Acts 3:21
Verse
Context
Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Colonnade
20that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you.21Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets. 22For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He tells you.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Whom the heaven must receive - He has already appeared upon earth, and accomplished the end of his appearing; he has ascended unto heaven, to administer the concerns of his kingdom, and there he shall continue till he comes again to judge the quick and the dead. The times of restitution of all things - The word αποκαταστασις, from απο which signifies from, and καθιστανειν, to establish or settle any thing, viz. in a good state; and, when απο is added to it, then this preposition implies that this good state, in which it is settled, was preceded by a bad one, from which the change is made to a good one. So in Act 1:6, when the disciples said to Christ, Wilt thou at this time restore again (αποκαθιστανεις) the kingdom to Israel? they meant, as the Greek word implies, Wilt thou take the kingdom from the Romans, and give it back to the Jews? Now, as the word is here connected with, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets, it must mean the accomplishment of all the prophecies and promises contained in the Old Testament relative to the kingdom of Christ upon earth; the whole reign of grace, from the ascension of our Lord till his coming again, for of all these things have the holy prophets spoken; and, as the grace of the Gospel was intended to destroy the reign of sin, its energetic influence is represented as restoring all things, destroying the bad state, and establishing the good - taking the kingdom out of the hands of sin and Satan, and putting it into those of righteousness and truth. This is done in every believing soul; all things are restored to their primitive order; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keeps the heart and mind in the knowledge and love of God. The man loves God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength, and his neighbor as himself; and thus all the things of which the holy prophets have spoken since the world began, relative to the salvation of any soul, are accomplished in this case; and when such a work becomes universal, as the Scriptures seem to intimate that it will, then all things will be restored in the fullest sense of the term. As therefore the subject here referred to is that of which all the prophets from the beginning have spoken, (and the grand subject of all their declarations was Christ and his work among men), therefore the words are to be applied to this, and no other meaning. Jesus Christ comes to raise up man from a state of ruin, and restore to him the image of God, as he possessed it at the beginning. All his holy prophets - Παντων, all, is omitted by ABCD, some others, one Syriac, the Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, and Vulgate. Griesbach leaves it out of the text, and inserts the article των, which the Greek MSS. have, in the place of παντων. The text reads thus: Which he hath spoken by his holy prophets, etc. Since the world began - Απ' αιωνος; as αιων signifies complete and ever-during existence or eternity, it is sometimes applied, by way of accommodation, to denote the whole course of any one period, such as the Mosaic dispensation. See the note on Gen 21:33. It may therefore here refer to that state of things from the giving of the law; and as Moses is mentioned in the next verse, and none before him, it is probable that the phrase should be so understood here. But, if we apply it to the commencement of time, the sense is still good: Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these things; and indeed the birth, life, miracles, preaching sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, and reign of Jesus Christ, have been the only theme of all prophets and inspired men from the foundation of the world.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
until the times--embracing the whole period between the ascension and the second advent of Christ. restitution of all things--comprehending, probably, the rectification of all the disorders of the fall.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whom the heaven must receive,.... Hold and retain in his human nature; and which does not at all hinder or confront his mission, and coming to his people, in the mean while, in a spiritual way and manner, to their joy and comfort: or, "who must receive heaven"; the kingdom, and glory, and reign there: until the times of the restitution of all things: not of all created beings to their original estate, which there is no reason to believe ever will be; or of the churches of Christ to purity of doctrine, discipline, and conversation, which is to be hoped for, and will be in the spiritual reign of Christ; but of the accomplishment of all promises and prophecies concerning the bringing in the fulness of the Gentiles, and the conversion of the Jews, and so the gathering in all the elect of God; and concerning all the glorious things spoken of the church of Christ in the latter day; which sense is confirmed by what follows: which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets, since the world began: ever since the world was, God has had more or less holy men, set apart and sanctified by him, and on whom he bestowed the spirit of prophecy; and by the mouth of everyone of these he has spoken one thing or another concerning his church and people, and the filling up of the number of them, or the gathering of them all in; and till this is done, Christ will remain in heaven and reign there: and this sense is further confirmed by the Syriac and Arabic versions, the former rendering the words, "until the filling or fulfilling of the times of all things"; and the latter, "until the times which will confirm the perfection of all the words which God hath spoken", &c. and from the sense of the word used, which some lexicographers explain by "perfection" or "fulfilling".
