1. A Bridge Connecting the Gospels and the Book of Acts
Today's main passages, Acts 1:6-8 and John 21:18-23, may seem unrelated at first glance, yet they are closely connected. The Gospel of John is the fourth and last of the New Testament Gospels, followed immediately by the Book of Acts. Interestingly, John 21 is often described as a "bridge" linking the Gospels to Acts. Although the Gospel of John appears structurally complete by chapter 20, there is this additional chapter 21. It narrates the resurrected Jesus meeting His disciples again, restoring Peter, and speaking of their future ministries and destinies-events that intersect with the beginnings of the early church and the disciples' ministries in the Book of Acts.
First, let us revisit Acts 1:6-8:
"Then they gathered around Him and asked Him, 'Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'" (Acts 1:6-8)
Here, the disciples directly ask Jesus, "Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" Essentially, they are referring to the complete arrival of God's Kingdom on earth. After the dark chapter of history in which Jesus was crucified, the disciples, upon encountering the risen Lord, again nurture a concrete hope for the restoration of Israel-i.e., the coming of God's Kingdom. In response, Jesus plainly says, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority." In other words, the end times or the consummation of God's Kingdom cannot be predicted or specified by humans; it belongs solely to God the Father.
In John 21, we see a reflection of the same principle-namely, that "it is not for humans to know times or dates." John 21 is often divided into three sections:
- The resurrected Jesus appears to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee. He tells them to "throw the net on the right side," and they catch a full net of 153 fish (John 21:1-14).
- Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" restoring Peter (who had denied Jesus) to pastoral ministry (John 21:15-17).
- In the third section, Jesus predicts Peter's martyrdom, gives an indication about the future of "the disciple whom He loved" (the Apostle John), and then states, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" (John 21:23). This serves as a key pronouncement about the end times and the Lord's second coming (John 21:18-23).
Among these, John 21:23-"If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"-is often interpreted as one of the final statements made by Jesus during His earthly ministry following His resurrection. While Jesus's last words on the cross are "It is finished" (John 19:30), the resurrected Lord's last message on earth to the disciples carries great weight in John 21.
In this chapter, Jesus hints at the path of martyrdom for Peter ("When you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." - John 21:18) and then commands, "Follow Me" (John 21:19). Peter turns around, sees "the disciple Jesus loved" (John), and asks, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus replies, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" This echoes Acts 1:7, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority." Both passages address human curiosity about "times and dates" and demonstrate how Jesus decisively puts an end to speculation about such matters. Instead, He clarifies what must be done: We are called to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth and to pray for the coming of God's Kingdom.
Rev. David Jang notes that these passages (Acts 1:6-8; John 21:18-23) play a crucial role in linking "eschatology" (the study of the end times) with the "Great Commission." He observes that Jesus conceals the specific timing of the end and second coming precisely so that the church and believers will focus more thoroughly on their missionary mandate. By considering the final dialogue in John 21 alongside Jesus's words right before His ascension in Acts 1, we see that the disciple's priority is not to calculate or obsess over the timing of the end but "to be [His] witnesses" when the Holy Spirit comes with power.
In this light, the claims of dispensationalist eschatology or mystical end-time theories-where people attempt to calculate dates or draft end-time scenarios-are seen as unbiblical. Scripture clearly states, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matt. 24:36). Acts 1:7 likewise declares that "the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority" are not for human determination. Furthermore, the statement in John 21:22-23-"If I want him to remain alive until I return..."-led to confusion in the early church, as some thought the second coming would occur while John was still alive. In fact, however, this misunderstanding underscores the fundamental message: "It is not for you to know these times," as the Lord makes clear.
Against this background, Rev. David Jang interprets John 21 as a significant transitional scene that connects the Gospels to Acts. In John 21, the resurrected Lord restores the disciples through "pastoral care and obedience," while also giving an "ultimate guideline for the end times." That guideline then carries over into Acts 1, preparing the disciples to carry out the task of preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth in the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the command in Acts 1:6-8 to be witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" cannot be separated from the "direct teaching on the end times and the second coming" heard by Peter and John in John 21.
