NOTES for Act 5:27-33
It would seem that we are accustomed to understanding the Cross and Resurrection as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. Yes, the author of Acts speaks of this (see Acts 5:31), but he immediately mentions repentance as well. This is astonishing! We understand that the Lord came into the world so that we might repent and receive Him and the Father, but the fact that He also rises in order “to give repentance to Israel” (and then to all who live) may escape our attention. On the other hand, how could it be otherwise? A mission is a mission, and it is carried out by every possible means! Indeed, when we look at the events described in Acts and the growth in the number of believers in the Church (see, for example, Acts 2:41, 5:14, 17:4), we see that people repent precisely after hearing the news of the crucified and risen Lord. The news that Someone came for your salvation and was killed through your own fault, yet rose again despite this, strikes a person deeply. And if that person listens to this news and truly hears it, acknowledging Jesus as Savior, the Lord does not delay in rejoicing over the hundredth sheep that has been found (see Mt 18:12-14).