Peter’s Message of Repentance

Acts 3:17–26
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In his book I Surrender, Patrick Morley writes that the church’s integrity problem is in the misconception “that we can add Christ to our lives, but not subtract sin. It is a change in belief without a change in behavior.” He goes on to say, “It is revival … More

Repent

Peter exhorted the people and the leaders by telling them they had acted in ignorance because they didn’t recognize who Jesus is. However, Christ being crucified was a fulfillment of prophecies. Peter’s message:

It begins with a note of mercy and warning combined (vv. 17-21). It was in ignorance that the Jews perpetrated the terrible deed of the crucifixion; but that ignorance is no longer possible, and, therefore, there can be no excuse for their further rejection of Jesus.
The obligation this knowledge brings is the obligation to repent and to turn (vv. 22-23). The two words go closely together. Repent might simply mean to change one’s mind; and it is an easier thing to change one’s mind than to change one’s life. But this change of mind should result in a turning away from the old way, and a bringing forth upon a new.
This repentance will have certain consequences (vv. 24-26). It will affect the past; sins will be wiped out and it will bring times of refreshing. Into life will come something which will be a strength in weakness and a rest in weariness.

Peter is telling them, first of all, to repent of their sins (v. 19). Repentance involves a change of mind about themselves, their sin, and about the Lord Jesus Christ. They were also to be converted, which meant a change, or turning away, from their sin to exercising saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The promise that would follow was that their individual sins would be forgiven. Peter spoke of Moses and Abraham to this large crowd, but he didn’t let the national blessings take the place of the personal responsibility for each person to repent. Notice verse 26.

Application

Just as repentance was important in Acts chapter three, so is repentance necessary today, “. . . except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” I remember well when I was on board the troop ship and repented of my sin and gave my heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 3:17-26 (English Standard Version)

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