Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. [Acts 3.1]
The question that begs to be asked from the passage above is, "Why?"
Why would Peter and John go to the Temple, the very place that embodied the very people responsible for Jesus' crucifixion?
Why not just start their own "Jesus" church? I mean, after all, they were actually with Jesus.
Let me offer some discussion for consideration here...
Peter and John realized that in everything Jesus did and taught, He remained focused that the goal was reconciliation between God and man. He even went to far as to tell His disciples not to pray to Himself, but instead to pray to God in His name. Evidently, so successful was Jesus in conveying this fact that Peter and John knew the Temple was at least significant in their continuing pursuit of God.
The statement above must be considered however in light of the fact that the very people and leadership of the Temple were indeed the same ones who crucified Jesus! This clearly speaks of Peter's and John's commitment to God in spite of "hypocrites!" Again, these were not just your average passive hypocrites, but those in fact responsible for the death of Jesus (they should have been seen as 'dangerous' to other followers of Christ!).
In Peter's and John's continuing pursuit of God, they encountered a needy human. It was this encounter with (and subsequent healing of) this needy human that caused Peter to see an opportunity to obey Jesus' instruction:
"And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things. [Luke 24.46-48]
Peter took the opportunity of attention afforded him by healing the lame man and pointed out the sins of the people in the Temple and told them:
“Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah—that he must suffer these things. Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. [Acts 3.17-19]
Consequently, at least 2000 additional believers were added to the God's family because of Peter's recognition of this opportunity.
It also led to Peter and John being thrown in jail. But even with all the threats they received, Peter and John remained focused. Here is a prayer they prayed:
And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [Acts 4.29-30]
Peter and John did not run away from trouble. They simply obeyed Jesus and preached the Good News doing the same works as Jesus (miracles). They were Kingdom-minded.
Father, help me to see Peter's and John's testimony to me and to all about single-mindedly seeking first Your Kingdom.
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