Following the miracle performed by Peter and John in Jerusalem, at the temple’s gate where, by faith they healed a lame man, those who witnessed the man walking and leaping ran to the apostles in awe.
Peter and John used this miraculous healing to proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior, and to preach the good news to all those who would listen.
“11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed.” (Acts 3:11)
Those who witnessed the miracle gathered in amazement around the apostles Peter and John who stood on the porch located on the eastern side of the temple, built by Solomon hence the name, Solomon’s portico.
“12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (Acts 3:12)
To justify the miracle he had just performed, Peter’s response diverted attention from himself, or John, and placed the focus on Jesus and the divine power bestowed upon both men by God Himself.
“13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.” (Acts 3:13-15)
Peter reminds those present it was them who sent Jesus to His death on the cross, to be crucified and humiliated, instead of the murderer Barabbas who was deserving of the sentence. But, God’s will delivered the Messiah, the Prince of life by raising Him from the dead on the third day, as prophesied by Jewish prophets for centuries.
“16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:16)
Peter gives praise and credit to the Lord for the miraculous healing, which stemmed from faith in Jesus, and was made possible by Peter and John’s faith, as well as the faith of the healed man.
“17 Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.” (Acts 3:17-18)
Peter recalls how Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection was prophesied in Jewish scripture centuries before the Christ was even born to the virgin Mary. The fulfillment of prophecy indicates Yeshua was indeed the foretold Messiah, the Savior of mankind, God in the flesh.
“19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” (Acts 3:19-21)
Peter calls on his audience to repent of their sinful ways, and surrender their lives to the Savior whom they crucified and sent to death. The apostle confirms to those who receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, that each one who believes will be saved from the wages of our sin which is death, and inherit a place in God’s kingdom to come upon judgment day.
“22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. 25 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” (Acts 3:22-26)
Moses described the risen Messiah as a prophet like himself, who will emissary to the new covenant, as Moses was the mediator of the old covenant.
Peter points out the fact anyone who does not abide in the word, in God and in His begotten Son, Yeshua the Christ, all those who refuse to believe will perish and be cast in to Hell where they will suffer in agony for all eternity.
Describing his Jewish audience as heirs to Yahweh’s promise, Peter reminds his listeners they are the seed of Abraham, just as Jesus also came from this chosen lineage thereby fulfilling prophecy.
Because Jesus was of Jewish blood, and His ministry originated in Judea, He first preached to the Jews. Through the apostles, the gospel and good news about salvation would be advanced to the four corners of the earth, where both Jew and Gentile, so all those who will listen and believe will be saved. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
