Peter begins by invoking the covenantal names of God—"The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers...". This not only establishes a connection with the rich history of God's faithfulness to Israel but also emphasizes the continuity of God's plan through the generations.
- Glorification of Jesus:
"...has glorified his Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up, and denied in the presence of Pilate when he had determined to release him."
Peter boldly declares that the God of their fathers has glorified Jesus, whom the people had delivered up and denied, even when Pilate intended to release Him. This highlights the irony of the situation—Jesus, the Servant of God, was denied by those He came to save.
- Confrontation with Denial:
"But you denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you..."
Peter confronts the crowd with their denial of the Holy and Righteous One, referring to Jesus. The juxtaposition of Jesus, the embodiment of holiness and righteousness, with the choice of a murderer reflects the gravity of their rejection.
- Declaration of Christ's Death and Resurrection:
"...and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, to which we are witnesses."
Peter does not shy away from stating the harsh reality—the people killed the Prince of life. However, he immediately introduces the hope of resurrection, declaring that God raised Jesus from the dead. The apostles, as eyewitnesses, testify to this transformative event.
Theological Significance: Redemption through Christ's Death and Resurrection
- God's Sovereign Plan:
Despite the people's denial and rejection, Peter affirms that God's sovereign plan was unfolding through Jesus' death and resurrection. The glory bestowed upon Jesus by God underscores the divine purpose in the midst of human actions.
- Holiness and Righteousness of Jesus:
The titles "Holy and Righteous One" emphasize Jesus' moral perfection. His sacrificial death stands in stark contrast to the people's preference for a murderer, highlighting the profound impact of sin.
- Resurrection as the Foundation:
The resurrection of Jesus becomes the foundation of the apostles' testimony. It validates Jesus' claims and establishes Him as the Prince of life, conquering the power of death.
Practical Implications: Repentance and Witnessing
- Call to Repentance:
Peter's words serve as a call to repentance, urging the people to recognize their denial of the Holy and Righteous One and turn to God in acknowledgment and contrition.
- Bold Witnessing:
The apostles' bold witnessing of the resurrection encourages believers to confidently proclaim the transformative power of Christ's resurrection in their own lives.
- Understanding God's Sovereignty:
This passage prompts believers to reflect on God's sovereignty in the midst of human actions. Even in moments of denial and rejection, God's plan for redemption prevails.
Cross-References:
Isaiah 53:3: "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him." Isaiah's prophecy aligns with Peter's description of Jesus being delivered up and denied by the people.
Psalm 16:10: "For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor allow your holy one to see corruption." Peter's proclamation of God raising Jesus from the dead resonates with the prophetic words of Psalm 16:10, emphasizing the incorruptibility of the Holy One.
Conclusion - The Message of Redemption and Resurrection: Acts 3:13-15 encapsulates the essence of the apostolic message—God's redemptive plan fulfilled in Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One, whose death and resurrection bring hope and life. It challenges listeners to confront their role in Jesus' rejection and invites them to embrace the transformative power of His resurrection.
Acts 3:13-15. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined to release him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, to which we are witnesses.