Acts 3:19

Acts 3:19 New King James Version (NKJV) reads: “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

Commentary

Acts 3:19 is part of the Apostle Peter’s sermon following the healing of a lame man at the temple gate. The verse calls for repentance and conversion, promising the blotting out of sins and times of refreshing from the Lord [2] [1].

Repentance and Conversion

The call to “repent therefore and be converted” is a call to turn away from sin and towards God. Repentance involves a change of mind and heart, a turning away from sin, and a turning towards God [5]. Conversion, in this context, refers to a radical change in one’s orientation towards God, resulting in the forgiveness and removal of sin [4].

Blotting Out of Sins

The promise that sins may be “blotted out” upon repentance and conversion underscores the grace and mercy of God. This is seen as the work of Christ on the cross, where He took upon Himself the sins of the world, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God [2].

Times of Refreshing

The phrase “times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” is often interpreted as a reference to the spiritual renewal that comes with repentance and faith in Christ [1]. These times of refreshing can be seen as periods of spiritual revival, renewal, and restoration [1].

Application to Modern Christian Living

Unleashing the Power of Faith: The healing of the lame man in Acts 3 demonstrates the power of faith. This invites modern Christians to step out in faith, acting on their beliefs [6].

God’s Perfect Timing: No matter how long or arduous a situation may seem, Christians are reminded to trust in God’s timing [6].

The Beauty of Giving: Acts 3 teaches the importance of generosity. Even if we do not have material wealth to give, we can still offer what we do have, such as our time, talents, and the love of Christ [6].

Bibliography