Feb 23, 2014
Acts 3:11-26


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Outline:


In Acts 1, Luke is clear that following His death Jesus rose from the dead, was seen by His followers over a period of 40 days, before leaving them with a generalized commission and specific instructions before ascending to heaven. 

1. Jesus gave them a Generalized Commission. 


In Acts 1:8, Luke simplifies this Great Commission found in all 4 Gospel’s (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:44-49, John 20:19-23). “You shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”


Note: Jesus isn’t telling them to “do” anything; rather, He’s exhorting them to “be witnesses!” Jesus is encouraging you to live a life marked by death to self and life through Him wherever you happen to be!


Obviously, there was also a prophetic element to Jesus’ exhortation. “They would be witnesses to Me.... to the end of the earth.” Luke focuses on this element because it lays the framework for the Book of Acts (Acts 1-7: Jerusalem, Acts 8-12: Judea and Samaria, Acts 13-28: The end of the earth).


2. Jesus left them with Specific Instructions.


Luke is clear that Jesus “commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait” to “receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”


Jesus gave these instructions because He knew they really could do nothing until the Holy Spirit came upon them for (1) purification and (2) empowering!


Note: The key to living the sanctified life Jesus has called you to live and the only way you can fulfill His commission to “be witnesses” is to “walk in the Spirit so that you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”




In Acts 2, Luke continues his narrative by including three important developments: 

1. On Pentecost the power of the Spirit is poured out upon the church.

2. The church experiences an immediate growth of 3000 people. 

3. The functional purpose of the church is established by this same Spirit.


According to Acts 2:42 the church focused on nurturing the spiritual development of believers as well as equipping them for the ministry by “continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” 




Now in Acts 3, Luke is clear the power of the Holy Spirit was working through the church on a daily basis not a one time occasion. His example focuses on Peter and John because they not only exemplify what “being a witness” and “walking in the Spirit” looked like, but this unlikely paring demonstrated the incredible “unity” and “community” within the church.




Question: Who is the most dominant character in the Book of Acts?


Answer: The Holy Spirit is active more than any other character! 


Throughout all 28 chapters we see the Spirit directing, resisting, and empowering the church to accomplish the work of Jesus. Though we’ve titled this book, “The Acts of Jesus through His church” you would be wise to add “by the Power of the Holy Spirit!”




Set the Scene: Recap the Events of Acts 3:1-10


Results of the Miracle (Acts 3:8-10): “So the lame man, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God.... and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” 




Acts 3:11-12a, “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. So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people....”




In response to his supernaturally healing, this man joins Peter and John as they continue into the Temple to pray. Luke says as they “entered the temple” this man is “walking, leaping, and praising God” all the while “holding onto Peter and John.”


This scene undoubtedly drew the attention of everyone in the Temple who had just witnessed the miracle. First, since this lame man had been a staple of the Temple scene the crowd present was “filled with wonder and amazement.” But secondly, it would also seem the commotion drew a curious crowd.... “people ran together to them.”


Luke tells us “when Peter saw it, he responded to the people....”


Question: What did Peter see that demanded such a response?


Answer: From the context established by Luke, the misguided attention Peter and John were receiving because of the miracle is what demanded they respond!


Understand: This is was the most dangerous moment of Peter’s life! Though Peter had been Jesus’ instrument to bring healing to this lame man.... Would he now take credit for the work or use the opportunity to glorify Jesus? 


Peter really had three options:

1. He could have basked in the glory! 

2. He could have silently allowed the glory to be misguided. 

3. Or he could use the moment to redirect the glory onto Jesus!


As we’re about to see Peter will defer the glory and use the attention produced by the miraculous as a platform for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ! 




Acts 3:12b, “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?




Peter begins with a question, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this?”


I think Peter is making two important points with this question: 

1. How is it that “you marvel at this” miracle (a lame man walking) when (A) your heritage was filled with the supernatural, and (B) Jesus had just spent three years accomplishing even greater works in your midst?

2. Since Jesus healed people all the time, shouldn’t it be only logical that you consider this miracle as a continuation of His ministry? Validation He’s still alive!


Then Peter address the folly of their assumption, “Why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” I can see Peter laughing as he’s asking this question! “Do you honestly think I have the power, ability, or some kind of personal godliness that I could make a lame man walk on my own? If you think so.... you don’t know me very well!” In pointing out the silliness of their assumption, Peter is setting the stage to explain that the miracle was accomplished as a result of Jesus’ power - not their godliness! Peter was nothing more than a tool - a vessel.


Zechariah 4:6, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord!”


Note Peter’s progression: As God’s chosen people, you shouldn’t marvel to see things like this! Not to mention, you’re silly to think we had anything to do with this miracle! Now Peter continues to explain why this work was done and where the power originated from! 




