In Search Of Truth, Acts 3

Acts Chapter 3

Peter and John, two of the disciples closest to Jesus, are going to a prayer service together. The crippled man that begs for money gets much more than he asked for when he is healed. Peter is quick to take advantage of the opportunity, speaking with boldness and clarity about Jesus.

When Peter blames his listeners for Jesus’ death, he may be doing so literally. Jesus crucifixion had only been a few weeks earlier and since they, like many religious Jews, were on their way to a service at the temple, there may have been some present who also cheered on the death of Jesus. Even so, Peter makes it clear that they can have their record of sin wiped clean (v.19-20) by repenting (having genuine remorse for sin and a “change of mind” regarding how they want to live) and trusting in who Jesus is.

This promise still exists today. Regardless of what we have done, we all have the opportunity to “change our minds” and choose to trust and follow Jesus, the Christ.

Peter also used prophecy and Old Testament writing to make his case to a Jewish audience. He reminded them that God promised a special prophet that would be like Moses. Although there had been several prophets between Moses and Jesus, no prophet until Jesus had led God’s people in such a significant way. Moses had been used to rescue them from a life of slavery in

Egypt
and now Jesus, even more importantly, was rescuing people from lives of slavery to sin and saving them from a just but terrifying judgment after life on earth.

Peter paraphrases Moses words, which you can see for yourself in Deuteronomy 18:15-19. And although the Jews were chosen by God to represent him to the world, God told Abraham that through his descendants, the entire world would be blessed. (Genesis 12:3,

22:18
) The forgiveness and freedom promised through trusting in Jesus is not just for the Jews to enjoy. It’s for the whole world. We’ll see this more as we continue through Acts and watch the Apostles begin reaching those outside of Jerusalem.

Next Week: The heat is turned up for Peter and John as they face jail time and the religious leaders of Jerusalem!

Coffee House Question:

What is something you are very grateful or thankful for in your life right now?