Acts 3:21
What does Acts 3:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 3:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 3:21 means
Peter explained that Jesus must remain in heaven "until the times of restoration of all things." This phrase refers to a future cosmic renewal, a complete reordering of creation to its original, perfect state, as spoken by God's holy prophets throughout history. This affirms Jesus' current position at God's right hand and points forward to a glorious future when He will return to establish His perfect kingdom and complete God's redemptive purposes.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whom 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who is to be kept in heaven till the time when all things are put right, of which God has given word by the mouth of his holy prophets, who have been from the earliest times.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862whom it behoveth heaven, indeed, to receive till times of a restitution of all things, of which God spake through the mouth of all His holy prophets from the age.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whom heaven indeed must receive, until the times of the restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets, from the beginning of the world.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890whom heaven indeed must receive till [the] times of [the] restoring of all things, of whichGod has spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets since time began.
Context
This verse further clarifies the timing and purpose of Jesus' absence and future return, building on the previous verse's promise. It introduces the grand scope of God's redemptive plan, linking Jesus' return to the comprehensive "restoration of all things" foretold by the prophets. This broad theological framework provides a deeper understanding of God's ultimate intentions for creation and humanity's place within it.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 3:2
that ye should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Saviour through your apostles:
- Revelation 22:6
And he said unto me, These words are faithful and true: and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly come to pass.
- Luke 1:70
(As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old),
- Matthew 17:11
And he answered and said, Elijah indeed cometh, and shall restore all things:
- Romans 8:21
that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
- Mark 9:11
And they asked him, saying, How is it that the scribes say that Elijah must first come?
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