Acts 3:11–26: Repent Therefore
Introduction
To be sure, the miracle of healing the lame man so that he can walk and leap was impressive (Acts 3:1–10). The people stood in wonder and amazement, utterly astounded by what had happened to him (Acts 3:10, 11). Still, they did not expect that this lame beggar who was now standing in their midst would represent anything significant about the man who had been crucified a couple of months earlier—and even less did they expect that this man’s healing should have anything to do with them. Peter, who had gazed upon the lame man with wonder in Acts 3:4, now sees the people gazing at him with the same intensity, waiting for him to explain what had happened in their midst. In this great sermon, Peter has a simple message for the people: repent by turning from your sin and toward your Savior.
Discussion Questions
1. In what ways does this sermon parallel the sermon that Peter preached on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14–41)? How do Peter’s opening words to the crowd parallel the statement of the two men who visited the apostles during Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:11)? How does Peter direct our attention to the ascension here (v. 13)? How powerfully do the titles Peter uses in vv. 14–15 convey the magnitude of the crime of those who crucified Jesus?
2. Why do you think Peter says that the people and their rulers “acted in ignorance” (v. 17)? What does Peter say about God’s purposes in the crucifixion of Jesus (v. 18)? What is the application that Peter calls for in v. 19a? What does the word “turn back” suggest (v. 19b)? What is the promise of the gospel in v. 19c? What are the “times of refreshing” (v. 20)? Why must “heaven…receive” Jesus for the moment (v. 21)? What is the significance of Moses and Samuel (vv. 22–24)?
3. What does Peter mean when he calls the people the “sons of the prophets” (v. 25a)? What does he mean when he says that they are the “sons of the covenant that God made with your fathers” (v. 25b)? Why is the covenantal connection so important to the logic of the case he is building in his sermon? What kind of opportunity does the covenantal connection hold out to the Israelites gathered on this occasion (v. 26)?
4. What sins do you need to turn away from today? What warning does the glorification of Jesus Christ hold out to sinners who disregard his authority? In what ways are you tempted to ignore, downplay, or rebel against his lordship? What does Peter tell us about the establishment of Christ’s kingdom in the world and the obligations of that kingdom upon us? What does Peter tell us about the gospel of Jesus? Have you put your faith in the name of Jesus?