In conclusion, while John 21 and Acts 1 cover different events, they stand at the transitional moment between the Gospel era and the era of the Church, providing significant theological and pastoral implications. The emphasis is that the end times and the second coming are not about clinging to an "unknown date," but rather about clinging to the "certain promise." We-the disciples and the Church-are to live faithfully by carrying out the pastoral mission ("Feed My sheep") and the missionary mandate ("You will be My witnesses by the power of the Holy Spirit").
2. The End Times, God's Kingdom, and Our Great Commission
In Acts 1:6-7, the disciples ask about the timing of Israel's restoration, and Jesus responds, "It is not for you to know." This parallels John 21, where He says, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" Whether in the early church or in the present day, many are curious about when the end or the Kingdom of God will be fully realized. Some even produce misguided expectations or prophecies by interpreting the "time" in subjective ways. Yet Jesus repeatedly reminds us, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority" (Acts 1:7), clearly asserting that the precise timing of His return lies outside human control. From this point, Rev. David Jang argues that Scripture teaches the Church a very practical lesson on how to anticipate the fulfillment of God's Kingdom.
The grand drama of salvation that runs throughout the Bible culminates in "the restoration of God's Kingdom." From creation, God placed His dominion on this earth ("I AM WHO I AM" - Exod. 3:14) and desired fellowship with humanity in Eden. Yet humanity's fall introduced sin, leading to a broken world and suffering. Nevertheless, the Old Testament is replete with prophecies and promises that "God's Kingdom" will come again. For Israel, "the Day of the Lord" signified a future time when evil would be judged and justice and peace would be fully established. In the New Testament era, this promise becomes more concrete with the advent of Jesus Christ. The core of Jesus's earthly ministry was "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near" (Matt. 4:17).
But even after Jesus's resurrection, the disciples still ask, "When will this kingdom be restored?" "When will You return, Lord?" Rather than giving them a direct date, Jesus says, "It is not for you to know the times or dates," and then instructs them, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). John 21 conveys the same principle. After Jesus tells Peter about his impending martyrdom, Peter-likely disturbed-glances at John and asks, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answers succinctly, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me" (John 21:22).
Two important messages are embedded in these words. First, human beings cannot meddle with or calculate God's plans and sovereignty. The timing of Jesus's return and the completion of history belong only to God the Father. Second, we do have a clear mission: to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8), and to fulfill our pastoral responsibility ("Feed My sheep," John 21:17). Jesus is not interested in satisfying our curiosity or speculation; instead, He calls us to the place of "proclaiming the gospel and caring for the flock." Thus, John 21 and Acts 1 intersect at a point where eschatological interest is redirected toward "concrete obedience and mission" for the Kingdom of God.
In John 21:15-17, when Jesus tells Peter three times, "Feed My sheep," He is reinstating Peter, who had previously denied Him three times. Every time Peter professes his love for Jesus, Jesus replies, "Feed My sheep." The sheep belong ultimately to the Lord-they are "My sheep." Those who tend them are merely servants standing in for the Lord; the true owner is Jesus Himself. The Church, therefore, is Christ's body-His possession. According to church tradition, Peter, having received this command and knowing that his path would lead to martyrdom (John 21:18-19), courageously walked in obedience. That is why he is remembered as a leading figure in the early church. "Follow Me" in John 21:19 echoes the same words that called Peter as a disciple back in Matthew 4 ("Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men"). This time, though, it demands a deeper level of commitment. The path of Jesus's cross, resurrection, and Peter's own eventual suffering are encompassed in this calling.
The prophetic statement "When you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted..." (John 21:18) is traditionally connected to the account that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome. The early church believed that this was the fulfillment of Jesus's words, and John 21:19 explains, "Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God." The phrase "to glorify God" suggests that Peter's martyrdom, following Jesus's example of obedience, magnified the Lord.
Notably, the Gospels generally do not document the death of most of the apostles in detail, nor does Acts present a full account of each apostle's martyrdom. Nevertheless, church tradition holds that most of the apostles walked the path of martyrdom. Their commitment to "Feed My sheep" and "Be My witnesses to the ends of the earth" demonstrates that the faith we now possess is not merely an academic knowledge or a cultural form of Christianity, but rather stands on a tradition of believers who offered their lives in obedience. Their martyr-like dedication reminds us that our faith is grounded in life-giving sacrifice.
