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G605 · Greek · New Testament
ἀποκατάστασις
Apokatastasis
Noun, feminine
Restoration / Restitution of All Things

Definition

The Greek apokatastasis means restoration, reestablishment, or the restitution to an original or ideal state. It appears once in the New Testament (Acts 3:21) in Peter's sermon at Solomon's Portico, referring to the eschatological restoration of all things promised through the prophets.

Usage & Theological Significance

Apokatastasis is Peter's summary of biblical eschatology: Christ must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything (Acts 3:21). This is not universalism (a view that all people will ultimately be saved), despite Origen's later use of the term — in context, Peter is describing the fulfillment of prophetic promises about Israel, creation, and the Messianic age. Paul echoes it: 'creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay' (Romans 8:21); 'God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things... through the blood of his cross' (Colossians 1:20). Revelation 21-22 portrays the final apokatastasis: a new heaven and earth, the New Jerusalem, no more curse, God dwelling with His people. The word is a promise: nothing that sin has broken will remain broken forever.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 3:21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything (apokatastasis), as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.
Romans 8:21 That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
Colossians 1:20 And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Revelation 21:5 He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!'
Isaiah 65:17 'See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.'

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