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After a three hour hiatus at a rest area outside of Needles, Arizona, we made it home by noon today, only to find our internet service down. I'll get the timing better next week!

This week we need to look through the rest of Acts 3, Acts 3:11-26, Peter's second speech in Acts, this one after the healing of the lame man. A helpful approach may be to compare and contrast this sermon with that in Acts 2, both in terms of the occasion and its content.

The passage can be divided into

(1) v. 11-12: The occasion: What happens as a result of the man's healing? How does this provide Peter an "in" to address the audience? Who is the audience?

(2) vv. 13-18: An accusation: How does Peter speak to this group? Why? What is the healing of the man show in relationship to their previous actions?

(3) vv. 19-26: Call to Repentance: What does "repentance" and "conversion" entail here? What will be the results of their repentance, for them and for all things? Why must this repentance begin with them?

As you reflect together about this episode, what are you noticing about the beginnings of the church that you have been pulled into by the grace of God? What is repentance, conversion, and faith for you as well? What are the ways that we can be a "blessing" to all nations as well?

Enjoy the evenings! I'm looking foward to seeing everyone soon!

Posted by johnwright at June 29, 2005 3:28 PM