Thus, if John 21 speaks of the "end times," "Jesus's final words after His resurrection," and "the future of the disciple community," Acts 1 concretizes these themes through "Jesus's ascension," "the promise of the Holy Spirit," and "the beginning of the Church's mission." Rev. David Jang points out that these two texts together illustrate "the transition from the Gospel era to the Church era" most clearly. John 21's statement, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" underscores the notion that we should not be preoccupied with human curiosity about the second coming. Instead, the decisive stance comes in Acts 1:7, "It is not for you to know the times or dates." And in the very next verse (Acts 1:8), the Church's mission is laid out: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This missionary mandate is how we, as believers, are to wait for the end times-by expanding God's Kingdom on earth.
The other Gospels repeat a similar message. Mark 16:15 proclaims, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation," while Matthew 28:19-20 gives the specific instruction, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This is the "Great Commission." Matthew also includes Jesus's comforting promise, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Though we do not know the exact day or hour, we are assured that the Lord is always present with us.
From this perspective, the end times are not about dread or the fear of the unknown, but rather about confidently anticipating the fulfillment of God's Kingdom-and, at the same time, having our missionary calling re-energized. When Jesus said, "I will come again," it was not merely a hint that "I'm returning soon," but more of a charge to "stay awake and be faithful to the tasks I have given you, no matter when I come." This is why we can understand Matthew 10:23-"You will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes"-in the same light. Jesus implies that the second coming could arrive even before every part of Israel is fully evangelized. That is, believers in every age should live in constant readiness for the Lord's imminent return, actively sharing the gospel without squandering time or opportunities.
Rev. David Jang frequently stresses that, regarding eschatology, the Church's posture should be centered on "fulfilling our given mission" rather than calculating the date of the second coming. Christian history is filled with confusion and negative consequences brought about by false end-time predictions. However, Scripture states plainly that "only the Father knows" (cf. Matt. 24:36). Therefore, instead of asking, "Lord, when will You come?" we should ask, "Are we doing what the Lord commanded us?" and "Are we tending the flock entrusted to us?" This is the essence of "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"-the core of the Lord's message that links directly to the missionary focus of Acts 1:8.
In John 21, after Jesus predicts Peter's martyrdom, Peter momentarily fixates on John's future, asking, "What about him?" Jesus's stern response-"What is that to you? You must follow Me"-speaks to a common issue in the Church: excessive comparison, jealousy, and needless curiosity about others. Essentially, Jesus says, "Keep your eyes on Me and walk the path I have laid out for you." This includes resisting the urge to obsess over the exact timing of the end times, and it rebukes the desire to meddle in another's destiny or stir up pointless debates.
Even in modern churches, we must confront ourselves with this message. We often see people obsess over eschatological theories-political interpretations or reading signs of history-while neglecting the actual tasks Jesus has given us: to feed His sheep and to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. Or we become overly interested in someone else's calling or fate, neglecting our own responsibilities. Rev. David Jang notes that John 21 reminds us to be faithful in the place God has assigned us, rather than becoming preoccupied with personal outcomes, mystical predictions, or fleeting curiosity. When Jesus told Peter, "Feed My sheep," there was a weighty implication: "You may have to give up everything-even your life-to do so." Peter accepted this and became a leader in serving the Lord's Church.
The Apostle Paul shared the same attitude. In Philippians 1:20-21, he writes, "I eagerly expect and hope that... now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Whether he lived longer or faced an imminent martyrdom, Paul's focus was on proclaiming and glorifying Christ. In this, Peter and Paul exemplify the highest spiritual stance-a willingness to follow the Lord regardless of not knowing exactly when or how they would face death.
This "martyr spirit" was not unique to the early church. It applies equally to believers in the 21st century. While our environment may differ from that of the first century-perhaps less direct political persecution or other variations-everyday believers still bear witness to Christ in myriad vocational and life contexts. The willingness to give our all for the gospel and God's Kingdom-and the resolve that "the time and date are not ours to know, but we will remain faithful to His commands"-are still required today. Indeed, church history has advanced not only through the literal martyrdom of many saints but also through the "small martyrdoms" of believers in their daily sacrifices and devotions.
