The Disciples were asking Jesus about the restoration of the Kingdom of natural Israel – when the Jews would no longer be ruled by a foreign power. Yes, Israel, as a nation, had rejected our Lord. Jesus also rejected them. “…they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all the nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, UNTIL the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24) After this set time period – Israel would be restored as an independent nation. Restoration began in 1914 and full independence regained in 1948.

In Romans chapter 11, the Jewish nation is compared to an olive tree. The natural branches were broken off and wild branches, the gentiles, were grafted into the tree. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that “Blindness in part is happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles (the Bride of Christ) be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved…for this is my covenant unto them when I shall take away their sins.” (Romans 11:25-27) 

God will make a New Covenant with Israel when the Church or Bride of Christ is complete. Hebrews 8:10, 12 (RSV), “This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days (the Church completed), says the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. … 12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."

God has “times and seasons” (Acts 1:7) in His plan. Just like in Noah’s day, it was the time for the flood, or during the Jewish Age, it was time to follow the law. There will be a time when Israel will have its own country under the rulership of Jesus the Messiah.

Some believe Acts 1:7-8 teaches we cannot not know these times or seasons, but Jesus says, “You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit is come upon you.” This is confirmed by the Apostle Paul, “But of the times and the season, brethren you have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2)

It’s important to apply scripture to the correct time period, and to the correct group of people in harmony with the context.  Please consider reading the free booklet, “How to Study the Bible and Have It Make Sense”. Download the free PDF: "How to Study the Bible"