How Wrong were the Disciples about the Kingdom? Thoughts on Acts 1:6

Abstract

Just before his ascension, the disciples ask Jesus, ‘Lord will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ (Acts 1:6). Commentators have been quick to criticise the disciples’ question as ignorant and mistaken. Three arguments are usually offered for why the disciples are wrong: they were expecting a political and territorial kingdom; envisaging a national kingdom; and assuming it would come immediately. Despite the popularity and long shelf life of these arguments (dating back at least to Calvin), they are not as strong as often claimed. This paper will show that the first two arise from mistaken views about the kingdom of God, and the third, while having some basis, overlooks the eschatological expectations that have been created following the resurrection and prior to the ascension.