In this way, John 21:18-23's eschatological message and Acts 1:6-8's Great Commission message ultimately converge. Until the Lord returns, the Church is to "feed His sheep" (pastoral ministry) and to proclaim the gospel "to the ends of the earth" (mission). The question "When exactly will He return?"-or the attempt to figure out the date-is not our domain nor our biblical mandate. God alone knows. A "healthy biblical eschatology" recognizes this and calls us to focus on "what we must do today": preaching the gospel and caring for Christ's flock. Rev. David Jang summarizes this by saying, "The Lord does not ask us to prepare for the end by date-setting, but by continuing to live as His witnesses until the day He returns." Hence, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" pinpoints the proper eschatological stance for today's Church, which is also echoed in Acts 1:8's missionary directive.
Acts 1:8-"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses..."-is the most fundamental and vital mission statement the Church must cling to until the end of the age. Even in our rapidly changing cultural context, this command remains the same. As Rev. David Jang frequently emphasizes, Christians in homes, workplaces, and societies around the world must live out "Christ's example" in order to be witnesses. Being a witness entails more than just saying, "Believe in Jesus." It encompasses a life of following Jesus's footsteps, including pastoral care and self-sacrifice. This is the way we properly prepare for the end times and cooperate in the gradual expansion of God's Kingdom on earth.
The synergy of Jesus's nearly final statement in His earthly life (John 21:23) and His pre-ascension words in Acts 1 ("It is not for you to know times or dates... you will be My witnesses") shapes a correct attitude toward the end times and the second coming. We should not attempt to predict the end date but rather remain faithful to the tasks of proclaiming the gospel and serving in love until Jesus returns. "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" reminds us that all authority over the timing of His return is God's alone. Simultaneously, it refocuses us on our mission of obedience. Therefore, the command "You will receive power... and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8) must remain the Church's top priority throughout history. It is our path toward contributing to God's Kingdom until it is fully realized. By emphasizing that "the times or dates" are none of our business, Jesus effectively says, "Instead, devote yourselves wholeheartedly to your God-given commission."
Rev. David Jang continually underscores that when the Church commits itself to this Great Commission, it avoids the pitfalls of fruitless end-time speculation or paralyzing fear about the future. Instead, "Whenever the Lord returns, may we not be ashamed before Him, having faithfully carried out His calling." That is the sort of life that shines even more brightly in a darkening era, influencing society and bringing many souls to God. Peter bore his martyrdom joyfully, Paul confessed that "to die is gain," and countless other saints have laid down their lives to spread the gospel. This legacy sprang from "hoping for the return of Christ and the Kingdom of God without trying to pin down specific dates, but rather being faithful to the commands already given." We today stand on the same road of faith.
Thus, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" calls each of us to respond in obedience-"You must follow Me." Though the path may be challenging, it comes with Jesus's promise: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you..." Through the Holy Spirit's empowerment, the entire human race can be invited into God's Kingdom, from Jerusalem outward to the ends of the earth. Fulfilling the Great Commission amid the unfolding of salvation history is the Church's sacred duty and privilege.
Each of us, like Peter, must demonstrate our love for the Lord in our daily lives. Like Paul, we can say, "To live is Christ and to die is gain." Only the Father is sovereign over "times or dates," while "feeding the sheep" and "being witnesses" are clearly our responsibilities. This straightforward truth helps us understand the link between John 21 and Acts 1, and further clarifies the broader eschatological vision presented throughout Scripture.
As Rev. David Jang highlights, John 21 acts as a bridge from the Gospels to Acts, dramatically illustrating how "the end times, God's Kingdom, and our Great Commission" are interwoven. Its core message can be summarized as follows: Asking about the timing of the end is not our concern. What truly matters is whether we obey Jesus's commands to "feed His sheep" and "be witnesses in the power of the Holy Spirit." In this obedience lies genuine joy and eternal reward. The apostles and early believers walked this path, and countless believers do so today, building up the Church. We, too, must join this stream so that we might live as faithful stewards and disciples until the final day of God's Kingdom's consummation. This dual emphasis of John 21:23 and Acts 1:6-8 echoes through the Church, shaping our faith's orientation.
