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Acts 3:19-26            (4/27)           Apostle for Monday of the Week of Thomas

Responses to the Gospel I ~ Conversion: Acts 3:19-26, especially vs. 26: "To you first, God,
having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you
from your iniquities."

In a series of four readings in Acts, St. Luke records the varied responses to the Apostolic
proclamation of the Gospel. As we saw, Peter and John went up to the Temple for prayer at the
Ninth Hour (Acts 3:1). There they encountered a beggar (Acts 3:2-5) who had been lame for
more than forty years (Acts 4:22). God used the Apostles to heal him (Acts 3:6-10), a wonderful
miracle that drew a crowd in the large, open portico at the entrance to the Temple (Acts 3:11).

Responding to the people's evident interest, the Apostle Peter proclaimed the Gospel (vss.
3:12-18). Subsequently, his preaching evoked varied responses - from the crowd, the Apostles,
the Temple authorities, and the early Christian community.

Many in the crowd were moved to belief and commitment (today's reading). Other opportunities
to witness followed, which the Apostles used (Tuesday's reading). The Temple authorities
formulated a definite policy toward the Faith (Wednesday's reading). The Church had its own
response to all this (Thursday's reading).

The conversion of several thousand people to the Faith in response to the beggar's healing and
Apostle's proclamation are reported rather laconically by the Evangelist in one short verse (see
Acts 4:4). The present passage outlines seven steps that Peter used in his preaching to appeal to
the crowd, and which led to the conversion of "...many of those who heard the word [and]
believed..." (vs. 4:4). Reviewing Acts 3:12-18 (substantially the lesson read last Saturday), one
sees that the chief Apostle focused his proclamation on the facts of the Gospel. There follows a
natural break between vs.18 and vs.19. At that point, St. Peter began a step-by-step appeal for a
believing response. Observe the points of this invitation closely.

First, the Apostle states what is required of anyone and everyone to live the life in Christ:
repentance (vs. 19). There can be no conversion, no real Christianity, no vital commitment, no
new life, and no blessing without a fundamental change of heart and life.

Second, for anyone to repent, God must open his eyes so that he may see himself as a sinner. If
true repentance follows the revelation, godly sorrow is induced, and this leads to confession, and
the ongoing struggle to follow Christ in all ways.

Third, Divine gifts come to those who persist in repentance. Over time, God will blot out your
wrongs (vs. 19), so that you will know your sin has been "...cast into the depths of the sea..."
(Mic. 7:19). This forgiveness is experienced in many ways - cleansing, acceptance, love, joy - all
of which St. Peter summarized as "...times of refreshing" (vs. 19).

The fourth step in the Apostle's appeal was to announce the return of Christ (vss. 20, 21). In
other words, you and I are warned that we will have to face the very Jesus Who was preached in
vss. 13-18, either for complete "restoration" (vs. 21) or for condemnation (vs. 23).

In the fifth step, the Chief Apostle focuses attention on the terrible possibility of utter
destruction, separation, and rejection from the Covenant promises of God (vss. 22-24). Notice
that he underscores these two alternatives using God's continuous, consistent acts from Scripture.

Sixth, St. Peter makes a personal and reassuring appeal to all who will listen to him. Take note,
his appeal is for us! Sonship is ours; the covenant with God is ours (vs. 25).

In conclusion, the Apostle emphasizes God's promise to bless all who turn "...away...
from...iniquities" (vs. 26). He reemphasizes the primary and basic appeal - repent.

Help us, O Lord, to complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance.