No Excuse
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Acts 3:11 reads, “Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them.” Peter was not about to miss this opportunity to witness to Jesus Christ. First, the apostle established Jesus Christ
as Healer, vv. 12-16. Verses 12 and 16 go closely together—verse 12 raises a question about the healing and verse 16 answers the question. In between is the issue of Christ’s death and resurrection, as well as the Jews responsibility in those events, establishing their guilt. It wasn’t Peter or John who caused the miracle; it was faith in the name of Jesus Christ. The power is by His glorification (13a) and His resurrection (15b). The real guilt of the Jews was not delivering God’s chosen One to death as much as their denial of Him. God sent His Son to bless the Jews through Him and they refused. Second, the apostle appealed for repentance, vv. 17-26. Verses 17-18 declare that the Jews acted in ignorance because God was in charge. See 1 Corinthians 2:8 … 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But now you know and have no excuse—it is time to repent. The other shoe dropped in verses 21-23, judgment: those who reject Jesus are eternally lost! Peter was gifted to skillfully use the weight of truth in his message. God gave you the first opportunity to respond to the Messiah Jesus. (26) The question posed to the Jews is the same question today. Have you come out of ignorance? Have you chosen Jesus? Will you surrender to Him?
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
