Empowered Witness Week Nine: The People vs. The Unbelieving Jews: The Trial of Ignorance and Redemption
The People vs. The Unbelieving Jews: The Trial of Ignorance and Redemption • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. 17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
This is Peter’s second sermon. What stands out about this sermon is it’s lack of political correctness and sensitivity that was delivered to its hearers. This is the kind of sermon that is counter-culture today, preach this sermon today and you just might end up in jail.
1. Peter Addresses the Crowd (Acts 3:11-16)
1. Peter Addresses the Crowd (Acts 3:11-16)
Point 1: The Miracle and Its Significance
The Astonishment of the People
11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?
The crowd’s amazement highlights their recognition of the miracle. Peter seizes this moment to redirect their astonishment from himself and John to the true source of the miracle.
The Source of the Healing
Peter makes it a point to first point out the miracle of healing the affliction, then quickly points out the one who is responsible for healing the affliction, then he points out the astonished response of the people.
This is a pattern of Peter. For those who study Greek one of the first words that you learn is thaumazō meaning to be amazed or astonished. So there is a method to Peter’s theology and a message.
The method is to always point to the message, the “Good News” Jesus Christ!
Scripture (Acts 3:13-16
13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.
Peter holds nothing back here and he has a lot to say, all which is dangerous at this time.
Let’s take this scripture and make it a court case. Here are the players:
On the docket today is The People vs. The Unbelieving Jews: The Trial of Ignorance and Redemption
Court Case #
Prosecutor: Peter: Apostle of Jesus Christ
Defendant: The Unbelieving Jews
Opening Statement
Peter (Prosecutor):
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today we gather to examine the actions of the defendant, the unbelieving Jews, in relation to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I present to you the evidence that will demonstrate their complicity and the ultimate power and authority vested in Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One."
Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury
Evidence Presentation:
Peter (Prosecutor):"First, let us establish the background and identity of the one whom the defendant has wronged."
First-Hand Witness of Jesus Ministry
Witnessed Miracles
Leadership Role in Early Christianity
Spokesperson of the Apostles
Eyewitness Testimony of the Risen Christ
Performer of Miracles
Divine Commission and Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
Consistency and Integrity
Exhibit A: The Identity of Jesus
Scripture: "The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus" (Acts 3:13a).
Argument: The God of our ancestors, whom we all worship, has chosen and glorified Jesus. This validates His divine mission and authority.
Exhibit B: The Betrayal by the Defendants
Scripture: "whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him" (Acts 3:13b).
Argument: Despite Pilate’s intention to release Jesus, the defendants actively chose to deliver and deny Him, highlighting their rejection of the divine plan.
Exhibit C: Denial of the Holy and Righteous One
Scripture: "But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you" (Acts 3:14).
Argument: The defendants chose Barabbas, a known murderer, over Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One. This deliberate choice underscores their refusal to recognize Jesus' sanctity and righteousness.
Exhibit D: The Crucifixion and Its Consequence
Scripture: "and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses" (Acts 3:15).
Argument: The defendants are responsible for the death of Jesus, the Author of life. However, God’s power is affirmed by His resurrection, witnessed by many.
Exhibit E: The Power in Jesus' Name
Scripture: "And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all" (Acts 3:16).
Argument: The miraculous healing of the lame man is a testament to the power of faith in Jesus’ name. This irrefutable evidence showcases the divine authority and power vested in Jesus.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the defendant’s will tell you that they are ignorant of the facts
Ignorance and Repentance
Sub-point 2.1: The Role of Ignorance
Scripture (Acts 3:17
17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
Exegesis: Peter acknowledges the ignorance of the people and their leaders in crucifying Jesus.
Listen to the next verse
18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled.
Agnostos: without knowledge.
This is important here. An agnostic is someone who holds the view that a deity such as God is unknowable.
The Latin translation of agnostos is ignoramus: its the same thing as saying, “god if you would have made yourself known to me, if you would have just shown me a miracle, given me sufficient data I would have been your most faithful supporter.
The problem is that for every moment of the agnostics existence heaven has been declaring the glory of God. Every human being knows that God exist, the argument isn’t do we know Him its that they refuse to acknowledge Him.
20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
There is no excuse, we are not without knowledge.
This acknowledgment opens a path for their repentance by mitigating their guilt to some extent.
The Trial Resumes
The Trial Resumes
Peter (Prosecutor):"Now, let us consider the mitigating circumstances and the opportunity for redemption."
Exhibit F: The Role of Ignorance
Scripture:
17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
Argument: The defendants acted in ignorance, a fact acknowledged by the prosecution. However, this ignorance was not entirely innocent. The scriptures and prophecies regarding the Messiah were well known to them. Their ignorance was a form of willful ignorance, as they chose to disregard the signs and teachings that pointed to Jesus as the Christ.
Illustration of driving in NC
Exhibit G: The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Scripture:
18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled.
Argument: The suffering and death of Jesus were foretold by the prophets, fulfilling God’s divine plan. This demonstrates that even the actions of the defendants were within God’s sovereign design. Despite the availability of this knowledge, the defendants chose to remain in ignorance.
They refused to acknowledge Jesus
The Call to Repent and Turn Back
The Call to Repent and Turn Back
Scripture
18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
Exegesis: Peter calls for repentance, promising that it will lead to forgiveness and spiritual renewal. He connects Jesus' suffering and resurrection with the fulfillment of prophecy, encouraging the audience to realign with God’s redemptive plan.
Nugget 2: Repentance opens the door to God’s restoration.
3. Jesus, the Promised Prophet (Acts 3:22-26
22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury
The Prophecy of Moses has been fulfilled
Sub-point 3.1: The Promise of a Prophet Like Moses
Exegesis: Peter references Moses’ prophecy to validate Jesus’ role as the anticipated prophet. He stresses the importance of heeding Jesus’ words to avoid judgment.
The Blessing of Turning from Wickedness
Scripture (Acts 3:25-26
25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”
Nugget 3: Jesus fulfills God’s promises and brings blessings through obedience.
Closing Argument:
Peter (Prosecutor):
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the evidence is clear and compelling. The defendants, through their actions, have denied and crucified Jesus. Yet, the undeniable power in His name has brought healing and restoration. Their ignorance is acknowledged, but it was a knowing ignorance, a choice to overlook the prophetic evidence pointing to Jesus as the Messiah. The suffering of Jesus was foretold by the prophets, fulfilling God’s plan. Therefore, I urge the defendants to repent, turn back, and embrace the promise of spiritual renewal and restoration. The transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate remedy for their unbelief."
Verdict:
The jury is left to consider the overwhelming evidence of the defendants’ actions and the undeniable power of Jesus Christ as presented by the prosecutor, Peter. The call to repentance and faith in Jesus stands as the ultimate remedy for the defendants’ willful ignorance, offering them the opportunity for forgiveness and renewal.
Now the real people on trial is us…Are we standing in the mist of the glory of God and not acknowledging Jesus.
Repent, turn and live in freedom.