Upcoming Sunday Scripture Commentary - April 19

Sermon (April 19) - "Use Your Words"

Acts 3:12-19

The reason that Peter and John were able to heal a man wasn't because of them but because of Christ's healing power working through them!

V. 13 - Why does Peter refer to God as the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? This comes from the story of Moses and God in Exodus chapter 3.  Peter is saying that just as God used Moses to free their people from slavery centuries earlier, God is rescuing his people in the present as well!

Peter also lists some important aspects about who Jesus is in this passage:
1. Jesus is an innocent servant. He was put to death for our sake even though he was innocent.
2. Jesus is the Holy One. This title is used throughout Acts. See 4:27, 30; 7:52; & 22:14. Jesus was totally God-centered throughout his ministry.
3. Jesus is the Prince of Life. The word "prince" means "initiator." Jesus is the one who initiates life and this was most evident through his victory over sin and death on the cross.

Peter emphasizes that new life is possible through the name of Jesus. Jesus makes it possible for us to be made whole.

Luke 24:36b-48

This is a passage to help us know the mission of the church.  We are to share the good news of Jesus' resurrection with the world.

What does this mean? Repentance & forgiveness - This is what leads to wholeness and love. This is what can literally change the world! This doesn't just happen at an individual level but at a larger level like in the area of race relations and other national and global injustices.

V. 48 - We are witnesses. Being a witness means sharing our faith. How has God been active in your life? Where has God provided forgiveness, healing, and wholeness? Share these holy encounters with others.

V. 53 - Notice that the Gospel of Luke begins (1:8) and ends in the Temple! Creative!

[Note: The resources used for these scripture reading commentaries are based on the Everyone series by NT Wright, Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary, The Wesley Study Bible, and the “Montreal-Anglican”lectionary commentaries.]