Acts 3:13-15, “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. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 




In referencing “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob....” Peter is making it clear he’s speaking of the “God of the Jewish people.” In this opening he also builds a bridge to his audience by saying, “the God of our fathers.” “I am a Jew and I’m speaking of our God.”


Peter then says their God “glorified His Servant Jesus.” This is an interesting phrase that can have two relevant meanings. “His Servant” was a Messianic titled used often by the Prophet Isaiah (42:1, 49:1,5,7, 50:1,10), so by invoking this phrase Peter is telling his Jewish audience that Jesus was the Messiah sent to do the will and purposes of God! “Servant” is the Greek word “pais” which in addition to “servant” can also mean “son.” The KJV actually translates the verse as God “glorified His Son Jesus.”


“Glorified” is the Greek verb “doxazô” meaning “to impart glory.” The verb is in the active tense meaning God “glorified (past), is glorifying (present), and will always glorify (future)” His Servant/Son Jesus.


Peter continues that the God of Israel sent His most glorious Servant and Son Jesus to presumably be received and accepted by His people, but.... What did they do instead?

“You delivered up Jesus” even when “Pilate was determined to let Him go.” Peter is clear that as the motivating factor behind Jesus’ Roman execution the Jewish people were complicit in this dastardly deed. Note: Peter affirms Pilate’s predicament in the sentencing of Jesus. 

“You denied the Holy One and the Just” choosing instead “a murder.”


“Denied” is the Greek word “ameomai” meaning “to reject or refuse.” In recounting a story they were all familiar with, Peter tells them that they not only gave over an innocent man to the Romans, refused His released when afforded an opportunity, but choose to accept the murder Barabbas instead....

Then you “killed the Prince of Life.” “Prince” is the Greek word “archêgos” meaning “chief leader, author.” The ESV translates this word more correctly as the “Author of Life.” In using this phrase Peter is exalting Jesus as being the Creator God.


In his sermon on this verse Spurgeon commented, “Here it may be well to say that we think that Christ is, indeed, the Creator of all things and especially of life—“All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life.” Our Lord Jesus is peculiarly the Creator in connection with life and I take pleasure in thinking of all life as proceeding from Him by whom all things consist.... From Him, the Sun of Righteousness, every vital spark of heavenly flame has been sent forth. He is the quickening Spirit and by union with Him we live unto God, if, indeed, we so live.”


And the evidence of Jesus being the “Servant, Holy One, Just, and Author of Life” Peter tells them that even after you did all of these things.... “God raised Him from the dead, of which we are witnesses.”


Peter is in-your-face when it came to the reality of the situation. His sermon is logical and methodical. He doesn’t nibble around the edges of truth, nor does he soften its blows. In pointing to the resurrected Jesus as that the power behind this miracle, Peter is communicating a rather incredible principle.... Though you reject and killed Jesus,  as demonstrated by this miracle, He is still willing to work in your midst!




Acts 3:16, “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.”




Peter initially says the power behind his command for this man to walk was found completely in “His name.” Back in Acts 3:6, Peter had even given the commanded “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” Note: To do something “in Jesus name” means you are acting “in His authority, by His heart, on His behalf.” This indicates Peter consciously instructed the man to “rise up and walk” in the authority and power of Jesus, not his own! 


Peter then affirms that this lame man was not healed because of his goodness, nor was he healed because of Peter and John’s godliness, power, or ability; rather, the man was healed for one reason and one reason alone.... he placed his faith in Jesus! 


Interesting: Peter says he gave his command by his faith in Jesus. The man was the healed because of his faith in Jesus. And yet, Peter is clear that all of the faith for the miracle “came through Him.” Faith through Him. Faith in Him. Faith by Him. As the writer of Hebrews so accurately states in chapter 12 verse 2, Jesus is the “Author and Finisher of our faith.”


Peter has thrown down the gauntlet: God sent Him, You killed Him, God resurrected Him,  Jesus still wants to work in your lives, and the mechanism for this work to occur is faith! 




Acts 3:17-18, “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.” 




“Now, brethren....” You can’t help but sense a tenderness in the way Peter now identifies himself with his audience. “I know that you did this in ignorance.” “Ignorance” is the Greek word “agnoia” meaning “to lack knowledge of divine things because of a moral blindness.” Peter is saying they acted because they didn’t know any better. Sin and pride had clouded their ability to see the truth!


Question: How did Peter know their actions were a result of ignorance?

1. Scripture said these things would happen because of ignorance. “Those things God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets.... He has thus fulfilled.”

2. Jesus affirmed their ignorance from the cross when He declared in Luke 23:34, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

3. Peter had also denied Jesus out of the same ignorance.


Side Point: Just because you might be guilty of the same act of sin, doesn’t mean your moral responsibility to speak out against that sin has been negated!


