The Christians in Jerusalem are still meeting and praying at the temple, identifying themselves as followers of the Messiah promised by God through the prophets. They see themselves as true children of Abraham through their faith in Jesus and therefore visit the central place in Jewish life. It is unclear whether they are fully aware of the swift and dramatic eclipse of the temple. Interestingly, the miracle in this story happens outside the temple, which is noteworthy.

Peter and John come across a man who has been unable to walk since birth. It is emphasized that Peter and John directly and actively notice him. Peter asks the man to give them his attention. The man likely expects to receive money, but Peter and John have something far more valuable to give him. They understand that what the man truly needs is not money but Jesus. Jesus is the source of the healing. The inclusion of Jesus' hometown of Nazareth confirms that the same Jesus known to those living in Jerusalem and Judea is still working. The kingdom continues to advance through the apostles, but Jesus still performs the miracles. The healing happens instantly and has a dramatic effect. The man rises, jumps, and walks with Peter and John toward the temple. He is full of happiness and gratitude to God for the miraculous healing (3:8). The promises about the end times that Jesus made started coming true during his ministry and are still being fulfilled by his followers. Peter emphasizes this new era of fulfillment, based on Jesus being the Messiah, in his message to those who saw the miracle.

The people Peter addressed were responsible for Jesus' death at the hands of Pilate, which constitutes their rejection of Jesus and, consequently, rejection of God. Peter's accusation is severe and highlights the extent to which the people rejected Jesus, choosing to spare a condemned murderer instead. Even Pilate, a non-believing Gentile, did not find Jesus deserving of death. The people's actions resulted in the death of the "Author of life," emphasizing that Jesus, who enabled the lame man to walk, is stronger than any cross or tomb. The takeaway is that Jesus is not dead but rather the giver of resurrection life. The fact that people and rulers did not recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah does not justify his murder. Even though ignorance may be a factor, it cannot excuse their demand to put Jesus to death (instead of a murderer), especially since Pilate found him not guilty. Also, they had enough evidence of Jesus' messiahship through his teachings, miracles, and the Scriptures that prophesied his arrival. Their failure to comprehend is sufficient to hold them accountable. Peter discusses responsibility and sovereignty in his message but doesn't resolve the tension between them. His focus is not on a philosophical debate but on asserting God's plan and how it will be carried out. This plan is not to trap people in their guilt, feeling torn between God's sovereignty and their responsibility, but rather to emphasize the hopelessness of the situation, which leads to repentance. It's important to remember that salvation through Christ's death fulfills God's plan.

Peter urges the people to repent and turn away from their sins to be forgiven by God. They had been unfaithful to God, especially by rejecting Jesus. However, those who repent and believe in Christ will be renewed and refreshed. Eventually, Christ will return and restore everything. The Holy Spirit's renewal is not just a temporary thing but a way for believers to participate in the final consummation of all things. Peter affirms that Jesus is the promised Prophet from Deuteronomy 18, as he fulfills the promises and warnings in that text. By citing the command to listen to this Prophet and the consequences of rejecting him, Peter emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus. All promises of salvation and warnings for rejecting God ultimately relate to Jesus. Being Jewish alone does not prove one's faithfulness to the covenant with God. Rejecting the Messiah and prophets is also rejecting God. True descendants of Abraham are those who have faith, not just a bloodline (Gal. 3:6). Only through Jesus can God bless and turn people away from their wicked ways.