Definition: When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 1:6. It’s a really important and slightly complex part of the story of early Christianity! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a group of people – likely early believers – feeling like God isn't helping them enough, especially when they’re facing a difficult situation. They're asking God if He can restore (bring back) the kingdom of Israel. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “When they therefore were come together…” – This means “when these people gathered.” It’s a moment of connection, like a group of friends or people who are working towards something together. “…they asked of him…” - They were speaking to God, perhaps in prayer or pleading. “…saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” – This is the core of it. They're asking a crucial question: "Lord, will you restore (bring back) the kingdom of Israel? It’s a long time ago, and they feel like things are getting worse." What does “kingdom” mean in this context? The word "kingdom" in the Bible often refers to a special, privileged place or territory – a group of people under God's rule. It wasn’t just a kingdom of land; it was a kingdom of people and their way of life. It represented a sense of belonging and special privileges for those who are favored by God. So, what’s the big picture? This verse speaks to a time when people were experiencing hardship – likely because of oppression or injustice. They were feeling frustrated that God wasn't directly intervening to help them. They were asking God to restore something that felt lost or unattainable. Why is this important? It’s a foundational moment in the story of early Christianity! It shows: A Desire for Restoration: The believers weren't just complaining; they were actively seeking a way for things to be better. God's Willingness (Maybe): It suggests that God might be willing to intervene, even if it wasn’t immediately obvious or easy. It marks the beginning of a significant shift in how Christians understood God’s relationship with them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you another example from the Bible?