Acts 3:21
Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Colonnade
20that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you.21Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets. 22For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He tells you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Dvd 03 - Israel, the Suffering Servant
By Art Katz3.7K1:27:27PSA 22:1ISA 53:3EZK 20:38AMO 9:9MIC 4:2MAT 25:40JHN 10:30ACT 3:21This sermon delves deep into the significance of Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the parallel between the suffering of Jesus and the future suffering of the Jewish people. It emphasizes the need for nations to recognize the suffering of Israel as a means of understanding the depth of God's glory and redemption. The message calls for a profound revelation of God through the suffering of His people and the importance of extending mercy to Israel, even at the risk of one's own life, as a determinant of one's eternal destiny.
Even So Come Lord Jesus - Part 1
By Art Katz2.8K1:00:01Second ComingPSA 102:12ACT 3:21In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the loss of humanity in a group of men who are involved in producing expensive fighter bombers. He emphasizes that this is God's final act in history, the consummation of all things. The speaker encourages the audience to read and study the Scriptures deeply, rather than just fulfilling a daily reading requirement. He also highlights the importance of having a different attitude towards Israel than the world, based on God's compassion and mercy towards them.
Rome or Zion?
By Art Katz2.8K1:12:58ZionPSA 122:6ISA 2:4JER 30:7MIC 4:1ACT 3:21ROM 11:25REV 20:4In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing the slaughter of a pig and a lamb side by side. This experience taught the speaker about the importance of true conversion and the need for believers to respond to God's call with genuine repentance and surrender. The speaker emphasizes the significance of maintaining the standard of truth and being God's plumb line in order to prevent the horrors of society. The sermon also touches on the mystery of Israel and the future cataclysmic judgment that will come upon Jews worldwide.
Commanded of God
By Art Katz2.4K55:13CommandmentsISA 2:3MIC 4:2ZEC 12:10MAT 24:21ACT 3:21ROM 11:25REV 11:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the significance of the last days and the events that will unfold. He highlights the need for the church to be aware and engaged with these truths, rather than being indifferent or focused on shallow things. The speaker also discusses the phenomenon of genocide and how it is a satanic hatred directed not only against Jews but also other groups. He connects the restoration of Israel with the coming of the Lord and the establishment of his rule in Jerusalem, as prophesied in Acts 3:21 and other biblical passages.
Dvd 35 Thinking the Unthinkable
By Art Katz2.1K1:12:33EZK 20:35MAT 11:28ACT 3:21ROM 11:33This sermon delves into the deep theological explanation for the necessity of Israel's devastation and the church's role in bringing about Israel's restoration. It emphasizes the need for a radical faith that can withstand the severe judgments of God and the importance of understanding God's character and His ultimate plan for Israel and the church. The speaker challenges the audience to be willing to go through radical transformations and to be prepared for the tensions and disturbances that come with knowing God as He truly is.
Dvd 15 the Mystery of Israel - Part 1
By Art Katz2.0K55:14ISA 53:3EZK 22:18EZK 37:1LUK 2:25ACT 3:21ROM 11:25ROM 11:33EPH 2:11This sermon delves into the profound themes of the faith, focusing on the intertwining of the cross of Christ, the centrality of the nation of Israel, and the last days' revelations. It emphasizes the need for Israel to acknowledge its desperate state and the church to prophesy in faith and love. The speaker highlights the necessity for suffering preceding glory, the importance of understanding the mystery of Israel, and the ultimate goal of bringing glory to God forever.
Church History - Session 8 (The Book of Revelation)
By Edgar F. Parkyns1.5K1:01:46EZK 9:4LUK 1:68ACT 3:21GAL 4:4REV 12:7REV 13:1REV 13:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation 13 and the rise of the beast from the sea. The beast is described as having seven heads and ten horns, with the dragon giving it power and authority. The preacher suggests that the beast represents an anti-Christian force, possibly even communism, which the devil uses to deceive and control people. The sermon also references Ezekiel 9, where God marks those who cry out against the abominations in Jerusalem, highlighting the spiritual significance of the mark of the beast mentioned in Revelation 13.
Times of Refreshing and the Restoration of All Things
By John Piper74513:11Book Of ActsMAT 6:33LUK 24:44JHN 3:16ACT 3:17ACT 3:21ROM 8:28REV 21:4In this sermon, Pastor John Piper emphasizes the importance of listening with all our might to the preaching of the word of God. He highlights three key truths that should lead us to praise and worship God. Firstly, God fulfills his promises despite the opposition of ignorant people. Secondly, God forgives and wipes away the sins of those who repent, offering them a fresh start. Lastly, God will establish a kingdom of refreshment and restoration, where there will be no more pain, sadness, or frustration. These truths are supported by biblical references, particularly Acts chapter 3 verses 17 to 21.
What Ought We to Be About in God in the Last Days?
