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.
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτούς
them
G846
αὐτούς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
γνῶναι
to know
G1097
γνῶναι
to know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
8 of 19
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
χρόνους
the times
G5550
χρόνους
the times
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
9 of 19
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
οὓς
which
G3739
οὓς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
the Father
G3962
πατὴρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
14 of 19
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἔθετο
hath put
G5087
ἔθετο
hath put
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
15 of 19
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 24:36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.Mark 13:32But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.Mark 10:40But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.Deuteronomy 29:29The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.Daniel 2:21And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:Ephesians 1:10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:Luke 21:24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.Acts 17:26And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;Matthew 20:23And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.1 Timothy 6:15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Historical Context
Jewish apocalyptic literature often attempted to calculate messianic timing. Jesus' response discouraged such speculation while affirming God's sovereign control over history's unfolding. This teaching protected the early church from false messianic expectations.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance appropriate expectation of Christ's return with focus on present mission?
- What does God's control over 'times and seasons' teach about trusting His wisdom regarding unfulfilled prophecy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' statement that 'times or seasons' remain in the Father's authority addresses eschatological curiosity while redirecting toward mission. The Greek chronous e kairous distinguishes between measured time (chronos) and opportune moments (kairos). This verse establishes that prophecy's fulfillment remains God's prerogative, not subject to human calculation.