Acts 3:20

And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

Acts 3:20 (KJV)

Context

Peter spoke these words in the temple courts shortly after the healing of a lame man at the Beautiful Gate. The crowd that gathered had witnessed the miracle, and Peter used the opportunity to explain that the healing came through the power of Jesus Christ. He called the people to repent and turn to God so that their sins might be blotted out, and then he declared that God would send Jesus Christ, the one who had already been proclaimed to them.

Meaning

The Greek word translated “preached” in the King James Version carries the sense of being appointed or designated beforehand. Jesus was not an afterthought in God’s plan; He was the chosen Messiah promised through the prophets. Peter’s words point to the certainty of Christ’s coming and to God’s initiative in sending Him. The verse also reminds the listeners that they had already heard the message of salvation through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and that this same Jesus would come again.

Biblical connections

Peter’s sermon echoes the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Throughout the Scriptures, God promised to send a Redeemer, and Peter affirms that Jesus fulfills those promises. The “times of refreshing” mentioned in the surrounding verses are linked to the presence of the Lord and the sending of Christ, showing that true restoration comes through God’s work in Jesus. This connection reinforces the continuity between the apostolic preaching and the prophetic message of the Old Testament.

Application

The assurance that God has sent Jesus Christ fills believers with renewed hope. Knowing that the promised Messiah has acted on our behalf strengthens us to persevere and remain faithful amid challenges. Just as Peter proclaimed Jesus and His redemptive work, we are called to share the gospel with others, trusting that God’s promises endure. The passage also calls us to live in a manner that reflects our trust in Christ’s completed work, pursuing righteousness and growing in our relationship with God. We must rely on God’s perfect timing for all aspects of His plan, remaining steadfast and avoiding discouragement or impatience.

Reflection

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.