Acts 3:17 And now, Brethren, I believe that through ignorance you did it, as did also your rulers.
Peter was speaking to a large gathering of people at the Temple. They had all just witnessed the Healing of the crippled beggar and were eager to hear more about Jesus. Peter did not let this opportunity go by.
As the crowd gathered in Solomon’s Porch, Peter spoke the Words the Holy Spirit gave him to speak. He began by saying, Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of Life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And His Name, through faith in His Name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. And now, Brethren, I believe that through ignorance you did it, as did also your rulers. (Acts 3:12-17)
Peter gave it to them straight! He didn’t beat around the bush or mince words. He told them exactly Who performed the Miracle and all Miracles for that matter. He also reminded them that they killed Jesus, the Son of the Living God. It was them that chanted “Crucify Him” when Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him.
But then Peter seemed to give them the benefit of the doubt when he said, And now, Brethren, I believe that through ignorance you did it, as did also your rulers. (Acts 3:17) Were they acting in ignorance or did they know what they were doing? Were they just caught up in the energy of the crowd or did they actually believe Jesus was guilty of blasphemy and should be put to death?
What about the rulers? Where did they stand on this issue? What did they believe? We know what Pilate said and did. When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the Blood of this Just Person. You see to it.” (Matthew 27:24)
We don’t know the hearts of all these people but we do know that Peter called them all to repentance for the Crucifixion of Jesus. I’m sure that some of the people in the Temple that day were not in the crowd changing “Crucify Him.” But, Peter was holding them all accountable.
It was the nation of Israel who Crucified the Son of God; all the people were guilty and needed to repent for the actions of the rulers and those who truly wanted Jesus crucified. Given this information, are we as Americans responsible for the evil deeds of our rulers? Are we guilty of murdering 70 million unborn babies simply because we live in America? Are we responsible for the legalization of same-sex marriage made by the Supreme Court? Are we responsible for the Bible and Prayer being taken out of our schools and other public places?
Peter called the entire Nation of Israel to repentance. Perhaps it’s time to call the whole nation of America to repentance. While we may not be personally responsible, we must take some responsibility for the actions and decisions of our rulers. After all, they represent us, the people of America.
My friends, this is why our elections are so important. We put these people in office to represent us and make decisions for our whole nation. I believe God does hold us responsible and I believe He is calling all of America to repentance at this time. I welcome your feedback on this.
Repentance will……….turn the tide……..in a nation.
Forgive me Lord and forgive our nation, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
