What does Acts 3:21 mean?

Explanation

Acts 3:21 speaks of a time when Jesus will remain in heaven until the period when God will restore everything, as He promised long ago through His holy prophets.

The verse signifies the belief in the second coming of Christ and suggests that there will be a definitive moment in the future when God will renew all things to their intended glory and perfection.

This restoration is seen as a fulfillment of the prophecies found throughout the Old Testament, and Jesus is central to this plan.

The "restitution of all things" includes the concept of a renewed creation, healing of the brokenness of the world, and the establishment of God's kingdom.

Historical Context

This verse is situated in the aftermath of Pentecost when the Apostle Peter is addressing a Jewish crowd in Jerusalem.

He is explaining the significance of Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection.

The historical context includes the expectation of the Jewish people for a messiah who would restore the kingdom of Israel to its former glory.

However, Peter is making it clear that Jesus' role as the messiah goes beyond Jewish national hopes; it extends to the universal restoration of creation. The idea of a messianic age was intertwined with Jewish apocalyptic expectations prevalent during that period.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer various interpretations of this verse:

• Premillennialism: Some Christians interpret this verse with a premillennial perspective, seeing the "restitution of all things" as a reference to a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth prior to a final judgment.

• Amillennialism: Others interpret this verse with an amillennial view, understanding the "restitution of all things" as symbolic of the Church age and the final consummation at Christ's return, without a literal thousand-year reign.

• Postmillennialism: From a postmillennial viewpoint, this verse might be seen as Christ reigning through His Church, leading to an era of peace and righteousness before His return.

In all cases, there is a consensus that this verse refers to a time of ultimate restoration that is anchored in the fulfillment of God's promises.

Practical Applications

The promise of restitution can be a source of hope and motivation for Christians.

It encourages believers to work toward justice, peace, and the healing of the earth in anticipation of God's ultimate restoration.

It also provides comfort in the face of suffering, knowing that it is temporary and that God is working towards a future free from pain and death.

Cross-References

• Luke 21:28 - "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
• 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."
• Revelation 21:1 - "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek text is "apokatastasis" (ἀποκατάστασις), which can be translated as "restitution," "restoration," or "renewal." This word implies a returning to an original state or the reestablishment of something that was lost or damaged.

It suggests a comprehensive and radical transformation of the current state of the world.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to the concept of "restitution," many ancient myths speak of cycles of the world where times of decline are followed by ages of renewal or rebirth.

The Hindu concept of yugas, for example, describes a progression of epochs that include both decay and renewal.

In Greek mythology, the idea of a Golden Age followed by periods of decline, with eventual restoration, is echoed in this concept.

Scientific Perspectives

The "restitution of all things" is a concept that transcends scientific discussion, as it concerns spiritual beliefs and eschatological hopes which are not within the scope of empirical science.

However, the idea of a world being restored to an ideal state could be seen as aligning with notions of ecological restoration and the pursuit of balance in natural systems.

Commentaries

Commentators have varied interpretations on the extent and nature of this restitution.

Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that this restoration is the same state which was lost in Adam, highlighting the redemption of God's people.

John Gill's exposition aligns with the view that Jesus Christ will return at the last day to judge the world and establish a new heaven and new earth.

Adam Clarke emphasizes that prophets from the earliest ages spoke of this time of restoration, and that it involves the entire human race and the physical world.

Most commentators agree that Acts 3:21 is part of the biblical narrative of God's plan for the redemption of the entire creation.