Commentary on Acts 3:26

Verse Text: "To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities."

Introduction

The Book of Acts serves as a vital narrative in the early church, depicting the transition from the ministry of Christ to the active spread of the Gospel through His apostles. In Acts 3:26, a significant theological assertion is made about the role of Jesus as the Servant of God sent to bless humanity by addressing their spiritual and moral needs.

The Servant of God

Matthew Henry asserts that the term "Servant" is deeply rich in meaning, revealing Christ's humility and obedience to the will of God the Father. In this context, it points to His commissioning as the Messiah who fulfills the prophetic promise to the people of Israel. Albert Barnes emphasizes that Christ's servitude was demonstrated through His earthly ministry, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of the Cross, which was not merely an act of service but one of divine purpose.

Prophetic Fulfillment

Both Henry and Clarke underline that this verse points to Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming Messiah. The service and suffering of Jesus resonate with the themes of Isaiah, particularly Isaiah 53, where the suffering servant bears the iniquities of many. This prophetic background lends weight to the message conveyed by Peter in this passage, sealing the identity of Jesus as the awaited Redeemer.

The Blessing of God

This passage elucidates the nature of the blessings Christ brings. According to Clarke, the term "bless" denotes a restoration to divine favor and an embodiment of God's grace in the lives of individuals. Peter emphasizes that the divine initiative to bless is rooted in God's mercy, significantly aimed at the Jewish people first, representing the expanse of God's covenantal faithfulness.

• Spiritual Restoration: The text calls believers to recognize the spiritual restoration offered through Jesus. The blessing includes the turning away from iniquities, indicating that true blessing begins with repentance and the acknowledgment of sin.
• Moral Transformation: The transformation speaks to both individual and communal renewal, as emphasized by Henry. The aim of Christ's coming is not only to forgive but to empower believers to live righteously.

Turning From Iniquities

Central to this verse is the call to repentance. Albert Barnes articulates that the acknowledgment of iniquities and a turn towards righteousness is essential for experiencing the fullness of Christ's blessings. This reflects a theme prevalent in the Gospel, where Jesus invites sinners to turn away from their paths of destruction. The call to turn away from iniquities is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative, signaling a transformation of life through Christ.

The Theological Implications

Theologically, this passage underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation. It is God who sends His Servant, and it is God who works in the hearts of those who respond in faith. Henry notes that this active divine intervention should engender in believers a profound sense of gratitude and obedience to God's will.

Application for Believers

For pastors and educators, Acts 3:26 serves as a foundational text for preaching about grace, repentance, and the transformative power of the Gospel. It urges the church to consider its mission to proclaim this message of blessing to all, beginning with those who have not yet heard the good news.

• Emphasis on Evangelism: The passage invites believers to participate in God's redemptive work, emphasizing that the Gospel is not only for the elect but is extended to all who would receive it.
• Encouragement for the Repentant: Whether one is a new believer or has walked with Christ for years, the call to turn from iniquities is a continuous theme. This brings hope and encouragement that transformation is always possible.

Conclusion

Acts 3:26 encapsulates the core Gospel message: Christ, the Servant of God, was sent to bless humanity through redemption from sin. Drawing from the insights of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, we see a rich tapestry of meaning concerning the nature of Jesus’ mission. For theologians, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of God’s ongoing work in the lives of believers, urging them toward sanctification and deeper commitment to the Gospel. May the church, empowered by this understanding, continue to spread the “blessing” offered through Christ in a world desperately in need of His transformative grace.