Acts 3:19

Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord;

'REPENT'-3340. metanoeo met-an-o-eh'-o; from 3326 and 3539; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction): -repent.

'THEREFORE'-'Neither their ignorance nor God's predictions exonerated them.' (Stott p. 93) God is very reasonable. It was now obvious that they had made the wrong decision concerning Jesus. In fact, they hadn't killed an innocent man (bad enough), they had actually killed the Messiah. Even though, their actions contributed towards the fulfillment of God's plan (Acts 3:18; Acts 2:23), they stood in the same boat now that previous enemies of God had stood in, i.e. like Pharaoh. 'All that they had to do to avail themselves of this salvation was to change their former attitude to Jesus and bring it into line with God's attitude. God had clearly shown His verdict by raising Him from the dead. Let them therefore repent, let them repudiate with abhorrence their acquiescence in the murder of their true Messiah.' (Bruce p. 90)

'TURN AGAIN'-1994. epistrepho ep-ee-stref'-o; from 1909 and 4762; to revert (literally, figuratively or morally): -come (go) again, convert, (re-)turn (about, again).

Points to Note:

The phrase "turn again", is signifying something more than repentance. For Peter isn't saying, 'turn and turn'. McGarvey notes, 'the word "turn" expresses something to be done subsequent to repentance, and something different from repentance.' (p. 58)

In the book of Acts the first deed of. reformed life or the first act of turning that follows true repentance is the act of being baptized (Acts 2:38). Thus in comparing Acts 2:38 with Acts 3:19, we find that the phrase "turn again" is the equivalent to "be baptized".

Some have tried to down-play the importance of being baptized, by arguing that baptism isn't mentioned by name in this chapter. But that argument backfires seeing that "faith" isn't specifically mentioned in this case of conversion or the case found in Acts 2:1.

Reese notes, 'Unfortunately, in the KJV this word has been translated "be converted"; i.e. the verb is given. passive sense--and this has given some support to the Calvinistic concept that in conversion the individual sinner is wholly passive and that conversion is. miraculous act brought about by the direct influence of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. It should be noted that the verb (in the original) is an aorist active imperative, and indicates that the "returning" is. responsibility that each individual man has.' (p. 164)

'THAT YOUR'-Repentance is placed prior to forgiveness. Baptism must also be prior to forgiveness, for they are linked together here and in Acts 2:38.

'BLOTTED OUT'-1813. exaleipho ex-al-i'-fo; from 1537 and 218; to smear out, i.e. obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin): -blot out, wipe away.

-'This is. vivid word. Ancient writing was upon papyrus, and the ink used had no acid in it. It therefore did not bite into the papyrus as modern ink does; it simply lay upon the top of it. To erase the writing. man might take. wet sponge and simply wipe it away. So God wipes out the sin of the forgiven man.' (Barclay p. 32)

Point to Note:

Unfortunately, some unwarranted assumptions have been made concerning forgiveness. God doesn't develope amnesia when He forgives, for He does remember the former condition of saved people (1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:13; Ephesians 2:1). But when God forgives He releases us from the guilt of such actions and attitudes. In addition, forgiveness doesn't mean that the past has been obliterated. For the forgiven murderer, still must serve his or her time or still can be executed by the state (Romans 13:1 ff). And the person who unscripturally left their spouse and family still has. moral obligation to pay child support (1 Timothy 5:8).

'THAT SO THERE MAY COME'-'in order that' (NASV). The KJV 'when' is. poor translation here.

'SEASONS OF REFRESHING'-403. anapsuxis an-aps'-ook-sis; from 404; properly,. recovery of breath, i.e. (figuratively) revival: -revival.

-'the word means cooling, or reviving with fresh air.' (Vincent p. 463) 'can mean rest, relief, respite or refreshment.' (Stott p. 93) Jesus Himself had promised "rest" to those who come to Him (Matthew 11:28).

Point to Note:

This phrase doesn't promise an easy or smooth life for the Christian (2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22). But it does promise refreshment--which could include the removal of guilt,. clear conscience, peace with oneself, others, and God, the close association among Christians, etc..