Acts 1-3 To You and Your Children

by Jill Ice

If you are following the blog, you will recall that earlier this week in Matthew 27 the religious leaders brought Jesus to be put on trial.  Pilate wanted nothing to do with this judgment, but the people cried out, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.”

Now we are in Acts 2 and the Holy Spirit has come upon the 120 disciples of Jesus.  Many in the audience were amazed because each was hearing the disciples in their own language.  But there was a group of mockers claiming they were just drunk.  So Peter steps in to set them straight.

Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up. . .

Acts 2:22-24

He echoes this thought again in verse 36.

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.

Acts 2:36

The Bible says they were cut to the heart.  So they asked,

Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

Acts 2:37-38

Now the best part!

For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off. . .

Acts 2:39

Did you catch his word choices?  And do you understand the good news he is proclaiming? When Peter says that "the promise is to you [the Jews] and your children”, it could be that he is referring back to Matthew 27 where we read that the Jews, in crying out for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ cried out, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.”

Here is the good news.  Peter is telling the Jews that God is still ready to forgive those who crucified His Son and their children if they will repent and turn to Christ in faith.