17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’ Acts 3:17-23
Even though Peter blamed the Israelites for killing Christ, he gave them an “out,” they didn’t know any better! But once again, he gives them a way to correct the situation: repent. For being a mere fisherman, Peter certainly knew how to preach a clear message.
Wouldn’t it have been interesting to obtain audio and video footage of Peter preaching this. I suspect at this point, there was probably a lot of murmurring and stirring within the crowd. After all, he was preaching against them. It wasn’t a feel-good, let’s-do-something-good-for-God message. No, it was a repent-for-the-kingdom-is-near message.
It’s a refreshing message because it was so direct. There’s no mistaking what Peter thought the people should do after he concluded his preaching.
Perhaps you’re reading this passage of Scripture for the first time. I don’t know how you came to this site, but you’re here. Do you understand the significance of Peter’s preaching? The message is as appropriate for today as it was when he preached it.
As Peter said, “repent and turn to God.” That’s the salvation message in one sentence. The details about what that means can be explained to you, but repenting is the root of salvation.
At this point you may have all sorts of questions about that. Write and ask your questions. Please. You are on this site for a reason. You did not stumble here by accident.
You are not far from the Kingdom of God. Matthew 12:34