Gr. chronoi ē kairoi. Chronoi refers to chronological “time,” thought of simply as such, in a general sense, and kairoi to specific, climactic points of time, with emphasis on what takes place. Thus by “times” Jesus here apparently refers to the seemingly endless procession of the ages, and by “seasons” to the climactic events to occur at the end of the age (see on Matt. 24:3). It is as if Jesus said, “It is not for you to know the date, or the precise manner in which the kingdom will be established.” Living as a man among men, Jesus knew neither the day nor the hour of His coming (see on Matt. 24:36). Here is a gentle rebuke to men
(1) who are not yet ready to receive all knowledge (John 16:12), but
(2) who know enough to carry out their Lord’s commission (Matt. 28:19, 20), and
Christ did not give a direct answer to His disciples’ inquiry. Instead, He directed them to the work that lay ahead.
Put in his own power.
Rather, “fixed by his own authority.” The Greek word used here for “power” or “authority” (exousia) differs from that used for “power” (dunamis) in v. 8 (see on John 1:12). God is not the servant of time, but its Master. His knowledge transcends time, for He is omniscient, knowing all things (Ps. 139:1-6; Prov. 15:3; Heb. 4:13). His foreknowledge is a proof of His deity (Isa. 46:9, 10). He shares what He will with those who serve Him (Deut. 29:29; Ps. 25:14; John 15:15; 16:25).