Conclusion

The conclusion summarizes and returns to the key issues that are covered in the book. The question in Acts 1:6 implies restoration for Israel, which is evident throughout Luke and Acts. The restoration envisaged is comprehensive and collective. It entails spiritual renewal but also political and national restoration for the people of Israel. For Luke, the process leading toward Israel’s recovery has already begun ever since Jesus fulfilled his earthly mission in Jerusalem and reigns from the heavens above. However, due to complications, which divine providence had anticipated, full recovery, for the time being, eludes Israel. This will happen only at the parousia when Jesus returns to the city of Jerusalem as the victorious king of Israel. The chapter concludes with a critical reflection on the potential (ir)relevance of the historical investigation of Luke’s Jewish eschatology for discussing contemporary theological and political issues, including the state of Israel and Palestinian rights to national-political self-determination.