Acts 1:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, It is {G2076} not {G3756} for you {G5216} to know {G1097} the times {G5550} or {G2228} the seasons {G2540}, which {G3739} the Father {G3962} hath put {G5087} in {G1722} his own {G2398} power {G1849}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, “You don’t need to know the dates or the times; the Father has kept these under his own authority.

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within his own authority.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 1:7, Jesus directly addresses His disciples' persistent curiosity regarding the timing of the restoration of the Kingdom of Israel, just prior to His ascension. He firmly asserts that the precise "times or seasons" of prophetic fulfillment are exclusively within the sovereign authority of God the Father, redirecting their focus from speculative eschatology to their impending mission as His witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit. This declaration underscores divine prerogative over future events and sets the stage for the church's primary mandate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Jesus' immediate and pivotal response to the disciples' question in [Acts 1:6](/acts/1-6 "Acts 1:6 - The Disciples' Question About the Kingdom's Restoration"): "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" This question reveals their lingering misunderstanding of the nature of the Messiah's kingdom, despite having spent forty days with Jesus post-resurrection, during which He spoke "of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God" ([Acts 1:3](/acts/1-3 "Acts 1:3 - Jesus' Post-Resurrection Teaching")). Jesus' reply in Acts 1:7 is not a direct answer to *when* the kingdom would be restored, but a crucial reorientation of their priorities and understanding. It serves as a preamble to the Great Commission given in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and Holy Spirit Empowerment"), shifting their attention from chronological speculation to the urgent task of global witness empowered by the Holy Spirit.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disciples, like many Jews of their time, held deeply ingrained expectations of a political, earthly kingdom that would liberate Israel from Roman occupation and restore its national sovereignty, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a glorious Davidic reign (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Eternal Kingdom"), [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")). They had witnessed Jesus' miracles and resurrection, confirming His messianic identity, but still struggled to reconcile their nationalistic hopes with the spiritual nature of His kingdom. This historical backdrop explains their persistent question about the "restoration of the kingdom to Israel," highlighting the need for Jesus to correct their temporal and earthly focus, preparing them for a spiritual mission that transcended national boundaries.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 1:7 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty** over all of history and prophetic fulfillment. God the Father retains exclusive authority over the timing of eschatological events, emphasizing His omnipotence and wisdom. Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Eschatological Prudence**, teaching that while God reveals certain truths, some knowledge, particularly precise timelines, is purposefully withheld from humanity. This discourages speculative curiosity and promotes humility. Finally, and most importantly, it establishes the theme of **Mission over Speculation**. By stating that the timing is "not for you to know," Jesus implicitly directs His disciples' attention away from "when" the kingdom would be fully established and towards "what" they were to do in the interim: be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, a theme immediately developed in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Command to Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb signifies a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual acquaintance. In this context, Jesus is not saying they are incapable of understanding, but that they are not *permitted* or *authorized* to possess this specific knowledge. It implies a divine withholding, a boundary set by God.
* **times (Greek, _chrónos'_):** Refers to general chronological time, duration, or a period. It denotes the quantitative aspect of time, the sequence of moments. By using this term, Jesus indicates that even the broad period or duration of future events is not for them to discern.
* **seasons (Greek, _kairós'_):** This word denotes a specific, opportune, or appointed time; a fixed, decisive moment or season for an event. It refers to the qualitative aspect of time, the right moment for something to happen. The combination of `chrónos` and `kairós` emphasizes that neither the general span nor the precise moment of these future events is within the disciples' purview.
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** This term signifies inherent authority, privilege, capacity, or delegated influence. When applied to the Father, it highlights His absolute, sovereign right and control. The Father has "put" (Greek, _títhēmi'_, meaning to place, set, or ordain) these times and seasons "in His own power," underscoring His exclusive and undisputed prerogative over the unfolding of His divine plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This phrase introduces Jesus' direct and authoritative response, highlighting the significance of His words as a definitive teaching moment for His disciples. It follows their question, indicating a clear, intentional redirection.
* **"It is not for you to know"**: This is a firm, yet pastoral, declaration of divine limitation on human knowledge. Jesus explicitly states that certain information, specifically the precise timing of future events, is not within the scope of what humans are intended or permitted to comprehend. This sets a boundary for their curiosity.
* **"the times or the seasons,"**: As explored in the key word analysis, the use of both `chrónos` (general time) and `kairós` (appointed time) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this divine withholding. Neither the broad historical epoch nor the specific, opportune moment of the kingdom's full restoration is to be known by them. This underscores the mystery surrounding God's prophetic timetable.
* **"which the Father hath put in his own power."**: This final clause provides the theological rationale for the previous statement. The ultimate authority and control over these matters reside solely with God the Father. The phrase "in his own power" (Greek, _en idía exousía'_) stresses the Father's exclusive, inherent, and sovereign prerogative, reinforcing that this is a divine secret, not a human one.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 1:7 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Redirection** is central, as Jesus masterfully shifts the disciples' focus from their earthly, temporal concerns about the kingdom's restoration to the spiritual realities of God's sovereignty and their immediate mission. This is an example of **Corrective Teaching**, where Jesus gently but firmly rectifies a misunderstanding. The use of **Contrast** is also evident: human curiosity and speculation are contrasted with divine prerogative and hidden wisdom. The phrase "It is not for you to know" serves as a powerful **Understatement** of the divine mystery, implying a depth of knowledge that is unfathomable to humanity. Furthermore, the emphasis on "the Father hath put in his own power" functions as a form of **Divine Prerogative**, asserting God's absolute and unquestionable authority over all matters of time and destiny, especially those pertaining to His kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 1:7 stands as a foundational text for understanding divine sovereignty and the appropriate human response to eschatological mysteries. It teaches that God, in His infinite wisdom, reserves certain knowledge for Himself, particularly the precise timing of future events related to His kingdom's full establishment. This principle guards against speculative excesses and encourages a posture of humble trust in God's perfect plan and timing. It underscores that while God reveals what is necessary for salvation and faithful living, He does not satisfy every human curiosity, especially when such curiosity might distract from the primary call to obedience and mission. This divine withholding serves to maintain God's ultimate authority and to keep humanity reliant on His revealed will, rather than on prophetic timetables.

