Acts Chapter 3.

Acts Chapter 3.

The healing of the lame man.  3:1-10.   This miracle manifested the power of the risen Lord who, by His Spirit, works through his disciples.  The miracle underlines the authority and power conferred on the apostles.

           

Peter's address.  3:11-26.  Peter's sermon was specifically planned to convict the Jews of their guilt.  It has two principal parts:

           

*   Proofs of their guilt in murdering God's Servant.  Peter demonstrates their guilt before God     in this matter.

1/.  God raised Christ from the dead.  He reversed the sentence men passed. 

2/.  This man had been healed by faith in Jesus' Name.

3/.  They fulfilled the Scriptures which foretold their guilt.

           

*   The necessity of repentance.

a.  Repentance was necessary for the fulfillment of  their national hope. (v.19-21).

b.  Jesus was the Prophet concerning whom Moses wrote and to refuse to hear this Prophet exposed them to wrath.  (v.22-23).

c.  They were a privileged nation and lived in a time of special opportunity. (v.24-26).

           

These are Peter's three major arguments for repentance.  They had no future except in Jesus Christ.  Therefore they must repent.  They must change their attitude concerning Him.

Theological Assessment.

Christology:

*   Servant. 3:13. It sometimes means 'Child'.  See Vine's Dict.  It is used in Isaiah 42:1; 52:13 LXX.  It is used in Acts, and is a link with the Isaiah prophecies.

*   Holy and Righteous.  3:14. Compare Isaiah 53:11.  The choice made by the Jews showed up the moral state of their hearts.

*   Prince of Life.  3:15.  'Archegos' is "Author, Originator."  Hebrews 2:10; 12:2.  They chose Barabbas, a murderer, rather than the Author of Life. (3:14). God vindicated Christ by raising Him from the dead.

*   Prophet.  3:22.  Luke's two-volume work underlines the prophetic character of Christ's ministry.  He is the greater Moses.  The greatness of Christ's prophetic ministry is emphasized.

*    Jesus has a central role in the accomplishment of God's purpose.  3:20-21.

*    Through Him must be fulfilled God's promise to Abraham, that all nations shall be blessed in his seed.  3:25-26.

           

Evangelism.

*   The resurrection was the central topic of Peter's sermon.

*   Every evangelistic sermon must close with a call to repentance.  In Peter's address there is a fearless directness that speaks directly to the conscience of his hearers.  Peter hits the nail on the head.  He argues for repentance from:

* The purpose of God.   God's purpose is accomplished through Jesus Christ.

* The authoritativeness of Jesus.  His word is greater than that of Moses.

* The significance of the time.  Samuel and all the prophets had spoken of these days.

* The call to repentance is always an important part of the evangelistic sermon.  To omit it, is to cast the net and to make no attempt to pull it in.