The Ascension and Apocalyptic Expectation

In this episode, we discuss the Jewish apocalyptic context of Acts 1:1-11. Instead of correcting the apostles' expectations concerning the restoration of the kingdom to Israel, Jesus simply corrects the timing. The witness to the nations in verse 8 is understood within the presupposed Jewish apocalyptic narrative. God is the one driving history, and God is the one who has fixed the day of its conclusion.