whom 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.

'UNTIL THE TIMES OF RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS'-'until the period of restoration of all things' (NASV).

'RESTORATION'-605. apokatastasis ap-ok-at-as'-tas-is; from 600; reconstitution: -restitution.

Points to Note:

The Premillennialists argue that the "period of restoration" applies to. supposed Utopian Millennium. But this passage clearly isn't teaching that: (a) The period of restoration is the same period as that spoken by the prophets. But that period was being fulfilled in the First Century! (Acts 3:24 'also announced these days') (b) From the day of Pentecost forward,. tremendous amount of "restoration" has been going on, i.e. people restored to God (Matthew 19:28; Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 2:9)

Some try to argue that the phrase "all things" means that God will finally save everyone. But the same speaker who gave this sermon didn't believe in unconditional and universal salvation (Acts 3:19 'repent'; 2 Peter 3:9).

'WHEREFORE GOD SPAKE BY THE MOUTH OF HIS HOLY PROPHETS THAT HAVE BEEN FROM OF OLD'-

The "restoration of all things" applies to what the prophets promised would be "restored". And in the New Testament we find the fulfillment of such promises. We find the restoration of true Israel (Romans 11:5); of the Gentiles (Romans 15:12; Ephesians 2:11 ff); of the House of God (1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 2:20); of God's intended purpose for mankind (Ephesians 4:23). Reese notes, 'the Prophets had spoken of the days of refreshing--the church age--the very things that were then taking place.' (p. 167)

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Old Testament