Charles Ellicott Commentary Acts 1:7

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Acts 1:7

1819–1905
Anglican
Charles Ellicott
Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott Commentary

Acts 1:7

1819–1905
Anglican
SCRIPTURE

"And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within His own authority." — Acts 1:7 (ASV)

It is not for you to know the times or the seasons.—The combination of the two words is characteristic of St. Luke and St. Paul (1 Thessalonians 5:1). The answer to the eager question touches the season rather than the nature of the fulfillment of their hopes. They are left to the teaching of the Spirit and of Time to remold and purify their expectations of the restoration of Israel. What was needed now was the patience that waits for and accepts that teaching.

Which the Father has put in his own power.—Better, as free from the ambiguity associated with the current version, which the Father appointed by His own authority.