Acts 3:26
Unto you first, God hauing raised vp his Sonne Iesus, sent him to blesse you, in turning away euery one of you from his iniquities. Acts 3:26 (KJV)
This verse is part of a sermon delivered by the apostle Peter after he and John healed a man who had been lame from birth. The healing had caused a great commotion, and Peter took the opportunity to speak to the astonished crowd gathered around them.
In Acts 3:26, Peter declares that God raised up His Son, Jesus Christ, and sent Him to the people.
The primary purpose of Jesus’ coming was to bring blessings to humanity. These blessings are multi‑faceted and include spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects.
First and foremost, Jesus came to offer salvation and forgiveness of sins. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provided a way for people to be reconciled to God, to have their sins forgiven, and to experience eternal life. By acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God and placing faith in Him, individuals can receive these blessings.
Additionally, Jesus came to turn people away from their iniquities or sins. He came to bring transformation and deliverance from the bondage of sin. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live a righteous and holy life, departing from their former sinful ways.
It’s important to note that Peter specifically addresses the crowd, emphasizing that these blessings were being offered to them. This highlights the historical context of the early Christian movement, which initially focused on reaching the Jewish people before extending to the Gentiles (non‑Jews).
Acts 3:26 serves as a reminder of God’s grace and mercy in sending Jesus to bless humanity. It highlights the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of turning away from sin. It also emphasizes that the message of salvation is available to all, with the invitation to accept Jesus and experience His blessings extending to people of all backgrounds.
By reflecting on this verse and its surrounding context, we can deepen our understanding of God’s love, grace, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ in the world.
