When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

ACTS 1:6KJV
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Acts 1:6 (KJV)

What does Acts 1:6 mean?

Acts 1:6 shows Jesus’ disciples asking him if he is about to restore the kingdom to Israel, meaning they wonder if now is the time for Israel to be given back its former glory and independence. The disciples are hoping for a national and political renewal, expecting Jesus to fulfill promises about Israel’s future.

This conversation happens after Jesus’ resurrection, as he gathers with his closest followers. The disciples address Jesus as “Lord” and ask if he will “restore again the kingdom to Israel,” revealing their expectation that the Messiah would bring about a visible, earthly kingdom. Their question reflects the common Jewish hope of that era for God to re-establish Israel’s sovereignty and fulfill Old Testament prophecies.

The Greek behind Acts 1:6

  • βασιλεία (basileia, “kingdom”): This word often means a realm or rule, not just a physical country. Here, it shows the disciples are thinking about both political power and God’s promised reign.
  • ἀποκαθιστάνεις (apokathistaneis, “restore again”): This Greek word means to bring something back to its original state. The disciples are asking if Jesus will return Israel to its former status, hinting at their hope for national restoration.
  • ἐν τῷ χρόνῳ τούτῳ (en tō chronō toutō, “at this time”): The phrase stresses their concern about timing. The disciples want to know if the promised change is happening immediately.

Why Acts 1:6 matters

  • Acts 1:6 helps clarify that even after Jesus’ resurrection, his closest followers still expected a political or national restoration for Israel, showing how deeply rooted these hopes were.
  • The verse sets up Jesus’ following response, which shifts the focus from political expectations to the coming of the Holy Spirit and the mission to all nations.
  • This question highlights the tension between human expectations of God’s promises and the broader, spiritual fulfillment Jesus brings, which unfolds in the rest of Acts.

Where else these words appear

“thou” Greek G600 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 12:13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
  • Mark 3:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
  • Mark 9:12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

“together” Greek G4905 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Acts 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
  • Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

“time” Greek G5550 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
  • Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

“asked” Greek G1905 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
  • Luke 8:30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.