You Killed the Author of Life, But God Offers You Mercy

Acts 3:12–26 – A Message Our Generation Still Needs to Hear

Peter’s bold words in Acts 3 cut through all the religious noise of his day, and they still do. He didn’t flatter the crowd. He didn’t excuse their ignorance. He stood up, filled with the Spirit, and told the truth: “You killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead.” That is not soft preaching. That is divine confrontation. And it is exactly what this generation needs again.

The world still doesn’t know who Jesus really is. Some think He was just a good teacher, a revolutionary, a prophet, or a moral influence. Others follow false versions of Him taught by deceivers who twist the Scriptures to fit their agendas. But none of that changes the truth. Jesus is the Holy and Righteous One. He is the Christ that God promised through the prophets. He is the One who was sent to suffer, die, and rise again, not because He sinned, but because we did.

Peter told them the truth they needed to hear: you rejected the Savior, and you chose a murderer instead. The same thing happens today. People still reject Christ and cling to their sin, their religion, their pride. They stare in wonder at blessings, miracles, and even the power of God at work, but they miss the point. It is not about the people being used, it is about Jesus Christ. He alone is the one who heals, saves, and restores.

The miracle that day was not just a lame man walking. The real miracle is that God still offers mercy to those who rebelled against Him. Peter said, “I know you acted in ignorance.” That ignorance didn’t excuse them, but it opened the door for grace. And God is still doing that today. He offers mercy to the mockers, forgiveness to the proud, and life to those who have spent their whole lives rejecting Him.

But here is the condition, and it cannot be bypassed: “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” God is not asking you to try harder. He is commanding you to turn from your sin and believe in the name of Jesus, the only name by which anyone can be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is not just a historical figure, He is the risen Lord, seated in heaven until the time of restoration comes. And when He returns, He is not coming back to offer peace, He is coming to judge.

Moses said clearly, “Every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed.” This is not optional. If you reject Jesus, you reject life. If you twist His words or follow a false Christ, you will perish. That is not hate speech, it is the truth from the mouth of God.

But here’s the hope: God raised up His servant Jesus to bless you by turning you away from your wickedness. That is the real blessing, not health, not wealth, not spiritual experiences, but a new heart that turns away from sin and turns to God. That’s the offer on the table. And it’s only available through Jesus Christ.

If you have been deceived, repent. If you have been blind to who He is, open your eyes. If you’ve denied Him in the past, He is still willing to forgive you right now. But do not harden your heart. This same Jesus, whom the world killed, is alive. And He is calling you to turn, believe, and be saved, before it’s too late.

Read / Listen

2 Samuel 23:24-24:25
Acts 3:1-26
Psalm 123:1-4
Proverbs 16:21-23


New Testament: Acts 3:1-26
    

Summary: 
The Lame Beggar Healed
Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Portico

 

Acts 3:6

Acts 3:6

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” ~ Acts 3:6

 

… and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.
~ Acts 3:15

As a result of the Holy Spirit coming to help Peter, he has changed a great deal. In fact, he was speaking to the very people who wanted to kill Jesus because he claimed to be equal to the Father. Peter told them to repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit to help us tell people about the Gospel boldly.

 

 

Overview: Acts 1-12  Click Here to Watch Video

 

Listen to John MacArthur on today’s scripture below

 
God’s Purpose for Miracles
 Acts 3:1–11

 

Peter Preaches Christ
 Acts 3:11–18
 

The Name Above Every Name: Jesus

There is no name like the name of Jesus. That’s not a religious slogan, it’s the absolute truth from Scripture. In Acts 3, Peter makes it clear that the lame man wasn’t healed by power or human goodness, but by faith in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. That same name, the name that our world mocks, abuses, ignores, or misunderstands, is still the only name by which anyone can be saved (Acts 4:12).

Peter didn’t preach about himself. He didn’t offer a motivational speech or a self-help message. He preached Jesus. Boldly. Repeatedly. Without apology. The result? Thousands were convicted of sin, repented, and were saved. Why? Because Jesus is not just a name to be admired, He is the risen Lord who was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. He is the Servant glorified by God, the Holy One and the Just, the Prince of Life who was rejected and killed by the very people He came to save.

And yet, despite their ignorance, rebellion, and guilt, Peter doesn’t stop at condemnation. He offers hope. “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” The very people who denied Christ were given the chance to be forgiven by Him. That is grace. That is mercy. And that offer still stands today.

If you don’t know who Jesus really is, now is the time to find out. He is not just a teacher, a prophet, or a good man. He is the Savior, the Son of God, the Judge of all the earth. His name isn’t magic, but it carries all authority in heaven and on earth. Through faith in His name, you can be healed, spiritually, eternally, and completely.

And if you are a false teacher misusing His name, leading people into deception, or offering a gospel without repentance, beware. God is not mocked. You may use His name now, but unless you turn to Him in truth, you will one day face Him in judgment.

The name of Jesus is not one name among many. It is the name. There is salvation in no other. Preach that name, believe that name, trust that name, and never be ashamed of it.

Click here to read this entire sermon or listen to it.

 
 
Confronting the Murderers of Christ, Part 1
 Acts 3:12–18
 
   
     
   
Dr. J. Vernon McGee - Thru the Bible

Dr. J. Vernon McGee – Thru the Bible

 

Acts – J Vernon Mcgee – Thru the Bible

 

 

 

 
Truth

Truth

 
 
 
 
 
 

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