Note: “Ignorant actions produced by sin” does not remove an individual’s culpability for these ignorant actions. God holds us to account even for sin done through ignorance!


Peter continues.... Though your guilty as a sinner, there is a remedy....




Acts 3:19, “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....” 




The remedy for sin.... “Repent and be converted!” As we’ve mentioned before.... “Repent” is the Greek word “metanoeô” meaning to make a conscious “changing of the mind that produces a change of direction.” 


What’s new is this idea of being “converted!” Note: This is the first time we find this word being used in connection to the salvation message. “Be converted” is the Greek word “epistrephô” meaning “to return to as in the worship of the true God” and this is extremely significant! Peter is telling them that because God had sent Jesus and they rejected Him they were in actuality rejecting the God of “Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Peter is telling a group of deeply religious men (in the Temple for prayer no less) that their rejection of Jesus had separated and alienated them from God! These men would needed to “repent” or “change their minds concerning Jesus” then “convert” or “return to” the God they had rejected.



Peter explains the benefits of conversion:

1. “That your sins may be blotted out.”


This idea of “sins being blotted out” doesn’t present the idea of something being erased or “whited out.” Rather, it speaks of a permanent and complete removal. “May be blotted out” is one Greek word “exaleiphô” meaning “to wipe off.”


In today’s world “ink” contains a certain amount of acid that causes it to penetrate and adhere to a sheet of paper. Though you can attempt to erase ink or cover it over, it’s impossible to remove all remnants of the contents. In ancient times, this wasn’t the case.... Because “ink” lacked acid, what was written simply lay on the surface of the papyrus and could be easily washed away as though it never existed. 


Understand: Christianity is not a betterment program! Coming to Jesus doesn’t yield a re-edit of your present story. Jesus doesn’t erase what was, rather Jesus removes all that was and starts writing a new book upon conversion! Biblical phrases like “new birth, being born again, and newness of life” all speak of a fundamental and permanent transformation!


And if the sin of killing Jesus can be blotted out, there really is “nothing that you can do to separate yourself from the love of God!”


And if this wasn’t incredible enough, along this same thread, Peter will close his sermon by saying that “God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” “Iniquities” is the Greek word “ponêria” meaning “evil purposes.” The word speaks of our “bent or twisted” nature that leads us into sin! Jesus came to not only “blot out our sin,” but He came to “turn us away from our iniquities.” Jesus wants to give us new desires and new motivations.


Question: Who turns you away from your sin?


Answer: Jesus! This means you don’t have to clean yourself up before you come to Jesus! Repent and come to Him just as you are! Then allow Him to deal with your sins! 


2. “That times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” 


Consider the results of your life of sin in the world.... A life where you’re running from the God who made you, rejecting a Savior who wants to liberate you, and resisting the Spirit telling you there is something better.... This life only leaves a person burned out, burdened, and tired! But.... when you stop running from God, submit to the moving of the Spirit, and come to Jesus.... when you repent and convert.... you are provided a life of constant “refreshing” that “comes from the presence of the Lord.” Note: This phrase is in the plural tense meaning you are constantly being given joy over circumstances, peace that passes understanding, a love unknown! 




Acts 3:20-21, “And that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 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.” 




I recently had a conversation with a friend who echoed a common sentiment of the modern, evangelical church. He said, “What implications does Christ’s return really have to the missiology of the church? The church has become so consumed with the return of Jesus it has made us ineffective in reaching our culture.” 


Though I agree that a generation of church leaders have inappropriately handled the return of Jesus and have even overtly emphasized the decline of culture, to say Christ’s soon return doesn’t play a key role in the missiology of the church is honestly ridiculous and an unBiblical overreaction. As we see in the second sermon ever preached, even the first church and it’s leadership used their expectation of the soon return of Jesus as motivation to be busy reaching the lost with the Gospel!




Acts 3:22-26, “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. And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. 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.’ 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.”




Peter closes his sermon providing a Biblical warning.... What you do now with Jesus will profoundly determine your eternal destiny! To make his argument that rejecting Jesus will produce only the judgment of God, Peter points to Deuteronomy 18. 


In this passage Moses prophesied that a “Prophet” would come to judge the world. Moses continues by making it clear how humanity responds to this “Prophet” will have major implications on their future judgment. “And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 


3. Third benefit of conversion.... You will be spared a future judgment! 


In conclusion, it should be pointed out that the most dominate word used in this sermon is the word “you!” And the reason for this is simple.... Though Peter is preaching to a group of Jews 2000 years ago, his sermon is relevant for everyone. God sent Jesus to you, but if you’re refusing to “repent and be converted” you are alienating yourself from God and will one day face a future judgment!

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