“THE POWERFUL MESSAGE OF PETER” ACTS 3:11-26

Peter, the great preacher after the resurrection of Christ, takes advantage of the moment to preach his second sermon to a great Jewish audience.  Peter’s first sermon during Pentecost emphasized that “Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the Messiah” (Acts 2:14-40).  As a result of Peter’s powerful message, the hearts of many were stirred which led to their repentance and the receiving of God’s word (Acts 2:36-41).

After the marvelous miracle of the healing of the lame man (Acts 3:1-10), Peter seized upon another opportunity to explain that the lame man’s faith in the awesome name of Christ resulted in the lame man’s healing (Acts 3:7-10).  Peter begins his marvelous message by appealing to this large Jewish audience, explaining the fact that the “same Jesus” who they rejected was the reason for the lame man’s healing (Acts 3:12-16).  Peter is being forthright in his declaration that the miracle was not done in his or John’s power, but through the lame man’s faith in Jesus’ name (Acts 3:11-12).  Peter certainly gave the credit to Jesus for the healing of the lame man (Acts 3:13-15), despite the nation of Israel’s rejection of God’s Servant whom He sent.

Yes, during Christ’s first advent, He served in humility; and although He was rejected by His own people, the Jews (St. John 1:11), yet God exalted Him (Philippians 2:6-8) and now He is seated at the right hand of God after His powerful resurrection (Hebrews 1:3).  The same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob exalted His Son, having raised the “Prince of Life” from the dead (v. 15).  Peter again affirms that the lame man’s faith in Jesus’ name was the reason for his healing (v. 16).  Faith in the potent name of Jesus of Nazareth will result in any unsaved person’s salvation, regardless of his or her social status in life (St. John 3:36; 4:25-26; 5:8-9).  After Peter states the reason why the lame man was healed (Acts 3:11-16), Peter urges his Jewish audience to respond aright to Jesus of Nazareth by repenting of their sins (3:17-26).

Although the Jews had rejected Christ through ignorance (Acts 3:17-18), Christ’s suffering was foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament and was fulfilled (Isaiah 53:3-10).  After hearing Peter’s powerful message, the only proper response of the Jewish nation was to repent and be converted (Acts 3:19-20).  Had the nation accepted Christ, Christ would have returned to the earth!  As a nation, they did not accept Him; therefore, the Millennial reign did not occur!  Again, had the nation received Christ a “time of refreshing” would have been fulfilled which was often spoken of by the Old Testament prophets (Acts 3:21-24).  The Old Testament prophets spoke of a time when the Millennial reign would come.  Being told that the Old Testament prophets predicted the coming of Christ to establish His millennium reign (Acts 3:24-26), the Jews would indeed be blessed if they would embrace the belief of Abraham (Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:29).

May God Bless!