What does Acts 3:20 mean?

Explanation

In Acts 3:20, the apostle Peter is addressing the people of Israel, explaining that Jesus Christ, whom they had previously heard preached about, will be sent by God.

This verse suggests a future event where Jesus will return, which Christians understand as the second coming of Christ. It implies that Jesus, whom the Jews were waiting for as their Messiah, had already come once and was going to come again.

The verse also suggests a plan of restoration and redemption, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

Acts 3:20 is part of a speech given by Peter after the healing of a man lame from birth, which took place at the gate of the temple called Beautiful.

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, is a historical account of the early Christian church and its expansion after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

The specific context of this verse is Peter addressing the people of Jerusalem, urging them to repent so that their sins may be blotted out.

The historical setting includes the expectation of a messiah, the recent crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus, and the transformation of his followers empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Theological Insights

Different Christian denominations interpret Acts 3:20 in various ways.

Mainstream Christianity sees this as a confirmation of Jesus being the promised Messiah and His eventual return.

Preterism, on the other hand, might interpret the verse as referring to Jesus' spiritual presence rather than a physical return.

Dispensationalists may see this verse as predicting a literal future event.

Furthermore, theologians discuss the notion of "times of refreshing" mentioned in the previous verse (Acts 3:19), regarding whether this refers to individual spiritual renewal or a broader eschatological (end times) event.

Practical Applications

Acts 3:20 can be applied to encourage believers to live in a state of readiness for the return of Jesus Christ, emphasizing repentance and spiritual preparedness.

Additionally, it encourages believers to maintain hope in the promises of God and to seek personal restoration in their relationship with God through Jesus. It also serves as a call to spread the gospel, knowing the significance of the message and the eventual return that it heralds.

Cross-References

• 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."
• Hebrews 9:28: "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."
• Revelation 22:20: "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.

Amen.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

Language Study

The key phrase "send Jesus Christ" in the original Greek text is "apostelei Iēsoun Christon," which reflects an active future action of sending.

The Greek term "apo" (from) in "apostelei" indicates sending forth with a purpose or mission.

"Iēsoun" is the Greek form of the name Jesus, and "Christon" translates to "the Anointed One" or Messiah. This phraseology signifies that God will send Jesus with the purpose and authority of the awaited Messiah, emphasizing His divine mission.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the cultural and religious context of Judeo-Christian belief, the concept of a messianic figure parallels the idea of a savior or deliverer in other traditions.

However, unlike many ancient myths in which a god or hero's return is cyclical or symbolic, Acts 3:20 points to a unique, future-oriented event with redemptive significance.

The comparison to the anticipated return of figures like Osiris in Egyptian mythology or the Hindu concept of Kalki as the final incarnation of Vishnu reveals a shared human longing for restoration and justice, though differing in details and theology.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives would typically not affirm or deny verses like Acts 3:20, as they pertain to faith and belief rather than empirical evidence.

However, modern studies on eschatology and beliefs about the end times can provide insights into how these concepts affect human behavior and society.

For example, psychological research may explore how belief in a second coming influences moral decision-making, or sociological studies might gauge the impact such beliefs have on community dynamics and worldviews.

Commentaries

Commentary on Acts 3:20 varies among biblical scholars.

Some suggest that Peter is speaking of the present opportunity for repentance and spiritual refreshment rather than predicting the exact timing of Jesus' return.

John Calvin noted that the return of Christ is tied to the repentance and conversion of believers, emphasizing not the timing but the importance of the condition of one's soul.

Matthew Henry sees this verse as a comfort to believers, assuring them of Christ's intercession for them and the promise of His return.

Yet others may argue that while all believers anticipate the return of Christ, no one can claim to know the precise moment, underscoring Jesus' own teaching on the unpredictability of the second coming.