Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 3:19

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 .

Alluding to the manner of writing upon Tables in those times, and not much disagreeing from what is in use amongst us, who write upon paper or parchment; there is a book of remembrance, and a record of all our sins kept, Ier. 17.1. The sin of Iudah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: when sin is pardoned, it is said to be blotted out, Isa. 44.22. and not to be found any more, tho it should be sought for, Ier 50.20.

Or times of cooling; as afflictions are called a fiery tryal, so deliverance from them, is a season of refreshing or cooling: Such a time of refreshing shall come in this life, commonly from many troubles; but when this life ends, a deliverance comes from all afflictions to them that truly fear and serve God.

Gods presence is the cause and ground, from whence all the refreshment his people take, do arise; Heaven would not be Heaven (a place of bliss and glory) without it: and as God is the object of our beatitude, so he is the giver of all comfort, and his Spirit is the onely Comforter.

This is the true end, use, and application, both of the preceding Miracle and Sermon, to perswade unto Repentance and Conversion.

Marginal references: Chap. 2.38.