* [Matthew 24:36](/matthew/24-36 "Matthew 24:36 - No One Knows the Day or Hour")
* [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Belong to the Lord")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:1-2](/1_thessalonians/5-1-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 - The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 1:7 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless reminder of where our focus should truly lie. In an age often preoccupied with predicting future events and deciphering complex prophetic charts, Jesus' words call us back to a posture of humility and trust. We are invited to release our need for comprehensive understanding of God's timetable and instead embrace the divine wisdom that chooses to keep certain things hidden. This frees us from the anxiety of speculation and redirects our energy towards the tangible, immediate call of Christ: to be His witnesses. Our primary task is not to know *when* He will return or *how* all prophecies will unfold, but to faithfully live out His teachings, share the Gospel, and serve His kingdom *now*. This verse encourages us to trust God's perfect timing, to focus on the mission He has given us, and to find peace in the knowledge that the Father holds all things securely in His sovereign power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might a preoccupation with prophetic timelines distract us from our present mission and obedience to Christ?**
* **In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's timing, and how can the truth of Acts 1:7 encourage greater surrender?**
* **What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from speculative curiosity to active participation in God's kingdom work?**
* **How does acknowledging God's exclusive power over "times and seasons" deepen your worship and humility?**

### FAQ
**Why did the disciples ask this question about the restoration of the kingdom?**

Answer: The disciples' question in [Acts 1:6](/acts/1-6 "Acts 1:6 - The Disciples' Question") stemmed from a deeply ingrained Jewish expectation of a political Messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman rule and restore its national glory, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a Davidic kingdom (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Eternal Kingdom")). Even after Jesus' resurrection and forty days of teaching about the "kingdom of God" ([Acts 1:3](/acts/1-3 "Acts 1:3 - Jesus' Post-Resurrection Teaching")), their minds were still fixed on an earthly, temporal restoration. They were eager to know if this was the moment for their nationalistic hopes to be realized.

**Does Acts 1:7 mean Christians should not study prophecy or future events?**

Answer: No, Acts 1:7 does not forbid the study of prophecy. Instead, it places a crucial emphasis on the **timing** of prophetic fulfillment being solely within God the Father's power. Scripture contains numerous prophecies that are meant to be studied, understood, and believed (e.g., the book of [Revelation](/revelation/1 "Revelation - The Revelation of Jesus Christ")). The warning is against obsessive speculation about precise dates or sequences of events, especially when it distracts from the clear command to be Christ's witnesses ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). The focus should be on what God has revealed, not what He has purposefully kept hidden.

**What is the difference between "times" (chronos) and "seasons" (kairos) in this verse?**

Answer: The Greek word `chrónos` refers to general chronological time, duration, or a period (e.g., a long time, a short time). It's quantitative. The Greek word `kairós` refers to a specific, appointed, or opportune time; a fixed, decisive moment or season for an event. It's qualitative. By using both terms, Jesus emphasizes that neither the general period nor the specific, precise moment of these future events is for the disciples to know. Both aspects of time are exclusively within the Father's sovereign power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 1:7, while seemingly a statement of divine limitation, profoundly points to Christ as the very center of God's sovereign plan, even concerning the "times and seasons" that remain hidden. Jesus, as the incarnate Son, perfectly embodies the Father's will and purpose. Though the precise timing of the kingdom's full restoration is reserved for the Father, it is through Christ that the kingdom has already powerfully broken into history, and it is through Him that it will ultimately be consummated. All of creation and all of history find their ultimate purpose and coherence in Him, for "all things were created by him, and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through and For Christ")). The Father's "own power" is the power that raised Christ from the dead, seated Him at His right hand, and will send Him again to judge the living and the dead ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Christ's Return")). Thus, while the "when" is hidden, the "who" and the "what" of God's grand redemptive narrative are fully revealed in Jesus. The Father's sovereign plan, though mysterious in its timing, is entirely "a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth" ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan Centered in Christ")). Therefore, our focus on Christ, and our obedience to His commission, is the appropriate response to the Father's hidden timetable, knowing that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all divine purpose.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 24:36

But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

1 Thessalonians 5:1

¶ But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

1 Thessalonians 5:2

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

Mark 13:32

But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Mark 10:40

But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but [it shall be given to them] for whom it is prepared.

Deuteronomy 29:29

The secret [things belong] unto the LORD our God: but those [things which are] revealed [belong] unto us and to our children for ever, that [we] may do all the words of this law.

Daniel 2:21

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: