“That's just people for ya”

[Karl Edwards]

I sooooo associate this phrase with Acts 1:6 whenever I hear it… and always in Dr. Wierwille’s funny accent (well funny to me being Irish). Those of you who sat the PFAL class one hundred million times know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s the reference to how the apostles asked the most idiotic question when the Lord was trying to tell them about the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter one. Silly apostles. sigh!

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?

Dr. was not alone in thinking that the apostles were wrong in asking such a question, in fact most modern commentators will say the same thing, highlighting the apostles misunderstanding of the spiritual nature of the church and their carnal desire (they do like the word carnal) to have the physical kingdom restored, how utterly selfish and short sighted of them. Well you know what, the question was a valid one, the apostles were right and the Lord did not tell them when it would happen because he didn’t know the answer, due to the fact that the restoration of the kingdom was dependent on the repentance of Israel. Here are a couple of reasons why I believe that the apostles knew what they were talking about.

1. The hope of a restored physical earthly kingdom was the hope of Israel throughout the Old Testament, the same hope that Paul was in bonds for as late as in Acts 28:20.

2. These men had been with the Lord for 40 days (Acts 1:3) learning from him personally about the kingdom of God, so, if in their last discourse with Him on earth, they completely missed the point of the program they were really thick and the Lord failed miserably as a teacher.

They didn’t miss the point, the Lord did not fail as a teacher.

3. During those days, they had their understanding opened, Luke 24:45, something that we today have to pray for and may or may not get, no gurantees, Eph 1:17,18.

4. And this is cool.., one of the most telling things is, the very first task they took on after the Lord was raised up was to appoint the 12th apostle, which is in accordance with Matt 19:28. There had to be twelve to sit on the twelve thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel in the kingdom. So they are still really missing it or they were preparing for the physical promised kingdom to come on the earth because they did kno what they were doing and they continued to do so throughout the book of Acts.

5. Finally (well for this blog anyway), Peter told Israel in Acts 3:18-21 that if they repent there and then, the restoration will take place. It is still true today that when Israel repent, on a national level Christ will return and set up His kingdom on earth.

The book of Acts is not about the "church of the body", it is a second offer of the kingdom to Israel.

Try re-reading the Acts without seeing yourself or the “church of the body” on every page and notice how it is totally geared towards Israel’s repentance for the restortion of the kingdom in line with all the OT promises, then read Romans chapter 11 which makes sense of it all and explains why the gentiles were brough in and why neither you nor I will ever do a miracle.

Leave it to whom it belongs.


God bless

[David Bailey]

"That's just Karl for ya."