Conversation Points for Acts 3:12-19

Study Format:
1. Read passage aloud. What did you notice in the reading? What words or phrase caught your attention?
2. Read passage aloud a second time. What questions would you ask the text?
3. Read passage aloud a third time. What do you hear God calling you to do or be in response to this text?

Interesting Ideas to Consider:
• The event that preceded this speech by Peter was the healing of a beggar who was lame in front of the gate of the temple. The beggar asked Peter for alms, and Peter responded “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give to you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” And the man got up and began praising God.
• This is the second missionary speech from Peter in Acts, the first being his response to the crowd after the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost, when everyone in the crowd heard the disciples speak in their own native tongue. The parallel is made clear by Peter using the same opening address; “Men of Israel” (cf. 2:22). In both speeches, the question to the crowd is the same, how will they respond to this encounter with God?
• The speeches in Acts all sound fairly similar, touching on similar themes and following similar structures. Dr. Carey asserts that the speeches are less for historical record, but for clarifying theological significance. The speeches frequently show up after an event to explain the theological significance of the moment. The speech here responds to the crowd’s amazement at the healing they’ve just witnesses.
• The speeches in Acts ground themselves in the history of the people of Israel, the testimony of Moses and the promise made to Abraham. Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of that history.
• In this speech, Peter referred to Jesus as “the Author of life.” This is a bigger claim than the more traditional “Holy and Righteous One” to indicate not just his messianic identity, but that he has the power to heal.

Works Sourced:
Carey, Greg. “Commentary on Acts 3:12-19.” Working Preacher. . Accessed: 9 April 2018.

Wall, Robert W. “The Acts of the Apostles.” The New Interpreter’s Bible Volume X. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2002.