BIBLE LESSON

“You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.” — Acts 3:14-15

The Apostle Peter preached his second sermon in the Book of Acts after Jesus healed a lame man through Peter’s faith. When the crowds at the temple rushed to see the man running, leaping and praising God, Peter said it was not by his power or godliness that the man could walk; then, Peter took the opportunity to teach them more about Jesus the Messiah and the power of faith in Him. Peter gave Jesus titles that were appropriate for God alone. Jesus had said, “There is only One who is good,” meaning “God” (Matthew 19:17). Inspired by the Holy Spirit and based on his experience with Jesus and Jesus’ teaching, Peter declared that because Jesus is God He is far more than just good. Jesus is Holy, which means in and of himself Jesus is morally perfect, always doing the will of His Father in heaven; therefore, Jesus has never sinned. Jesus is Righteous, which means Jesus always acts according to the divine moral law, the law of love; therefore, everything Jesus declares and does is just and merciful with perfect balance. As the Son of God, Jesus has no guilt, shame, or sin; He does everything with the love and infinite wisdom of God. Additionally, Jesus is the Author of Life. All life begins through Him, and He sustains all life moment-by-moment by His loving power. Though they and their leaders had murdered Jesus, God had raised Jesus from the dead; therefore, through their repentance and faith in Jesus, God could justly forgive them.

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