Study 8. Acts 3:1-26

For Thought and Discussion: The Crucifixion signified God’s curse (see Galatians 3:13). Still, what event proved that God regarded Jesus as holy and righteous, not accursed (see Acts 3:15)?

The Resurrection proved His innocence.

6. How did Peter describe Jesus in this speech (see 3:13-15,22)?

God's glorified servant (cf. Php 2:7) 

Holy and Righteous One

Author of life, resurrected from the dead 

A prophet like Moses

7. In what senses is Jesus “the author of life” (Acts 3:15) or “the Prince of life” (KJV, NASB)? (Optional: See John 1:3-4,12-13; Colossians 1:15-23; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 John 5:11-12.) 

John 1:3-4,12-13 Jesus made all things and gave them lfe. He has life in Himself.  He gave us spiritual life and made us born again by His will

Colossians 1:15-23    He made all things, sustains all things, reconciles all lthings, will save us to the end

Hebrews 2:14-15 Through death he destroyed death

1 John 5:11-12. God gave us eternal life through His Son

 

8. What does it mean that Jesus is God’s Servant (see Isaiah 52:13–53:12)? 

To suffer and bear sin, to die and to make many righteous, to live again and to be satisfied.

 cf. Isaiah 42:1–4; Isaiah 49:1–6; Isaiah 50:4–11; and Isaiah 52:13–53:12.

 

9. Because the Jews “acted in ignorance” when they disowned and killed Jesus, God will give them a second chance to repent (see 3:17). What will happen if they repent (see 3:19-21)?

"that your sins may be blotted out, ²⁰ that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus'

10. Peter tailored his speech for his fellow Jews, who had personally supported Jesus’ execution, knew the Old Testament prophecies about the servant and the prophet like Moses, and had inherited the covenant. However, what parts of Peter’s sermon could you include in explaining the gospel to unbelievers you know?

Jesus lived, died and rose again 

We are sinful. Repent. God is holy

Life 

For Thought and Discussion: 

a. What happens to any Jew who refuses to repent, turn, and listen to God’s Prophet (see Acts 3:22-23)? How is this relevant to us or to other people today? 

They will be destroyed, removed from the covenant life of their people

cf. Rom 9:12 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel,

 

b. How was the Jews’ place in God’s plan special (see Acts 3:25-26)? 

"You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ ²⁶ God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

 

cf. Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

 

c. What do Peter’s words tell you about the relationship between Christianity and Judaism? Write your answer in the “Themes in Acts” section on pages 32–34. 

Christianity fulfills Judaism

 

For Thought and Discussion: How do we share the guilt for disowning and killing Jesus? What implications does this have for us?

As aa whole, we would not have done any better than the Jews, or than Adam.

14. On the “Themes in Acts” section on pages 32–34, note what you’ve learned from 3:1-26 about the church’s mission and message and about the relationship between Christianity and Judaism.

• What is the church's mission?  Call people to repentance
  
• What is the church's message? Jesus is vindicated by God - glorified, raised. The fulfillment of OT prophecy and the one the Jews must listen to him
  
• What is the relationship between Judaism and Christianity in Acts? Jesus fulfils OT prophecy