Acts 3:17-26 - A Time for Repentance

Having stirred the hearts of the people for their parts in the crucifixion of Jesus, Peter was now ready to  make the appeal. While they were ignorant they were not innocent.

In one sense they were ignorant of God’s ultimate purpose. For they did not know why God sent His Son into the world to die. But on the other hand, they were not innocent in that they participated in putting Him to death. The rulers were guilty, so also were the followers.

Isn't it quite like what's happening today? Many people would wilfully follow their leaders blindly, to travel down the alley of errors. Even if they claim ignorance, they will not be excused for participating in the errors. They are in need of repentance.

However, Peter saw their ignorance as mitigating factors for their actions. Since they were ignorant, it certainly would make it  easier for them to respond to the offer and repent.

Peter told them that they had misunderstood the prophecies God had sent through His prophets, concerning the sufferings of the Christ. Those prophecies clearly stated that evil would be overecome through Christ's sufferings.

Hence,  they should now repent, both leaders and followers, so that their sins might be blotted out and they could have a time of refreshing that would come from the presence of the Lord.

In verses 20-21, Peter probably meant  that the people's repentance from evil and turning to the Lord would hasten His return. When He returns He would bring restoration and a time of refreshing.

Since the Jews had high regard for Moses, Peter then quoted him to show that the prophecy he had made refers to Jesus. Peter also reminded them of the  warning in the prophecy. It sternly warned that those who would not take heed to Jesus were in danger of destruction. They would be wiped out from among His people.

Besides quoting Moses, Peter also referred to Samuel and other prophets, indicating that they all foretold of what they were experiencing. The Jews were heirs of the prophets and the covenant God had made with their fathers.

God had specifically told Abraham that He would bless him and through his offsprings all the nations would be blessed. With that Peter pointed out that God first sent this message to the Jews.    
In the climax of his sermon, Peter reaffirmed the resurrection of Christ. From Him and other disciples and faithful followers, the ministry continues. In the preaching and teaching of the Christ, people would be turned away from their wickedness.

No wonder Paul said,"And... I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:1-2)

This great sermon of Peter arose from the healing of a cripple. He said to the cripple, "Silver and gold I have none." The church today can certainly not say that, for we have plenty. But thankfully and hopefully, as we trust in Jesus and His resurrected power, we can say convincingly, "In the name of Jesus, arise and walk!"