NOTES for Act 3:11-26

Immediately after the healing, Peter begins preaching to the crowd that has gathered, drawn by reports of what happened; he strikes while the iron is hot. But Peter has no intention of attracting followers by flattering his audience: he is not afraid to confront his hearers with very serious accusations. Peter directly accuses those gathered of complicity in the killing of the Righteous One, the Son of God—something that should in itself have jolted them out of their familiar routine. But Peter goes on to reveal the monstrous meaning of rejecting Christ, reminding them how those gathered in Jerusalem for Passover demanded the release of a murderer, but killed the Author of life. Moses said to the people: ‘I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life, so that you and your descendants may live’ (Deut. 30:19). Many centuries later, Moses' descendants chose the way of death instead of the way of life.

But the purpose of Peter's preaching is to save sinners, not to crush them morally. So Peter gives them hope of forgiveness; he is even willing to look for mitigating circumstances for those whom he rebukes (you acted in ignorance, as did your rulers).

Still greater hope comes from the words that it was first of all to those who rejected Christ that God sent Him after the Resurrection, to bless them by turning each one away from evil deeds.