Acts 3 - 7.31.26

Scripture: Acts 3:17-19

“Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Observation

Peter and John just healed the lame beggar at the Temple. The Israelites were amazed by this. This gave Peter a chance to witness to the Israelites about Jesus. Peter held nothing back, telling them they murdered Jesus, the Holy and Righteous one.They asked Pilate to release a criminal over Jesus. Peter then told them God raised Jesus from the dead. It was faith in Jesus' name that healed this beggar. Peter then pointed out their sin of ignorance. We were not any different before coming to Christ. Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

I think Peter's direct approach to witnessing to the Israelites was they were at the temple. They should have known about Jesus through Old Testament Scriptures. 

Application

Peter in Acts 3:19 "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." Peter told the Israelites to repent of their sins. They still have an opportunity to be saved by grace. We have the same opportunity, as the Israelites. to repent of our sins.

 2 Chronicles 7:14 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." That verse sounds refreshing and so does Psalm 103:8-12  “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. “                                                                                                               

Prayer 

Jesus, the Savior of the World, thank you for giving us a chance to repent of our sins and for being quick to forgive us. Jesus you are the great healer. 

Thank you Jesus for remembering my transgressions no more. Help me to praise you in the midst of the pain in my body.  May my pain turn into passion for You, Jesus. Refresh me when I read your word, refresh me when I pray and refresh me when I praise you. Thank you in Jesus name Amen.

- Robert Oberg