By Art Katz0Church and IsraelLast DaysGEN 12:3ISA 2:3ISA 35:10JER 31:7EZK 36:37MIC 4:2ACT 3:21ROM 11:15EPH 3:10REV 2:26Art Katz emphasizes the necessity of adhering to the prophetic word in the Last Days, focusing on Israel's ultimate redemption through a Church that embodies resurrection power and self-sacrifice. He warns that the Church must prepare for its role in Israel's restoration, which is intertwined with the Lord's return as Deliverer and King. Katz highlights the importance of a remnant Church that resists apostasy and false teachings, while being a beacon of hope for the Jewish people during tribulation. The message calls for a cruciform lifestyle and a commitment to living out the truth of God's word, as the Church faces opposition from dark forces. Ultimately, the Church's character and unity will reflect the validity of its message in these critical times.
2 Peter 3:2
By John Gill0ProphecySecond Coming Of ChristMAT 24:30JHN 13:34ACT 3:211TH 4:162TI 3:16HEB 10:251PE 1:102PE 3:2JUD 1:14REV 21:1John Gill emphasizes the importance of remembering the teachings of both the holy prophets and the apostles, as outlined in 2 Peter 3:2. He highlights that the words of the prophets, which include prophecies about Christ's coming and the establishment of a new heaven and earth, should be retained in the minds of believers. Additionally, he stresses the significance of the commandments given by the apostles, which are rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Gill points out that both the prophets and apostles convey a unified message regarding the second coming of Christ and the need for believers to heed their instructions. This sermon serves as a reminder for Christians to stay mindful of these foundational truths as they navigate their faith.
Exploring Israel's Deliverance Through Zion
By Art Katz0The Role of the ChurchIsrael's DeliverancePSA 14:7PSA 24:7PSA 102:16EZK 20:35HOS 2:14MAT 5:8ACT 3:21ROM 8:19ROM 11:11ROM 11:26Art Katz explores the profound theme of Israel's deliverance through Zion, emphasizing that the ultimate salvation of Israel is tied to the character of the King and His Kingdom, which is embodied in a mature Church. He highlights the necessity for the Church to undergo sanctification and to embody the character of God in order to fulfill its role as an agent of restoration for Israel. Katz draws parallels between the prophetic Scriptures and the Church's responsibility to provoke Israel to jealousy through its own transformation and holiness. He underscores that true dedication to God is essential for the Church to be a powerful instrument in the Last Days, preparing for the return of Christ and the fulfillment of God's promises. The sermon calls for a deep seeking of God and a commitment to holiness as the Church prepares for its pivotal role in the eschatological events to come.
The Ages
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ACT 3:21Lewis Sperry Chafer discusses the hindrances caused by errors and inconsistencies in Bible translations, particularly in the use of the English word 'world,' which has multiple meanings in the original text. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the different ages mentioned in Scripture, such as the age of law and the present age of grace, each with distinct conditions and purposes. Chafer delves into the revelation of a new age for the Gentiles, centered on Christ's sacrificial death and the formation of the Church as His heavenly bride, separate from the earthly kingdom promised to the Jews. He clarifies the Divine order of events leading to the establishment of Christ's kingdom and the ultimate victory over all enemies.
One or Two Peoples of God? Reflections on the Mystery of Israel and the Church
By Reggie Kelly0ISA 61:9ACT 3:21ROM 11:25EPH 1:9Reggie Kelly delves into the theological intricacies of dispensationalism, highlighting the false view of the mystery that underpins their unique interpretation of the church and the distinction between 'Israel after the flesh' and the church. He emphasizes the need to correct the perversion of Paul's teaching regarding the mystery to address the pre-tribulation error and the significant impact of dispensationalism on the modern church. Kelly discusses the importance of understanding the church's role towards Israel during the tribulation and the divine purpose behind the interaction between Israel and the church, stressing the need for the church to mature and engage with Jews to deepen its faith.
Time of God's Coming
By Bakht Singh0PSA 18:37PRO 3:6ISA 58:12JER 29:11JOL 2:25LUK 19:44ACT 3:211CO 16:132CO 10:4EPH 6:10Bakht Singh emphasizes the importance of recognizing the times of God's visitation, warning of disastrous consequences for individuals, nations, and churches that fail to do so. He highlights Jesus' lament over Jerusalem's impending destruction due to their failure to recognize God's coming. Singh contrasts the devastating results of missing God's visitation with the victorious outcomes that come from acknowledging and embracing it, including defeating enemies and building strongholds of safety and prosperity.
