The Greek word apokatástasis, represented by G605, means restitution or reconstitution. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making it a highly specific term. Its meaning is derived from its base word, ἀποκαθίστημι, which signifies a reconstitution.
The sole use of G605 is found in Acts 3:21, which refers to the future "times of restitution of all things." This event is described as something that God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. The verse frames this period as a fixed point in time, until which the heaven must receive Jesus.
Several related words help clarify the context of this single occurrence:
- G1163 deî (it is necessary): This word emphasizes that the events surrounding the restitution are a divine necessity. Heaven must receive Jesus until this appointed time Acts 3:21, and salvation itself is something that must occur through the name given under heaven Acts 4:12.
- G5550 chrónos (a space of time): This term places the restitution within a temporal context, referring to "the times of restitution" Acts 3:21. It denotes a general space of time or interval, such as when God sent forth his Son in "the fulness of the time" Galatians 4:4.
- G4396 prophḗtēs (a prophet): This word links the promise of restitution to a long history of divine revelation. The event was spoken of by all of God's holy prophets Acts 3:21, fulfilling what was written about Christ in the law and the prophets Luke 24:44.
- G3956 pâs (all, every, the whole): This word highlights the comprehensive nature of the event. It is a restitution of all things, a promise declared by all His holy prophets Acts 3:21, and aligns with God's power to work all things together for good Romans 8:28.
The theological weight of G605 is significant despite its rarity.
- Prophetic Fulfillment: The concept of restitution is the culmination of everything God has spoken through his prophets since the world began Acts 3:21. This aligns with the teaching that all things written in the Law and the Prophets must be fulfilled Luke 24:44.
- Sovereign Timeline: The timing of this event is divinely ordained. The heavens must receive Christ until the times of restitution, indicating a specific period determined by God Acts 3:21. This reflects a pattern where God acts in "the fulness of the time" Galatians 4:4.
- Comprehensive Restoration: The use of "restitution of all things" G3956 suggests a total and complete restoration. This is foretold by a correspondingly complete witness from "all his holy prophets" Acts 3:21.
In summary, G605 is a rare but theologically profound word. Its single appearance in scripture points to a future "times of restitution of all things" Acts 3:21. This event is presented not as a new concept, but as the fulfillment of prophetic testimony spoken by God throughout history. It signifies a necessary and comprehensive restoration that is a key component of God's sovereign plan.
TRV