Ultimately, as these passages show, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority." Instead, "Be My witnesses to the ends of the earth." This remains the Church's unshakable commission. Although it is by no means an easy task, it is made possible by the Holy Spirit's power. Observing how the gospel continues to reach diverse cultures and languages-just as it did in the early church-testifies that Jesus's words remain alive and effective even now.
Therefore, John 21:23-"If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"-serves as both warning and challenge to today's Church. It reminds us that attempts to dissect the end times, judge others' destinies, or craft elaborate dispensational charts are all misguided. Instead, we must heed Jesus's call, "You must follow Me," and prioritize the pastoral task of "feeding the sheep" along with the missionary calling to "be My witnesses by the Holy Spirit's power." Rev. David Jang reiterates that when the Church centers on fulfilling the Great Commission, "the restoration of God's Kingdom will happen in God's own timing." Rather than anxiously debating "times and dates," we should actively evangelize those around us, love them, and tend to the Lord's flock.
This is the "authentic eschatological life" that Jesus demands and the "Great Commission life" delineated in Acts 1:8. The two passages are intimately connected, directing us during this "now" time between the cross/resurrection and the second coming. Just as John 21 seems to close the Gospel yet actually prepares for the Acts era of the Church, so we find ourselves in that ongoing history-building a "bridge of mission and pastoral care" for one soul after another to enter God's Kingdom. As the end draws nearer, the Church should all the more burn with zeal for this mission, culminating in the Lord's return and the full establishment of God's Kingdom.
Hence, for believers reading these texts today, the key is not to fixate on "times and dates" but on "the mission the Lord has entrusted to us." We ought to move from asking, "Lord, when will You come?" and "What about that person?" to asking, "Lord, what would You have me do today?" and "How can I follow Your way?" The biblical answers are already plain: "Feed My sheep," "Go to the ends of the earth as My witnesses," and "Receive the Holy Spirit." The bridge that John 21 and Acts 1 form should also be alive in our daily lives. This is the most biblical way to prepare for the end, and it is the true meaning of the last words Jesus gave His disciples.
As Rev. David Jang explains, when the Church embraces this calling and presses on, it is liberated from needless apprehension and human curiosity about the end. Instead, we become people who can say, "Whenever He comes, we will stand blameless before Him, having done our duty." Such a life shines brightest when the times are darkest, impacting society and guiding more souls to God. Peter's joyous acceptance of martyrdom, Paul's declaration "to die is gain," and the countless Christians who have laid down their lives for the gospel all sprang from the attitude of "anticipating Christ's return while avoiding fruitless speculation, focusing instead on faithful obedience to His commands." Today, we walk that same path of faith.
Therefore, each of us must firmly grasp the meaning of "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" and submit to Christ's call, "You must follow Me." The road may not be easy, but we have the promise, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." Through that power, believers move humanity ever closer to God's Kingdom. And, in the course of fulfilling the Great Commission, we become the Church that God has ordained. This is our sacred responsibility and privilege in these last days.
Like Peter, we must demonstrate our love for Jesus in how we live. Like Paul, we must live out the truth that "to live is Christ and to die is gain." Only the Father can see "times and dates" from above. Our role is to "feed His sheep" and "be His witnesses to the ends of the earth." When we hold fast to these simple truths, we can fully appreciate how John 21 flows naturally into Acts 1, as well as the larger eschatological vision of Scripture.
As Rev. David Jang emphasizes, John 21 serves as a bridge between the Gospels and Acts, vividly showing how "the end times, the Kingdom of God, and our Great Commission" are intricately linked. The core message may be summed up thus: It is not our job to question the timing of the end. Rather, our focus must be on Jesus's charge to "feed My sheep" and His command to "be witnesses through the Holy Spirit's power." In that obedience lies true joy and an eternal reward. The apostles and believers in the early church walked that path, and countless Christians today continue on it, building up the Church. We, too, must take part in this mission so that we may remain faithful servants and disciples until God's Kingdom is fully established. That is the dual message resonating from John 21:23 and Acts 1:6-8-indeed the voice we must hear, and the direction that every church community and believer must embrace in faith.
