Acts 3: 1-17 Times of Refreshing

Acts 3: 17-21 – Times of Refreshing

17And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. 19Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, 20so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus, 21who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets.

What is happening in this text? – Peter and the other Apostles are talking to the witnesses (Israelites) just after a public healing of a well known beggar who was a cripple. They are gathered in the Columnade of Solomon, a local gathering place, not far from the Temple. Peter has asked them why they are astonished, and if they thought it was with their own power that they have healed this man; who, by the way was over 40 years old. Peter explains that it was the man’s faith in the name of Jesus as the Christ that healed the man, and then he reminds them that they chose a thief over this man and they had him killed. Peter then adds this further explanation, speaking of how they acted out of ignorance and that God was acting behind it all. Peter then beseeches them to turn towards God, to repent, so their sins could be wiped out; so that times of refreshing may come to them from the presence of the Lord.

How is this happening in the world today? - Have you seen or known of times where people have turned back, back towards their faith in God, in Christ, and have experienced refreshment? Who is “the Christ” for you? What does that term really mean to you? What does this refreshment feel like, look like? How do we discern it in our world today, if we do? Do you see anyone turning back towards God? What form does that take? How do you know when it is legitimate?

How is this about you and me? – Questions to Ponder:

1. How are you and I like a 40 yr old beggar, crippled and waiting to be given a coin to survive?
2. What do you know about “the name of Jesus the Christ” and how it refreshes, restores, causes people to walk again?
3. In this text, the Holy Spirit works through disciples. How does God work his healing and refreshing through you? Do you resist that power, or go with it? Do you take credit for it or remind people of its true source?
4. Have you ever thought of yourself as a vessel or instrument for God’s healing power? Why or why not? What needs “refreshing” in you? What turning back needs to happen to receive that?