Acts 3:20

And hee shall send Iesus Christ, which before was preached vnto you. Acts 3:20 (KJV)

Peter delivered this verse in a sermon that followed the healing of a lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the temple in Jerusalem. Seizing the moment, he explained that the miracle was performed through the power of Jesus Christ and used the occasion to proclaim the gospel to the gathered crowd.

The Promise of Jesus Christ: Peter declares that God will send Jesus Christ. This declaration points to the Messiah’s original sending spoken of in the Old Testament, rather than a future sending, and it affirms that the people had already heard the message of salvation through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Fulfillment of Prophecy: Throughout the Old Testament, various prophecies spoke of the coming of the Messiah. Peter affirms that Jesus fulfills those prophecies, emphasizing that Jesus had been preached to them previously, both during His earthly ministry and in the proclamation of the gospel after His resurrection.

Hope and Expectation: The promise that God has sent Jesus Christ gives believers confidence in God’s plan of redemption. While the verse does not speak of a second coming, it brings hope by affirming the reality of salvation through Christ and assures believers of God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises.

The Good News: The mention of Jesus Christ being sent highlights the gospel—the good news of salvation through Him. It underscores that Jesus is the central figure in God’s redemptive plan and that, through faith in Him, we can experience forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life.

Application:

Renewed Hope: As believers, the assurance that God has sent Jesus Christ should fill us with renewed hope. Knowing that the promised Messiah has already acted on our behalf strengthens us to persevere and remain faithful amid challenges.

Faithful Proclamation: Just as Peter preached about Jesus and His redemptive work, we are called to share the gospel with others. We have the privilege and responsibility to proclaim the good news, trusting that God’s promises endure.

Living with Expectancy: The passage calls us to live in a manner that reflects our trust in Christ’s completed work. This involves pursuing righteousness, growing in our relationship with God, and actively participating in His kingdom.

Trusting God’s Timing: We must rely on God’s perfect timing for all aspects of His plan. His purposes are not bound by human understanding of time, so we should remain steadfast, avoiding discouragement or impatience.

Conclusion:

Acts 3:20 reminds us that God has sent Jesus Christ, who had already been preached to the listeners. This verse encourages us to live with hope, share the gospel faithfully, and trust in the fulfillment of God’s redemptive promises, honoring Him in our daily lives.