holy Ghost. God wants us to speak to men so that they will feel it, so that they will never forget it. God means every Christian to be effective, to count in the actual records and results of Christian work. Dear friends, God sent you here to be a power yourself. There is not one of you but is an essential wheel of the machinery, and can accomplish all that God calls you to. I solemnly believe that there
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Ascension Day
Text: Acts 1, 1-11. 1 The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, concerning all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, 2 until the day in which he was received up, after that he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 to whom he also showed himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing unto them by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God: 4 and being assembled together with them, he charged them not
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

The Forty Days
'To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.'--ACTS i. 3. The forty days between the Resurrection and the Ascension have distinctly marked characteristics. They are unlike to the period before them in many respects, but completely similar in others; they have a preparatory character throughout; they all bear on the future work of the disciples, and hearten them for the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Unknown To-Morrow
A New Year's Sermon 'It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.'--ACTS i. 7. The New Testament gives little encouragement to a sentimental view of life. Its writers had too much to do, and too much besides to think about, for undue occupation with pensive remembrances or imaginative forecastings. They bid us remember as a stimulus to thanksgiving and a ground of hope. They bid us look forward, but not along the low levels of earth and its changes.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Theme of Acts
'The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. 2. Until the day in which He was taken up.'--ACTS i. 1, 2. 'And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31. Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.' --ACTS xxviii. 30, 31. So begins and so ends this Book. I connect the commencement and the close, because I think
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Ascension
'The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2. Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom He had chosen: 3. To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4. And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Apostolic Witnesses
'Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us ... must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection.' --ACTS i. 21, 22. The fact of Christ's Resurrection was the staple of the first Christian sermon recorded in this Book of the Acts of the Apostles. They did not deal so much in doctrine; they did not dwell very distinctly upon what we call, and rightly call, the atoning death of Christ; out they proclaimed what they had
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Ascension: Back Home Again Until -- --
Tarry ye--Go ye: the Jerusalem meeting--the walk to Olives--not Palestine only, but a world--the last word--upward--seen no more. Coming again: gazing upward, Acts 1:10, 11.--a continuation upward--the Olivet outlook.
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

The Parting Promises of the Saviour.
(On Ascension Day.) TEXT: ACTS i. 6-11. THE great event that we commemorate to-day was no doubt something very different to the disciples at that time from what it is to us. They had hardly recovered from the stunned condition into which His death had thrown them; they had hardly come to realize calmly their pain at His separation from them; at least, they had certainly not yet learned to look at it in the right way, for they regarded it as the ruin of His whole work on earth--when His joyful resurrection
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

The Mystery of Iniquity
"The mystery of iniquity doth already work." 2 Thess. 2:7. 1. Without inquiring how far these words refer to any particular event in the Christian Church, I would at present take occasion from them to consider that important question, -- In what manner the mystery of iniquity hath wrought among us till it hath well-nigh covered the whole earth. 2. It is certain that "God made man upright;" perfectly holy and perfectly happy: But by rebelling against God, he destroyed himself, lost the favour and
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Witnessing Better than Knowing the Future
"When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 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. 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."--Acts 1:6-8. THESE ARE AMONG THE LAST WORDS of
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 39: 1893

Tenth Day for God's Spirit on Our Missionaries
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Missionaries "What the world needs to-day is, not only more missionaries, but the outpouring of God's Spirit on everyone whom He has sent out to work for Him in the foreign field." "Ye shall receive power, when the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be My witnesses unto the uttermost parts of the earth."--ACTS i. 8. God always gives His servants power equal to the work He asks of them. Think of the greatness and difficulty of this work,--casting out
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

The Propagation of Christianity.
IN this argument, the first consideration is the fact -- in what degree, within what time, and to what extent, Christianity actually was propagated. The accounts of the matter which can be collected from our books are as follow: A few days after Christ's disappearance out of the world, we find an assembly of disciples at Jerusalem, to the number of "about one hundred and twenty;" (Acts i. 15.) which hundred and twenty were probably a little association of believers, met together not merely as believers
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

