Acts 3:19

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Repent ye {G3340} therefore {G3767}, and {G2532} be converted {G1994}, that {G1519} your {G5216} sins {G266} may be blotted out {G1813}, when {G3704} the times {G2540} of refreshing {G403} shall come {G302}{G2064} from {G575} the presence {G4383} of the Lord {G2962};

“Therefore, repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be erased;

Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,

Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord;

Acts 3:19 is a pivotal verse from Peter's second recorded sermon in the Book of Acts, delivered to a Jewish crowd in Solomon's Porch at the Temple. It encapsulates the core message of the early Christian evangelists: a call to spiritual transformation and a promise of divine restoration.

Context

This powerful exhortation by the Apostle Peter follows a miraculous healing. Peter and John had just encountered a man lame from birth at the Temple's Beautiful Gate, whom Peter healed in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. As a crowd gathered, astonished by the miracle, Peter seized the moment to preach the Gospel. He boldly confronted them for their role in crucifying Jesus, whom God had raised from the dead. Acts 3:19 then serves as a direct invitation to respond to this truth, echoing Peter's earlier call to repentance on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38).

Key Themes

  • Repentance: The command "Repent ye" (Greek: metanoeō) signifies a fundamental change of mind, a turning away from sin, and a reorientation towards God. It's not merely regret for past actions but a decisive shift in one's life direction and allegiance.
  • Conversion: To "be converted" (Greek: epistrephō) complements repentance, emphasizing the active turning *to* God. It implies a return to Him, a restoration of relationship, and an embrace of His will. This dual action leads to profound spiritual change.
  • Forgiveness of Sins: The promise that "your sins may be blotted out" (Greek: exaleiphō) speaks of complete erasure or wiping away, much like wiping ink off a scroll. It assures total divine forgiveness, a clean slate, and freedom from the guilt and penalty of sin. This is a central benefit of turning to Christ.
  • Times of Refreshing: The phrase "times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" (Greek: kairoi anapsyxeōs) refers to periods of spiritual renewal, rest, and revival. This can be understood in several ways:
    • The spiritual refreshment and peace found in the Holy Spirit's presence in the believer's life now.
    • Periods of revival or spiritual awakening within the church.
    • Ultimately, the eschatological hope of Christ's return and the full establishment of His kingdom, bringing ultimate rest and renewal to creation (Revelation 21:4).

Linguistic Insights

The term for "blotted out," exaleiphō, vividly paints a picture of complete removal. It was used for wiping a debt record clean or erasing writing from a document, signifying that the sin is not just covered but entirely removed from God's record. The "times of refreshing," anapsyxeōs, literally means a 'cooling' or 'recovery of breath,' suggesting relief, rest, and renewed vigor after exertion or heat, perfectly conveying the spiritual solace and strength found in God's presence.

Practical Application

Acts 3:19 offers a timeless message for all generations. It underscores that God's grace is extended to those who are willing to genuinely turn from their sin and embrace Him. For believers, it's a reminder of the continuous need for repentance and reliance on God's forgiveness, and the assurance that His presence brings deep spiritual refreshment and renewal. It also points to the glorious future hope of Christ's return, when all things will be truly refreshed and restored by the Lord's presence.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 2:38

    Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

  • Isaiah 44:22

    I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

  • Isaiah 43:25

    I, [even] I, [am] he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

  • Matthew 13:15

    For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

  • Matthew 18:3

    And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

  • Isaiah 1:16

    ¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

  • Isaiah 1:20

    But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

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