The disciples meant a literal, physical, and political restoration of Israel's former kingdom of glory, as under David and Solomon, with the Messiah as King.
The word "again" in their question points to something previously existing that they wanted brought back. They remembered Israel's glorious kingdom under David and Solomon, and they hoped for a kingdom like that, but even greater, with Jesus as the Messiah King. They were asking if this was the time for that restoration.
Acts 1:6 — This is the exact verse where the disciples ask their question, which is the focus of the whole page.
The disciples asked Jesus, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). The word "again" implies that Israel had once possessed a kingdom that the disciples hoped would be restored. Jesus did not rebuke them for asking, but rather responded by saying, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power" (Acts 1:7). This suggests that the restoration was indeed a future reality, though the timing was hidden.
Les Feldick teaches that the disciples' question was rooted in their memory of Israel's glorious kingdom under David and Solomon. They expected a literal, physical, political, and spiritual kingdom to be restored. They understood that the coming kingdom would exceed Solomon's glory because the Messiah Himself would rule. Les emphasizes that the word "again" indicates a restoration of something already existing, not a brand-new kingdom. The disciples were excited about the prospect of this glorious kingdom and asked if this was the time for its fulfillment.
The disciples had the kingdom uppermost in their minds because of their familiarity with the Old Testament prophecies and the glory of David's and Solomon's reigns. They had just witnessed Jesus' death and resurrection, which fulfilled many prophetic events, and they hoped He would now establish His earthly kingdom.
They expected a literal, physical kingdom on earth, similar to Solomon's but far more glorious, with Jesus as their King. They were not thinking of a merely spiritual or ethereal realm.
The word "again" points to a restoration of something that had existed before. Israel had reached her glory as a nation under David and Solomon, and the disciples were asking for that kind of kingdom to be restored.
Will God Restore the Kingdom to Israel? Acts 1:6 Explained
And I trust I showed it so plainly that from the baptism that Jesus instituted when He said that He would baptize with the Holy Spirit. He was referring to the nation of Israel and looking forward to the day of Pentecost when they would of course be inundated. And that's the best word I can put for baptism, or engulfed is another good word.
Disciples' Memory of David and Solomon
Les explains that the disciples had in their memory the glory of David and Solomon, and they were wondering if Israel would now have a kingdom like Solomon's, asking "Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?"
Restoration of Israel's Glory
Les points out that the word "again" implies Israel had reached her glory under David and Solomon, and the disciples were excited because they understood the future kingdom would be even more glorious with the Messiah ruling.
Christ's Return to the Mount of Olives. Zechariah 14 Explained.
But here in Acts chapter 1, verse 4, it says, "...And being assembled together with them, He commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, you have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence." Now verse 6. "...
Solomon's Kingdom as High Point
Les notes that the high point of Israel's history was David's and especially Solomon's kingdom, which was so glorious that the Queen of Sheba said the half hadn't been told.
Why Israel Failed to Evangelize the World — Isaiah to Acts
Now then, verse 6, "...when therefore they were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" What's on their heart? The kingdom, the kingdom. I hope I've got time. I'm going to run out of time. There's no use trying not to. Come back with me to Matthew. Come back with me to Matthew. Oh, let's see.
Messiah Greater Than Solomon
Les teaches that the disciples understood that the coming kingdom would be brought back to Israel, but instead of a Solomon it would be the Messiah as King, and they asked if now was the time.
Prophetic Program Fulfilled
Les notes that the disciples understood that all of the prophetic program had been fulfilled and was about to be fulfilled, prompting their question about the kingdom's restoration.
Acts 1:6: When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
This is the very question the disciples asked Jesus, showing their expectation of a restored kingdom.
Acts 1:7: 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.
Jesus' response indicates that the timing of the restoration is known only to the Father, affirming that it will happen.
They meant a literal, physical restoration of Israel's glorious kingdom, like that under David and Solomon, but even greater with the Messiah as King. The word "again" indicates bringing back something that existed before.
They had the kingdom on their minds because of their familiarity with Israel's past glory and the prophetic promises. After Jesus' death and resurrection, they hoped He would now establish His earthly kingdom.
No, He did not rebuke them but told them the timing was not for them to know. This implies the kingdom would indeed be restored, but at a time set by the Father.
Watch the Teaching: Will God Restore the Kingdom to Israel? Acts 1:6 Explained