In this moment, the disciples are with Jesus after His resurrection, filled with anticipation and questions about the future. They ask if He will now restore the kingdom to Israel, reflecting a common Jewish expectation of the Messiah as a political and military leader who would free Israel from Roman occupation and restore its former glory. This question reveals their limited understanding of Jesus' mission, which was not about establishing a political kingdom but rather a spiritual one that transcends national boundaries and political systems.
Jesus' response, which follows in the subsequent verses, redirects their focus from earthly concerns to the spiritual mission they are to undertake. It emphasizes the coming of the Holy Spirit and the global nature of their mission, spreading the message of God's love and salvation to all nations. This interaction is a pivotal teaching moment, helping the disciples to shift their perspective from a nationalistic view to a universal one, preparing them for the role they will play in the early church and the spread of Christianity.
