Acts 1:6 - The Message6 When they were together for the last time they asked, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?” Ver CapítuloMás versionesKing James Version (Oxford) 17696 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? Ver CapítuloAmplified Bible - Classic Edition6 So when they were assembled, they asked Him, Lord, is this the time when You will reestablish the kingdom and restore it to Israel? Ver CapítuloAmerican Standard Version (1901)6 They therefore, when they were come together, asked him, saying, Lord, dost thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? Ver CapítuloCommon English Bible6 As a result, those who had gathered together asked Jesus, “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?” Ver CapítuloCatholic Public Domain Version6 Therefore, those who had assembled together questioned him, saying, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom of Israel?" Ver Capítulo |
Jesus answered, “Elijah does come and get everything ready. I’m telling you, Elijah has already come but they didn’t know him when they saw him. They treated him like dirt, the same way they are about to treat the Son of Man.” That’s when the disciples realized that all along he had been talking about John the Baptizer.
“Shout and cheer, Daughter Zion! Raise your voice, Daughter Jerusalem! Your king is coming! a good king who makes all things right, a humble king riding a donkey, a mere colt of a donkey. I’ve had it with war—no more chariots in Ephraim, no more war horses in Jerusalem, no more swords and spears, bows and arrows. He will offer peace to the nations, a peaceful rule worldwide, from the four winds to the seven seas.
“But also on that Judgment Day I will restore David’s house that has fallen to pieces. I’ll repair the holes in the roof, replace the broken windows, fix it up like new. David’s people will be strong again and seize what’s left of enemy Edom, plus everyone else under my sovereign judgment.” God’s Decree. He will do this.
But you, Bethlehem, David’s country, the runt of the litter— From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule Israel. He’ll be no upstart, no pretender. His family tree is ancient and distinguished. Meanwhile, Israel will be in foster homes until the birth pangs are over and the child is born, And the scattered brothers come back home to the family of Israel. He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by God’s strength, centered in the majesty of God-Revealed. And the people will have a good and safe home, for the whole world will hold him in respect— Peacemaker of the world!
The people of Israel are going to live a long time stripped of security and protection, without religion and comfort, godless and prayerless. But in time they’ll come back, these Israelites, come back looking for their God and their David-King. They’ll come back chastened to reverence before God and his good gifts, ready for the End of the story of his love.