Peter certainly had a change of heart and behaviour after the resurrection, his conversation on the beach with Jesus, and the ascension. He and John we active at the temple and one day they healed a lame beggar who went and told everyone what had happened. Obviously this stirred up interest and a crowd gathered to see who these guys were.
The old Peter might have been afraid to say anything and quietly melded into the crowd. Instead he minced no words as He addressed the assembled crowd. He told them that they were the ones who had killed Jesus. It was their fault. I can’t even imagine the response of the crowd; anger, resentment, anxiety, and even some fear must have rustled through the crowd.
I wish I could have heard Peter speak. He had a real way with words. After he told them that they were to blame for Jesus’ death He told them that though they were at fault, they did so in ignorance of what they were doing. He told them that though they killed Jesus it was all part of God’s plan.
Then we read the account of his next words to the crowd, “Repent and be converted so that your sins may be blotted out.” Peter shared with this crowd, who had part in killing His Son, that God still offered them forgiveness of sins and the refreshing that only He can offer.
Think about that for a second. The Holy, Perfect, and Righteous God sent His Son to the world to die for the sins if that world. They very crowd that sent Him to the cross was no given a chance to partake of His Love and enter in a relationship with Him. God’s enemies had a chance to be His friends!
What’s even more amazing is that the offer is still open today! We were no better than that crowd. Our sins sent Jesus to His death as surely as their actions. Praise God for Him marvellous love that offers salvation and forgiveness to His enemies!
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