Acts 3:21
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὧν
Whom
G3739
ὧν
Whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
2 of 21
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
οὐρανὸν
the heaven
G3772
οὐρανὸν
the heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
3 of 21
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
δέξασθαι
receive
G1209
δέξασθαι
receive
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
5 of 21
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
χρόνων
the times
G5550
χρόνων
the times
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
7 of 21
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
ὧν
Whom
G3739
ὧν
Whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
14 of 21
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
στόματος
the mouth
G4750
στόματος
the mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
15 of 21
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
ἁγίων
holy
G40
ἁγίων
holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
17 of 21
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
προφητῶν
prophets
G4396
προφητῶν
prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
19 of 21
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
Cross References
Romans 8:21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.Isaiah 1:26And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.Acts 1:11Which 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.Revelation 22:6And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.Luke 1:70As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:2 Peter 1:21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Historical Context
The concept of cosmic restoration appears in Isaiah 65:17, Romans 8:19-22, and Revelation 21:1-5. Jewish expectation anticipated messianic renewal of all things.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'restitution of all things' include in God's redemptive plan?
- How should future hope shape present engagement with a broken world?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Christ remains in heaven 'until the times of restitution of all things' (apokatastasis) - complete restoration of God's purposes. This phrase doesn't teach universal salvation but creation's full renewal. God's prophetic promises 'since the world began' find fulfillment in Christ.