The disciples’ question in Acts 1:6 showed their true expectations. After Jesus rose from the dead, they wanted to know when He would restore the Kingdom to Israel. This was not a careless or foolish question. It came from what they already knew from Scripture. The Old Testament prophets often connected the coming of the Holy Spirit with the restoration of God’s Kingdom, and the disciples believed those promises were finally being fulfilled.

Jesus does not correct their belief that a real Kingdom is coming. Instead, He shifts their attention. He tells them that the timing of the Kingdom belongs to God alone. God does not share those details because knowing too much would change how we live. If we knew the exact timing, we might obey out of pressure or fear instead of trust. God wants His people to follow Him by faith, not by a schedule.

Instead of giving the disciples dates or predictions, Jesus gives them power. He promises the Holy Spirit, who would come and enable them to be His witnesses. Their ability to represent Him would not depend on education, influence, or status. It would come from the Spirit working through them.

Jesus makes it clear that His work on the cross is finished. Sin and death have been defeated, and salvation has been secured. However, the full arrival of God’s Kingdom on earth has not yet happened. In that sense, the Kingdom is still loading and the time between Jesus’ ascension and His return should be filled with purpose.

The Church has a clear assignment: to be witnesses. The Holy Spirit has already been given. The mission has already begun. While the Kingdom is still loading, God’s people are called to live, speak, and act in ways that point others to Christ.

Getting Started

  1. Is there anything you dislike waiting on (ex: food, traffic, deliveries, downloads, etc.)?
  2. Are you more of a “tell me all the details” person or a “just tell me what to do” person? Why?

Let’s Get Personal

  1. Have you ever assumed God should act within a certain timeframe? How did you respond when His timing did not match yours?
  2. Jesus did not deny the coming Kingdom, but He denied access to the timing. How do you typically respond when God withholds details but still expects obedience?
  3. In what ways might knowing too much about the future actually weaken your faith rather than strengthen it?

Take the Next Step

  1. Where do you feel God nudging you to be a witness through your words, actions or attitude this week?
  2. As you close your time with your group, pray together and ask God to help you trust His timing, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, and live boldly as His witness wherever He has placed you.
  3. Want to dig deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Acts 1:6-8; Ezekiel 36:26-28; Zechariah 12:8-10; Psalms 2:6; Matthew 24:6-7; Luke 21:11; 2 Timothy 3:1-3; Matthew 24:9; John 19:30; Matthew 5:17; Philippians 1:21-24; Romans 1:16; Acts 17:6; John 16:13; Luke 12:12; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; Acts 4:31; John 16:8.

Renew Your Mind

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

– Acts 1:7-8