What Are the Times of Refreshing in Acts?

Direct Answer

The times of refreshing refer to the coming Kingdom, a period of restoration and blessing for Israel, which follows their repentance.

According to Acts 3:19, these refreshing times are connected to Israel's repentance and the blotting out of their sins. Peter states these times come from the presence of the Lord and are tied to the sending of Jesus Christ. The subsequent verse, Acts 3:21, clarifies that this involves the 'restitution of all things' prophesied by the prophets, which Les identifies as the Tribulation period followed by the Kingdom.

Key Scriptures

Acts 3:19 — This verse directly mentions the 'times of refreshing' and connects them to repentance and the blotting out of sins.

What Does the Bible Say?

In Acts 3:19-21, Peter calls Israel to repentance, promising that their sins will be blotted out and that 'times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord' (Acts 3:19). The passage continues, explaining that God will send Jesus Christ, who must remain in heaven until the 'times of restitution of all things' (Acts 3:21). The Bible links these refreshing times to the fulfillment of prophecies spoken by God's holy prophets since the world began.

What Does Les Feldick Teach About the Times of Refreshing?

Les teaches that the 'times of refreshing' in Acts 3:19 refer to the promised Kingdom for Israel, a time of restoration and blessing. He emphasizes that this promise was conditional upon Israel's national repentance, as Peter urged them to 'repent and be converted' (Clip 0). The refreshing is directly tied to the sending of Jesus Christ back to earth (Clip 1). Les further explains that before this Kingdom can come, there must be a period of 'restitution of all things,' which he identifies as the seven-year Tribulation (Clips 2, 3). This is followed by Christ's return and the establishment of His Kingdom, which will last a thousand years and ultimately lead to an eternal state (Clips 3, 6). He also notes that because Israel rejected Christ, this offer was postponed, and God turned to the Gentiles to form the Church, an interlude that occupies the current age (Clip 4).

What Is the Connection Between the Times of Refreshing and the Restitution of All Things?

Les links the 'times of refreshing' directly to the 'restitution of all things' in Acts 3:21. He teaches that this restitution refers to the seven-year Tribulation, a period of intense judgment and restoration that precedes the Kingdom (Clip 2, 3). This period is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the earth's renewal and the lifting of the curse, leading to a gloriously restored creation (Clip 2).

Why Is Israel's Repentance Important for the Times of Refreshing?

In Clip 0, Les emphasizes Peter's call for Israel to 'repent and be converted' so that their sins might be blotted out and the times of refreshing could come. The promise was conditional on Israel's national response. Because Israel rejected Christ, the offer was withdrawn, and the times of refreshing were postponed to the future (Clip 4).

What Will the Refreshing/Kingdom Period Be Like?

The Kingdom will see the earth restored to a Garden of Eden-like condition, beautiful and glorious (Clip 6). Jesus will return as King, and the nation of Israel will be set on Zion (Clip 7). Les notes that the thousand-year time frame is revealed in Revelation, though the Old Testament often speaks of it as everlasting (Clips 3, 6).

From the Teaching

Peter's Call to Repent

Les explains that the times of refreshing are directly connected to Israel's repentance and the blotting out of their sins, showing this is a national promise.

Refreshing Tied to Christ's Return

Les emphasizes that the times of refreshing are not a separate event but are fulfilled when God sends Jesus Christ back to earth.

Restitution Precedes Kingdom

Les clarifies that before the Kingdom's blessings, there must be the restitution of all things, which includes the seven-year period of tribulation and the lifting of the curse.

Seven-Year Tribulation

Les identifies the times of restitution as the seven-year tribulation spoken of by Daniel, which must precede the establishment of the Kingdom.

Postponement of the Kingdom

Les explains that because Israel did not repent, the times of refreshing were postponed, and God turned to the Gentiles during the Church Age.

Why the Twelve Apostles Stayed in Jerusalem — Acts 1 & 8

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, and He shall send Jesus Christ. For what purpose? Well, to be their King. But, you see, then in verse 21, Peter knows that the times of restitution or the restoration of all things had to take place. That's the seven years. That's the seven years.

Restored Earth and Kingdom

Les describes the result of the times of refreshing as the entire earth being brought back to a Garden of Eden condition, leading into the thousand-year reign.

King Set on Zion

Les points out that following the tribulation, God sets His King upon Zion, which is part of the coming Kingdom blessings.

Bible Verses

Acts 3:19: Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

This is the key verse that introduces the 'times of refreshing' and links them to Israel's repentance.

Acts 3:20: And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

This verse connects the times of refreshing to the sending of Christ back to earth.

Acts 3:21: 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.

This verse mentions 'restitution of all things' which Les identifies as the Tribulation period that precedes the refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the times of refreshing in Acts 3:19?

They are the coming Kingdom blessings for Israel, which will come from the presence of the Lord after Israel repents. This is tied to the sending of Jesus Christ back to earth.

When do the times of refreshing occur?

They occur after the Tribulation, a seven-year period of restitution, and lead into the thousand-year reign of Christ, according to Les Feldick's teaching.

Are the times of refreshing for the Church or for Israel?

The times of refreshing are part of Israel's prophetic program, as Peter addressed them to the nation of Israel. The Church was not yet revealed at that time.

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