After healing a lame man at the Temple gate, Peter is given an opportunity to address a crowd that is filled with wonder and amazement. The healing is a sign of God’s power and serves as an introduction to Peter’s second major sermon in the book of Acts. This sermon also builds upon the message of Pentecost, showing that the work of Jesus continues through the apostles and that Jesus is the source of the healing.
The Healing and the Crowd’s Reaction:
The healing of the man who had been lame from birth was a miraculous sign that drew a crowd to see what had happened. When the people saw the healed man clinging to Peter and John, they were astonished. Peter immediately seizes the opportunity to preach and redirect the people’s attention from the miracle itself to the God who performed it.
Peter begins his sermon by disavowing any notion that he or John had performed the miracle by their own power or godliness (Acts 3:12). He makes it clear that the healing was done in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the same Jesus whom they had handed over to be crucified.
Jesus, the Author of Life:
Peter emphasizes that the healing is not about the apostles, but about Jesus, the “Author of life” (Acts 3:15). He asserts that the people had rejected Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One, and instead asked for the release of Barabbas, a murderer. Yet, despite their rejection, God raised Jesus from the dead, and through faith in His name, this man has been healed.
Peter’s sermon also presents a strong call to repentance. He tells the crowd, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out” (Acts 3:19). This forgiveness of sins is made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy:
Peter further explains that the rejection of Jesus was not an accident but was foretold by the prophets. He highlights that Jesus is the fulfillment of the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He quotes from Deuteronomy 18:15, in which Moses speaks of a prophet like him who would come, and he identifies Jesus as this prophet. Peter urges the people to listen to Him and follow Him for their salvation.
Peter’s message is not just one of judgment but also of hope. While he calls the people to repent, he also assures them that God’s plan of salvation through Jesus is for them. If they repent, they will experience the blessing of forgiveness and the restoration of all things.
Conclusion:
Peter’s sermon at the Temple continues the theme of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and underscores the need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The healing of the lame man is a powerful demonstration of the ongoing work of Jesus through the apostles, and the sermon calls the people to embrace the salvation that is offered in Jesus.
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