The Second Coming of Christ.
When Jesus was taken up into heaven and a cloud had received him out of sight, two heavenly visitants appeared unto the men of Galilee and said, "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." Acts 1:11. Jesus went up in a cloud and he is to come again in like manner as he went up. "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." Mark 13:26. No one knows the exact time of his coming.
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Other New Testament Names for "Being Filled with the Spirit. "
That we may see how full the New Testament is of this blessing, and that we may the better understand what it is and how it is obtained, let us just glance at some other terms used by the Holy Ghost when speaking of it. 1. "Baptized with the Holy Ghost." "Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence" (Acts i. 5). See also Acts xi. 16, Matt. iii. 11, Mark i. 8, Luke iii. 16, John i. 33. Now, though "baptized" and "filled" are sometimes convertible terms, it is instructive to note
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Prayer-Equipment for Preachers
"Go back! Back to that upper room; back to your knees; back to searching of heart and habit, thought and life; back to pleading, praying, waiting, till the Spirit of the Lord floods the soul with light, and you are endued with power from on high. Then go forth in the power of Pentecost, and the Christ-life shall be lived, and the works of Christ shall be done. You shall open blind eyes, cleanse foul hearts, break men's fetters, and save men's souls. In the power of the indwelling Spirit, miracles
Edward M. Bounds—The Weapon of Prayer

Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end.
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Mount Olivet. The Mount of Olives, 2 Samuel 15:30
Zechariah 14:4. In the Rabbins commonly, The Mount of Oil. "The mount called the mount of Olives, lying over against the city, is distant five furlongs." But Luke saith, Acts 1:12, "Then they returned from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath-day's journey." But now a sabbath-day's journey contained eight furlongs, or a whole mile. Neither yet, for all this, doth Luke fight against Josephus. For this last measures the space to the first foundation of Olivet; the other, to that
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Resurrection of Christ.
The resurrection of Christ from the dead is reported by the four Gospels, taught in the Epistles, believed throughout Christendom, and celebrated on every "Lord's Day," as an historical fact, as the crowning miracle and divine seal of his whole work, as the foundation of the hopes of believers, as the pledge of their own future resurrection. It is represented in the New Testament both as an act of the Almighty Father who raised his Son from the dead, [209] and as an act of Christ himself, who had
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Acts of the Apostles.
Comp. § 82. 1. Critical Treatises. M. Schneckenburger: Zweck der Apostelgeschichte. Bern, 1841. Schwanbeck: Quellen der Ap. Gesch. Darmstadt, 1847. Ed. Zeller: Contents and Origin of the Acts of the Apostles. Stuttg., 1854; trsl. by Jos. Dare, 1875-76, London, 2 vols. Lekebusch: Composition u. Entstehung der Ap. Gesch. Gotha, 1854. Klostermann: Vindiciae Lucancae. Göttingen, 1866. Arthur König (R. C.): Die Aechtheit der Ap. Gesch. Breslau, 1867. J. R. Oertel: Paulus in der Ap. Gesch.
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Church and Her Mission, or the Three Constitutional Synods, 1760-1775
. As we enter on the closing stages of our journey, the character of the landscape changes; and, leaving behind the wild land of romance and adventure, we come out on the broad, high road of slow but steady progress. The death of Zinzendorf was no crushing blow. At first some enemies of the Brethren rejoiced, and one prophet triumphantly remarked: "We shall now see an end of these Moravians." But that time the prophet spoke without his mantle. Already the Brethren were sufficiently strong to realize
J. E. Hutton—History of the Moravian Church

Ascension Day. 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.
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. Herr auf Erden muss ich leiden [92]Neumann. 1700. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 Lord, on earth I dwell in pain; Here in anguish I must lie; Wherefore leav'st Thou me again, Why ascendest Thou on high? Take me, take me hence with Thee, Or abide, Lord, still in me; Let Thy love and gifts be left, That I be not all bereft. Leave Thy heart with me behind, Take mine hence with
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

Power "In" and "Upon. "
You remember that strange, half-involuntary "forty years" of Moses in the "wilderness" of Midian, when he had fled from Egypt. You remember, too, the almost equally strange years of retirement in "Arabia" by Paul, when, if ever, humanly speaking, instant action was needed. And pre-eminently you remember the amazing charge of the ascending Lord to the disciples, "Tarry at Jerusalem." Speaking after the manner of men, one could not have wondered if out-spoken Peter, or fervid James had said: "Tarry,
Dwight L. Moody—Secret Power

St. Ignatius (Ad 116)
When our Lord ascended into Heaven, He left the government of His Church to the Apostles. We are told that during the forty days between His rising from the grave and His ascension, He gave commandments unto the Apostles, and spoke of the things belonging to the kingdom of God (Acts i. 2f). Thus they knew what they were to do when their Master should be no longer with them; and one of the first things which they did, even without waiting until His promise of sending the Holy Ghost should be fulfilled,
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Links
Acts 1:7 NIV
Acts 1:7 NLT
Acts 1:7 ESV
Acts 1:7 NASB
Acts 1:7 KJV

Acts 1:7 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Acts 1:6
Top of Page
Top of Page