Seizing The Opportunity

Act 3:11-26

Peter noticed the amazement of the people at the healing of the paralytic and took the opportunity to share the Gospel message. Notice that he first gives credit to God by clearly stating that the healing was not done in his own power. Once again we also see the boldness he has been given by the Spirit when he accuses the people of putting to death the Lord Jesus.

As you read this account pay attention to the three titles Peter gives to the Lord Jesus during his message. First he uses the title “His servant Jesus” (v. 13). This title reminds me of the passage in Phil. 2:6-8 “---although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a Cross.”

Next Peter uses the title “Holy and Righteous One” (v. 14). In Hebrews 7:26 we read “For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens.”

Finally in v. 15 Peter calls Christ the “Prince (Author) of life”. Although they killed the Author of life God raised Him from the dead.

In Jesus servanthood we see Him as man, then as the Holy and Righteous One we see Him as God and finally, as the Author of life as one who death cannot conquer, but who is risen again.

Peter’s message was clear as he simply told the people they needed to repent and to trust Jesus as their Savior. Sharing Christ is not that complicated. It is simply explaining the Gospel to others. Help them see that they have sinned and are separated from God. But Jesus, through His death paid the price for our sins and has risen and is currently with the Father in heaven preparing a place for us to dwell eternally with Him. We will do that only if we trust Him as our Savior.

You will have many opportunities to share the Gospel. I pray you will be faithful in doing that.