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.

ACTS 3:21KJV
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Acts 3:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 3:21 mean?

Acts 3:21 says that heaven must keep Jesus until the time comes for everything to be restored, just as God promised long ago through his prophets. This verse points to a future moment when God will fulfill what he has spoken about making things right in the world.

Peter is speaking to a crowd in Jerusalem after healing a man at the temple. He explains that Jesus, whom they had rejected, is now in heaven and will remain there until God’s promised time of restoration arrives. Peter connects Jesus’ current absence with the ancient promises God made through the prophets, showing that this is all part of God’s long-standing plan.

The Greek behind Acts 3:21

  • The word "restitution" (ἀποκατάστασις, apokatastasis) means restoration or putting things back as they should be. Here, it refers to a complete renewal or restoration of all things, not just a partial fixing.
  • The phrase "times" (χρόνοι, chronoi) points to specific periods or appointed seasons, suggesting that God has set a definite time for this restoration to happen.
  • The verb "receive" (δέξασθαι, dexasthai) is used for welcoming or accepting, so "heaven must receive" Jesus means heaven is holding or keeping him until the right time.

Why Acts 3:21 matters

  • Acts 3:21 clarifies that Jesus’ absence from earth is temporary and purposeful, tied to God’s larger plan rather than a delay or abandonment.
  • The verse emphasizes that the idea of restoration is not new; it is rooted in the promises God made through the prophets, connecting Jesus’ mission to the whole sweep of biblical history.
  • By mentioning the "restitution of all things," Peter points to a hope that is bigger than personal salvation—it involves the renewal of the whole world as God intended.

Where else these words appear

“receive” Greek G1209 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

“until” Greek G891 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
  • Acts 23:1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
  • Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

“times” Greek G5550 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
  • Acts 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
  • 1 Corinthians 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

“mouth” Greek G4750 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
  • James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.