The scene that precedes Peter’s speech to “You Israelites”
is the healing of the lame beggar at the temple gate. “Silver or gold I do not
have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
walk.” (Acts 3:6) Now I’m sure there were some Israelites in the crowd who had
not called out “crucify” and so they can hardly be held responsible for killing
the “Author of life”. And even if Peter claims it as Gospel truth Pilate never
intended to let the peasant preacher go free. Furthermore Peter and all the disciples deserted Jesus in his most
desperate hour. But maybe Peter has forgotten his rejection of the Holy One in
the courtyard. “I tell you I do not know the man!” Then again maybe being Holy Spirit
anointed and preaching on Pentecost and becoming God’s agent
for “lame man walking” means you forget the ways you acted in ignorance.
No matter. The truth of the speech is that God will wipe the slate clean for
deniers and betrayers and those who cry crucify because that is the nature of
the God who desires “all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth”.
(1 Timothy 2:4) So turn to the One who is continually turning towards you that
your ways of denying and betraying and crying crucify might be wiped clean.
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