The Book of Acts

Peter Preaches in the Temple

Acts 3:12-26 _NLT

“Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. ‘People of Israel,’ he said, ‘what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness?’”- Acts 3:12

            After healing the lame beggar by the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter seized the opportunity to preach about Jesus to the crowd that had gathered. He spoke to them very plainly about who Jesus was, how they had rejected him, why their rejection would be disastrous for them, and what they all needed to do to rectify the situation. Since Jesus death and resurrection was still a relatively recent event that would be fresh in the people’s minds, Peter pointedly said that “You killed the author of life...”. He was directing the blame to them because it is very likely some, or perhaps most, of those listening to him now were there at the trial of Jesus. They were no doubt some of the same ones who called for his death. He then tempered his conviction of them in verse 17 by saying, “Brothers, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance...”. It had been prophesied that he must go through these things, said Peter. But that didn’t absolve them from blame. Peter urged them all to repent of their sins and turn to God so that they might be forgiven. 

            The religious leaders thought they had rid themselves of Jesus, but now they were hearing one of his disciples saying publicly that Jesus was alive and this time they could do nothing to stop him. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, Peter was now considered an apostle, which would be a person who helped pioneer this “Jesus movement”.

Peter made very sure that the crowd knew that Jesus, and not the apostles, had healed the lame man. The apostles never told crowds what they could do, but rather what God could do through them, taking no glory for themselves. 

Are you a disciple of Christ? Are you a strong supporter of God’s teachings from scripture and are you attempting to be an imitator of Jesus Christ with your life each day? Then you are a part of the greatest family ever known, the family of God. Learn the important lessons that these teachings being put forth have for you. Allow them to move you to the point of submission, for God has a plan for you and if you follow his plan, you will become fulfilled and blessed. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.