Easter Season · Third Sunday of Easter · Year B
Acts 3:12-19
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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Take it further: Acts 3:12-19
Commentary
Commentary on Acts 3:12-19 Working Preacher
Reads Peter's temple sermon after the healing, calling the crowd to repentance in the risen Jesus' name.
Acts 3 Commentary: A Lame Man Healed Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse account of the healing at the Beautiful Gate and Peter's Solomon's Portico address.
Acts 3:12 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on Peter deflecting glory from himself to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Acts 3 Commentary Precept Austin
A collated verse-by-verse study with word notes on repentance, refreshing, and the Author of life.
Acts 3:12-19 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed commentary reading Peter's temple sermon as a foretaste of God restoring everything he promised.
Background & Word Study
Acts 3:12 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word-by-word view of Peter's speech, including the terms for power and piety he disclaims.
Book of Acts Summary: Overview Video (Part 1) BibleProject
Animated overview of Acts chapters 1 to 12, setting the early Jerusalem preaching in its narrative arc.
Acts 3:1-4:31, Healing the Lame Man Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary passage summary covering the healing and the sermon that our reading draws from.
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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