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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Acts 1:6 - 1:6
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They therefore (hoi men oun). Demonstrative use of hoi with men oun without any corresponding de just as in Act 1:1 men occurs alone. The combination men oun is common in Acts (27 times). Cf. Luk 3:18. The oun is resumptive and refers to the introductory (Act 1:1-5), which served to connect the Acts with the preceding Gospel. The narrative now begins.
Asked (ērōtōn). Imperfect active, repeatedly asked before Jesus answered.
Lord (kurie). Here not in the sense of “sir” (Mat 21:30), but to Jesus as Lord and Master as often in Acts (Act 19:5, Act 19:10, etc.) and in prayer to Jesus (Act 7:59).
Dost thou restore (ei apokathistaneis). The use of ei in an indirect question is common. We have already seen its use in direct questions (Mat 12:10; Luk 13:23 which see note for discussion), possibly in imitation of the Hebrew (frequent in the lxx) or as a partial condition without conclusion. See also Act 7:1; Act 19:2; Act 21:37; Act 22:25. The form of the verb apokathistanō is late (also apokathistaō) omega form for the old and common apokathistēmi, double compound, to restore to its former state. As a matter of fact the Messianic kingdom for which they are asking is a political kingdom that would throw off the hated Roman yoke. It is a futuristic present and they are uneasy that Jesus may yet fail to fulfil their hopes. Surely here is proof that the eleven apostles needed the promise of the Father before they began to spread the message of the Risen Christ. They still yearn for a political kingdom for Israel even after faith and hope have come back. They need the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John 14-16) and the power of the Holy Spirit (Act 1:4.).