Preterism's Achille's Heel
By Reggie Kelly0ISA 66:8JER 31:34DAN 12:1JOL 3:2ZEC 12:10MAT 24:21ACT 3:21ROM 11:262TH 2:1REV 7:14Reggie Kelly delves into the intricate connections between prophecies in Daniel, Jeremiah, and Matthew, emphasizing the futurity of 'the great tribulation' and the post-tribulational return of Christ. The sermon explores the undeniable link between the unequaled tribulation, the career of Antichrist, and the resurrection of the righteous dead, highlighting the significance of these events in eschatology. It challenges the interpretations of preterists who place these events in the past, stressing the importance of understanding the prophetic future of Israel and the ultimate divine deliverance.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Whom the heaven must receive - He has already appeared upon earth, and accomplished the end of his appearing; he has ascended unto heaven, to administer the concerns of his kingdom, and there he shall continue till he comes again to judge the quick and the dead. The times of restitution of all things - The word αποκαταστασις, from απο which signifies from, and καθιστανειν, to establish or settle any thing, viz. in a good state; and, when απο is added to it, then this preposition implies that this good state, in which it is settled, was preceded by a bad one, from which the change is made to a good one. So in Act 1:6, when the disciples said to Christ, Wilt thou at this time restore again (αποκαθιστανεις) the kingdom to Israel? they meant, as the Greek word implies, Wilt thou take the kingdom from the Romans, and give it back to the Jews? Now, as the word is here connected with, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets, it must mean the accomplishment of all the prophecies and promises contained in the Old Testament relative to the kingdom of Christ upon earth; the whole reign of grace, from the ascension of our Lord till his coming again, for of all these things have the holy prophets spoken; and, as the grace of the Gospel was intended to destroy the reign of sin, its energetic influence is represented as restoring all things, destroying the bad state, and establishing the good - taking the kingdom out of the hands of sin and Satan, and putting it into those of righteousness and truth. This is done in every believing soul; all things are restored to their primitive order; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keeps the heart and mind in the knowledge and love of God. The man loves God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength, and his neighbor as himself; and thus all the things of which the holy prophets have spoken since the world began, relative to the salvation of any soul, are accomplished in this case; and when such a work becomes universal, as the Scriptures seem to intimate that it will, then all things will be restored in the fullest sense of the term. As therefore the subject here referred to is that of which all the prophets from the beginning have spoken, (and the grand subject of all their declarations was Christ and his work among men), therefore the words are to be applied to this, and no other meaning. Jesus Christ comes to raise up man from a state of ruin, and restore to him the image of God, as he possessed it at the beginning. All his holy prophets - Παντων, all, is omitted by ABCD, some others, one Syriac, the Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, and Vulgate. Griesbach leaves it out of the text, and inserts the article των, which the Greek MSS. have, in the place of παντων. The text reads thus: Which he hath spoken by his holy prophets, etc. Since the world began - Απ' αιωνος; as αιων signifies complete and ever-during existence or eternity, it is sometimes applied, by way of accommodation, to denote the whole course of any one period, such as the Mosaic dispensation. See the note on Gen 21:33. It may therefore here refer to that state of things from the giving of the law; and as Moses is mentioned in the next verse, and none before him, it is probable that the phrase should be so understood here. But, if we apply it to the commencement of time, the sense is still good: Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these things; and indeed the birth, life, miracles, preaching sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, and reign of Jesus Christ, have been the only theme of all prophets and inspired men from the foundation of the world.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
until the times--embracing the whole period between the ascension and the second advent of Christ. restitution of all things--comprehending, probably, the rectification of all the disorders of the fall.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whom the heaven must receive,.... Hold and retain in his human nature; and which does not at all hinder or confront his mission, and coming to his people, in the mean while, in a spiritual way and manner, to their joy and comfort: or, "who must receive heaven"; the kingdom, and glory, and reign there: until the times of the restitution of all things: not of all created beings to their original estate, which there is no reason to believe ever will be; or of the churches of Christ to purity of doctrine, discipline, and conversation, which is to be hoped for, and will be in the spiritual reign of Christ; but of the accomplishment of all promises and prophecies concerning the bringing in the fulness of the Gentiles, and the conversion of the Jews, and so the gathering in all the elect of God; and concerning all the glorious things spoken of the church of Christ in the latter day; which sense is confirmed by what follows: which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets, since the world began: ever since the world was, God has had more or less holy men, set apart and sanctified by him, and on whom he bestowed the spirit of prophecy; and by the mouth of everyone of these he has spoken one thing or another concerning his church and people, and the filling up of the number of them, or the gathering of them all in; and till this is done, Christ will remain in heaven and reign there: and this sense is further confirmed by the Syriac and Arabic versions, the former rendering the words, "until the filling or fulfilling of the times of all things"; and the latter, "until the times which will confirm the perfection of all the words which God hath spoken", &c. and from the sense of the word used, which some lexicographers explain by "perfection" or "fulfilling".