The Times of Refreshing and Restitution (Acts 3:19-21)

Acts 3:19-21 can be a difficult passage to understand, especially when trying to understand it without really examining the surrounding context and comparing with other passages. However, when one notices that the Holy Spirit (via Peter) is actually using the same kind of language He used in many other passages, the meaning becomes clearer. Acts 3 is the second recorded sermon of Peter after Christ’s ascension. Many marveled at the healing of a lame man in the temple, and Peter used the occasion to preach the Gospel, with the last words of the sermon being these (Acts 3:19-26):

(19)  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; (20)  And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: (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.Read more

How Were People Saved in the Book of Acts?

When those on the day of Pentecost realized they had slain the sinless, resurrected Son of God, they asked what they should do to be forgiven. Though most modern preachers would tell people to simply “accept Jesus as their personal Savior,” to “pray the sinner’s prayer,” or “ask Jesus to come into their hearts,” that is not what Peter instructed them to do:

“Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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