What does Peter's testimony in Acts 3:15 teach about witnessing for Christ today? The Setting Acts 3 opens with Peter and John healing a lame beggar at the temple gate. A crowd gathers, amazed. Peter seizes the moment, proclaiming Jesus as the crucified, risen Messiah. The Heart of Peter’s Testimony Acts 3:15: “You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we are witnesses of this fact.” Key Lessons for Today’s Witness • Center on Christ, not self – Peter speaks almost nothing about himself; Jesus is the theme (cf. Acts 4:12). – A faithful witness highlights Christ’s person, death, and resurrection. • Speak the hard truth in love – Peter names sin plainly: “You killed the Author of life.” – Genuine witness confronts sin yet offers hope (Acts 3:19). • Proclaim the resurrection as historical fact – “God raised Him… we are witnesses.” – Christian witness rests on verifiable, bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). • Testify from firsthand experience – “We are witnesses” implies personal encounter (Acts 1:21-22). – Share what Christ has done in Scripture and in your life (1 John 1:1-3). • Depend on Spirit-given boldness – Moments earlier, Peter was empowered by the Spirit (Acts 2:4). – Today the same Spirit equips believers (Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7-8). • Expect opposition yet trust God’s vindication – The crowd included those who condemned Jesus; still Peter spoke. – Faithful witness leaves results with God (Romans 1:16). Practical Takeaways 1. Keep the gospel at the center—Christ crucified and risen. 2. Address sin honestly, offering repentance and forgiveness. 3. Share personal and biblical evidence of the risen Lord. 4. Rely on the Holy Spirit for courage and clarity. 5. Persevere, knowing God honors truth proclaimed in love. |
    |