Acts 3:21

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Whom {G3739} the heaven {G3772}{G3303} must {G1163} receive {G1209} until {G891} the times {G5550} of restitution {G605} of all things {G3956}, which {G3739} God {G2316} hath spoken {G2980} by {G1223} the mouth {G4750} of all {G3956} his {G846} holy {G40} prophets {G4396} since {G575} the world began {G165}.

He has to remain in heaven until the time comes for restoring everything, as God said long ago, when he spoke through the holy prophets.

Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets.

whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old.

Acts 3:21 KJV Commentary: The Promise of Restoration

Context

Acts 3:21 is spoken by the Apostle Peter during a powerful sermon delivered in Solomon's Porch at the Temple, immediately following the miraculous healing of a lame man (Acts 3:1-10). Peter seizes this opportunity to preach the Gospel to the gathered crowd, calling them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, whom they had rejected and crucified. This verse comes as Peter explains why Jesus, though ascended to heaven, is central to God's ongoing plan for humanity and creation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Christ's Heavenly Session and Future Return: The phrase "Whom the heaven must receive" refers to Jesus' ascension into heaven after His resurrection. It signifies His present position of authority and intercession at the right hand of God the Father. This heavenly session is not permanent in an absolute sense, but temporary "until the times of restitution of all things," pointing directly to His promised Second Coming.
  • The "Restitution of All Things": This pivotal phrase translates the Greek word apokatastasis, meaning "restoration," "re-establishment," or "renewal." It signifies a future period when God will fully restore creation and bring all things into their intended, perfect order. This comprehensive restoration encompasses not just the spiritual redemption of humanity but also the physical renewal of the earth, reversing the effects of sin and the Fall. It anticipates the full establishment of God's righteous kingdom, a time of peace and justice often linked to the new heavens and new earth spoken of in prophetic literature.
  • Prophetic Certainty: The verse emphasizes that this grand restoration is not a new or sudden idea, but "which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." This highlights the consistency and certainty of God's eternal plan, revealed progressively through Old Testament prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel, who foretold a future age of universal peace, righteousness, and the establishment of God's everlasting kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek term apokatastasis (ἀποκατάστασις) is critical here. While some interpretations have controversially extended it to mean universal salvation (restoration of all souls), the biblical context, particularly in Acts 3:21, clearly points to a cosmic and eschatological restoration of creation and the full establishment of God's righteous rule, not necessarily the salvation of every individual. It's about the renewal of the order of things, bringing them back to God's original design.

Practical Application and Reflection

Acts 3:21 offers immense hope and a clear trajectory for believers. It reminds us that Jesus' absence is temporary and purposeful. His return will usher in a glorious era of complete restoration, fulfilling God's ancient promises. This verse encourages patient endurance, active anticipation, and repentance, knowing that God is working out His perfect plan for creation. It fosters a longing for the full realization of the Kingdom of God, where righteousness will prevail and all things will be made new.

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.

  • Romans 8:21

    Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

  • Isaiah 1:26

    And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.

  • Acts 1:11

    Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

  • Mark 9:11

    And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

  • Mark 9:13

    But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

  • Malachi 4:5

    Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

  • Malachi 4:6

    And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

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