Devine Scripture

Acts 1:7

What does Acts 1:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 1:7 means

Jesus directly responds to the apostles' question about restoring the kingdom, gently correcting their focus. He tells them it is not within their authority or knowledge to know the specific times or dates ("times or seasons") that the Father has reserved solely for His own determination. This statement redirects their attention from speculative timelines to their appointed mission, emphasizing God's sovereign control over future events.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said to them, It is not for you to have knowledge of the time and the order of events which the Father has kept in his control.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he said unto them, `It is not yours to know times or seasons that the Father did appoint in His own authority;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he said to them: It is not for you to know the time or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said to them, It is not yours to know times or seasons, which the Father has placed in his own authority;

Context

In response to the apostles' question in verse 6 about the timing of the kingdom's restoration, Jesus firmly sets boundaries on their knowledge. This verse emphasizes divine sovereignty and pivots the conversation away from eschatological speculation. It prepares the reader for Jesus' next statement, shifting their focus from when the kingdom would be restored to what their role in it would be.

v.6They therefore, when they were come together, asked him, saying, Lord, dost thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?

v.7This passage

v.8But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Deuteronomy 29:29

    The secret things belong unto Jehovah our God; but the things that are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

  • 2 Timothy 3:1

    But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come.

  • Luke 21:24

    And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all the nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

  • 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 have understanding;

  • Matthew 20:23

    He saith unto them, My cup indeed ye shall drink: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared of my Father.

  • Mark 13:32

    But of that day or that hour knoweth no one, not even the angels in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Acts 1:7.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary