In Acts 3:11-26, Peter delivers another significant sermon, this time at the temple in Jerusalem after healing a lame man. Here’s a breakdown of this sermon:
1.Addressing the Amazed Crowd (Acts 3:11-12): After healing the lame man, a crowd gathers, amazed. Peter questions why they are surprised and clarifies that the healing was not done by his own power or piety but by the name of Jesus Christ.
2.Proclaiming Jesus Christ (Acts 3:13-15): Peter tells the crowd that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of their fathers, has glorified Jesus, whom they delivered up and denied before Pilate. He emphasizes that they denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to them instead. He accuses them of killing the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead, a fact he and the other apostles are witnesses to.
3.Faith in Jesus’ Name (Acts 3:16): Peter explains that it is through faith in Jesus’ name that the lame man was healed, as seen by all. The faith which comes through Jesus has given the man perfect health.
4.Call to Repentance (Acts 3:17-19): Peter acknowledges that they acted in ignorance, as did their rulers. He urges them to repent and turn back to God so that their sins may be wiped out and times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
5.Fulfillment of Prophecy (Acts 3:20-24): He speaks of Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time comes for God to restore everything, as promised long ago through the holy prophets. Peter references Moses, Samuel, and all the prophets who spoke of these days.
6.Addressing the Descendants of the Prophets (Acts 3:25-26): Peter reminds them that they are the descendants of the prophets and of the covenant God made with their ancestors. He concludes by saying that God raised up His servant Jesus and sent him first to bless them by turning each of them from their wicked ways.
Audience and Message: Peter’s audience was the Jewish people gathered at the temple, particularly those amazed by the healing miracle. His message focused on Jesus Christ’s role as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the importance of faith in Jesus for healing and salvation, and a call for repentance and turning back to God. This sermon aimed to clarify that the miraculous healing was through Jesus Christ and to invite the Jewish people to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah and turn to Him.