Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. "People of Israel," he said, "what is so surprising about this [healing]? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — the God of all our ancestors — who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate's decision to release him."
Two things strike me as powerfully significant in our verses today. First, Peter's humble response is part of a long list of post-crucifixion humble responses by Jesus' disciples deflecting glory from themselves and toward Jesus as
Lord and Christ. Second, after so many stumbles, bumbles, and flubs by Peter in his ministry as he was learning from Jesus, he begins a new legacy. This new legacy is one of humility, service, and sacrifice (cf.
1 Peter 5:1-7). Miraculous power is amazing. The taming of an out-of-control ego and transforming it into a wonderfully humble and sacrificial leader can be even more amazing, knowing how hard personality changes can be. The
Lord Jesus changed Peter and can change us! May we, as Jesus' followers, value such humble and sacrificial leaders above those who are seeking headlines and prestige for themselves! (
John 13:12-15;
Philippians 2:1-11)
O Father, thank you for the example of Jesus who shows us that the greatest people in your kingdom are humble and sacrificial servants. O Lord, help me value such leaders and also seek to be that kind of servant in my life and ministry as well. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
![Illustration of Acts 3:12-13 NLT — Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. "People of Israel," he said, "what is so surprising about this [healing]? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — the God of all our ancestors — who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate's decision to release him."](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/24629.jpg "Illustration of Acts 3:12-13 NLT — Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. \"People of Israel,\" he said, \"what is so surprising about this [healing]? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — the God of all our ancestors — who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate's decision to release him.\"")
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