Peter Speaks to the Onlookers

What is good and bad about confronting another person?

Could cause some confrontation.

Could cause some hypocritical accusations to rise about yourself.

Could bring someone closer to God.

Could bring forth truth.

How did Peter set the scene to speak out against the actions of those who crucified Jesus? (v. 12-15)

He used their marvel as a means to display what they had done.

He used relative information, to which they all would have been familiar, in explaining the events of their day. This allowed them to relate to what he was saying and more-fully understand his teaching.

How does Peter preach boldly - and with love - all at the same time? (v. 16-18)

He completely acknowledges Christ before the crowd.

He acknowledges their heinous act of murder against the Son of God.

He does it lovingly by acknowledging their ignorance in doing so.

He points to the Scriptures as support of proof for the events that have unfolded.

What did Peter tell his audience to do in order to be forgiven of their sins? (v. 19)

They must repent.

What do you think Peter is portraying with these words? (v. 19-21)

Jesus must remain in heaven until the times of restoration of all things were complete.

Israel played a role in this, as their repentance and conversion could usher Jesus back.

All of this was spoken by the prophets.

How did Peter offer hope to his audience in spite of his warnings? (v. 24-26)

He tells them that they are indeed included in those whom Jesus came to save.

Jesus wants them to be saved.

What does it mean - and not mean - to be bold in encouraging others to believe in Christ?

We must not cowardly, but be willing to offer truth.

We must do so in a loving way that encourages others to sustain that truth, not turn them away from it.

What can we learn from Peter’s example about confronting others with God’s message?

God’s message needs to be heard by all people, but we must do so out of love. If we confront the lost with the truths of Christ without love, we will cause more damage than good. We could even turn their hearts away from God forever through our misconception of who He is.

Our message of love must be given in love, or it becomes contradictory to that which we preach.