An important question

“So, when they had come together, they began asking Him, saying, ‘Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?’” This scene likely took place on the Mount of Olives (near Bethany). Let’s focus on the importance of verses 6 and 7. Jesus’ answer to this question will be the key to understanding the Acts of the Apostles. (1) “So” (in Greek, “men oun”) connects this verse to the previous one. Jesus had promised the disciples the baptism by the Holy Spirit. “So (therefore),” they asked Him about the restoration of the kingdom of Israel. The word “kingdom” (in Greek, “basileia”) is the focal point of the question. (2) The disciples’ question needs to be understood in a Jewish context. Their concern was the “Messianic Kingdom” (Millennial Kingdom) because they were aware of the promises found in the Old Testament (ref. Isa. 32:15-20, 44:3-5; Ez.39:28-29; Joel 2:28; Zech. 12:10-13:1, etc.). These passages prophesy common themes: (a) at the end time, the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon the people of Israel, leading to their national salvation. (b) Once this salvation is accomplished, the time of the Gentiles will end, and the kingdom of David will be restored. This is the Messianic Kingdom (Millennial Kingdom), which will be literally established on earth. (c) The Messiah will sit on David’s throne and govern the world from Jerusalem, and the apostles will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel (promised by Jesus in Matt. 19:28 and Luke 22:30). (3) The question asked by the apostles was not necessarily off target. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit and the salvation of Israel are linked together. However, they misunderstood the timing of the fulfillment of the Messianic Kingdom. God has postponed the fulfillment of the Messianic Kingdom and brought about the Church Age on earth. In current age, our mission is to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth as witnesses of the Lord Jesus.