Miracle at the prayer meeting, Pt2 Acts 3:12-26
Peter takes occasion to preach to the gathering crowd in the Temple. The consternation caused by the miraculous healing of the lame man has caused a large crowd to gather around Peter and John. Peter takes advantage of their curiosity and wonder to preach Christ to them.
We should ever be ready to speak of Christ when men show an interest. Like the lame man, the Christian’s walk should be such as to excite questions that give a platform to speak of the miracle of grace we have experienced.
Peter’s message gives us the doctrinal backdrop to the miracle. Here is the theology and teaching that the miracle simply highlighted.
I AN EXPLANATION OF THE MIRACLE.
Cp v12-16.
No power in themselves, v12. Peter addresses common misconceptions about this matter. The power of God is often ascribed to the power or holiness of the individual. While God uses holy men, it is never that personal holiness that is the efficient cause of change in another’s life. Peter is careful from the outset to avoid any such idea. Even in the man God uses, as well as in the onlooker, there is this danger to be avoided! Cp 10:25-26, 14:11-15.
A work of God for the glory of Christ, v13. Peter explains the root cause of the miracle in this statement.
A contrast with their actions towards the Saviour, v13, 15. God’s work in healing this lame man underscores the difference between God’s view of Christ and theirs. God glorified Him while they denied and killed Him.
Vindication of His holy, just and Divine character. The miracle, as explained by Peter vindicates and magnifies these aspects of the person and work of Christ. He is the Holy, Just…Son…who is the ‘author’ of life.
A proof of His resurrection, v15-16. The witness of this man’s experience is joined with the witness of the Apostles, to the fact that Christ is alive.
The miracle was experienced as the lame man believed Christ. Faith in Christ leads to an experience of the life-changing power of God. The physical change seen here is only an illustration of the spiritual change effected as a sinner trusts the Saviour.
The object the faith. The identity—or name—of Christ is the object of faith. What He is and what He has done.
The source of faith. Peter is careful to reference this truth. True saving faith is the gift of God. Faith is not a human product. Cp Eph 2:8-9. Every part of the salvation of a sinner depends on the gracious work of God in him.
II AN EXHORTATION.
Cp v17-19.
He speaks to ignorant men, v17. Peter recognizes their actions toward the Saviour were driven by ignorance. He urges them to recognize the same fact! Their ignorance was inexcusable and sinful.
The revealed purpose of God, v18. Through all of His prophets, the Lord had revealed the suffering of Christ, v18. Cp 1Pet 1:10-11. Peter is calling these hearers to consider the Scriptures and the revealed message of redemption through Christ.
Repent, v19. Despite ignorance and despite the sovereign purpose of God, they were guilty and needed to repent in order to obtain forgiveness. Sin committed against Christ can be blotted out!
Be converted, v19. There is a change that only grace can make to a sinner! Conversion is viewed here from the perspective of God’s action. True, saving repentance is to be seen as an aspect of God’s work of conversion.
III AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION AS MOTIVATION.
The coming of Christ. Several aspects of this great event are referenced by Peter as a motivation to get right with God now.
The times of refreshing…restitution of all things, v19, 21. Cp Matt 19:28. Here is an overview of what the Saviour is returning from Heaven to do. The climax of God’s redemptive purpose in earth and in heaven is seen. This, in very broad strokes, describes the experience of the penitent and pardoned as Jesus comes again.
A day of judgement and wrath for the wicked, v23.
This is the message of all the prophets, v18, 21, 24. The message of the sufferings of Christ followed by His glory saturates Scripture.
Christ is the fulfillment of all the prophets spoke and wrote. He is seen to be the promised seed, v25-26. He alone is the means of removing sin and preparing men for the day of His return.