Acts 3:20 – And that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Peter continues his call to repentance by pointing to the return of Jesus. In the previous verse (Acts 3:19), he told the people to repent so their sins could be wiped away and times of refreshing could come from the Lord. Now, he adds that repentance is connected to the return of the Messiah.

Peter refers to Jesus as “the Messiah, who has been appointed for you.” This reminds the crowd that Jesus is God’s chosen one, the fulfillment of the promises made to Israel. The phrase “may send the Messiah” suggests that there is a future fulfillment—Jesus came once to suffer and die, but He will come again in glory.

This verse is a reminder that Jesus’ work is not yet finished. He came the first time to bring salvation, and He will come again to restore all things. Peter is telling his audience that if they turn back to God, they will experience spiritual renewal now and be ready for Jesus’ return in the future.

Historical Context

Peter was speaking to a Jewish audience who had been waiting for the Messiah for centuries. Many of them had hoped that the Messiah would come as a warrior king to defeat Rome and restore Israel to greatness.

When Jesus came, however, He did not fit their expectations. Instead of overthrowing Rome, He preached repentance, healed the sick, and willingly went to the cross. This led many to reject Him, thinking He could not be the Messiah.

But Peter is telling them that Jesus is indeed the Messiah—the one God had appointed for them. They had misunderstood His mission, but there was still hope. If they repented, they could still be part of His kingdom and be ready for His future return.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus is the appointed Messiah. His role as Savior and King was not man-made—it was determined by God Himself. Jesus is the only way to salvation.
2. Jesus will return. His first coming brought salvation, but His second coming will bring the full restoration of God’s kingdom. This verse points forward to His future reign.
3. Repentance prepares us for Jesus’ return. Peter connects turning to God with being ready for the Messiah. Salvation is not just about avoiding judgment—it is about preparing for eternity with Christ.
4. God’s plan is unfolding. Jesus’ first coming fulfilled many prophecies, but the story isn’t over. The return of Christ is the next great event in God’s plan.

Literary Analysis

This verse follows a pattern of past, present, and future:

• Past – Jesus was appointed by God as the Messiah.
• Present – The people must repent to experience God’s grace.
• Future – God will send Jesus again, completing His mission.

The phrase “that he may send” suggests a connection between human repentance and God’s timing. While Jesus’ return is ultimately in God’s hands (Acts 1:7), Peter emphasizes that repentance and spiritual revival are part of God’s plan before Christ returns.

By referring to Jesus as “the Messiah”, Peter is affirming that He is the fulfillment of God’s promises in the Old Testament. This would have been a direct challenge to many in the crowd who still doubted that Jesus was truly the Messiah.

Biblical Cross-References

• Daniel 7:13-14 – A prophecy about the Messiah’s future kingdom: “He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.”
• Zechariah 14:4-9 – A prophecy of the Messiah’s return to reign over the earth.
• John 14:3 – Jesus promised: “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
• Acts 1:11 – The angels told the disciples after Jesus’ ascension: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
• Revelation 22:12 – Jesus says, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Jesus’ return should shape how we live. Peter is reminding us that Jesus is coming back, and we should live in a way that reflects that reality.
2. Repentance is not just about the past—it prepares us for the future. Turning to God is not just about being forgiven—it is about getting ready for Jesus’ return.
3. God keeps His promises. Just as Jesus came the first time exactly as the prophets foretold, He will come again exactly as God has planned.
4. Jesus is still the only way. Peter’s words remind us that there is no other Messiah, no other Savior—only Jesus. We must trust in Him alone.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God loves us enough to give us time to repent. Jesus could return at any time, yet God is patient, giving people the opportunity to turn to Him before it is too late (2 Peter 3:9).
2. God’s plan is centered on restoring His people. Jesus’ return is not just about judgment—it is about bringing His people into His eternal kingdom.
3. God always fulfills His promises. He promised a Messiah, and He sent Jesus. He promised that Jesus would return, and we can trust that He will keep His word.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the Messiah, appointed by God. His mission was not just to save sinners but to bring God’s kingdom to fulfillment.
2. Jesus came once and will come again. His first coming brought salvation; His second coming will bring full restoration.
3. Jesus is central to God’s plan. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s plan revolves around Jesus as the Redeemer and King.
4. Jesus’ return is certain. Peter’s words confirm what Jesus Himself said: He will come back to finish what He started.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Am I living in a way that reflects my belief that Jesus will return?
2. What does it mean for me to prepare for Jesus’ return?
3. How does knowing that Jesus is the appointed Messiah strengthen my faith?
4. Do I truly trust that God’s promises will be fulfilled?
5. How can I encourage others to turn to God and prepare for Jesus’ return?