Easter Season · Third Sunday of Easter · Year B
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Peter Speaks to the Onlookers
April 11, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19)
Luke’s report of Peter’s speech in Solomon’s Colonnade very likely contains a genuine recollection of what was actually said on this occasion. But in any case we may regard it as typical of what was generally said at this time by Christians in their approach to Jews. The speech exhibits a more developed Christology than that of the Pentecost address—or at least the Christology is expressed in far richer terms, though these are still distinctively Jewish and of the earliest period of the church. Here Peter stresses the role of Jesus as the Suffering Servant of God and as the Prophet-like-Moses who must be obeyed. “The chosen people with whom God covenanted are challenged to acknowledge Jesus as the fulfillment of ancient prophecy and promises, and are given this chance to return to God before Messiah comes again to bring God’s purposes to fruition” (Neil, p. 84).
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Commentary
Acts 3 Commentary: A Lame Man Healed Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik works through Peter's Portico sermon, where he names Jesus as the Author of life whom God raised from the dead.
Acts 3:13 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered on Peter's charge that they killed the Author of life and on his call to repent.
Acts 3 Commentary (Precept Austin) Precept Austin
A verse-by-verse study with word notes and cross references across Peter's speech in Solomon's portico.
Acts 3:12-19 (Center for Excellence in Preaching) Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary reading Peter's appeal as ignorance answered by the fulfilled promise of God.
Commentary on Acts 3:12-19 Working Preacher
A Luther Seminary scholar on Peter turning the crowd from the past to a future of repentance and restoration.
Agape Bible Study: Third Sunday of Easter (Cycle B) Agape Bible Study
A Catholic verse-by-verse study of all four Sunday readings with historical background on Peter's temple sermon.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What does Peter preach after the healing?
When the crowd marvels at the healed lame man, Peter turns their wonder to Christ: the Author of life whom they crucified God raised, and he calls them to repent and be restored.
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