Scripture provides us with three inspired records of Peter’s proclamation of forgiveness through Jesus Christ (Acts 2, 5, 10). In each case, he declared that forgiveness was through Jesus as the One exalted by God as the supreme Authority:
Acts 2
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. . . .Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (2:36, 38).
Acts 5
“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins” (5:30-31).
Acts 10
“And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins” (10:42-43).
Peter thus proclaimed to both Jews and Gentiles forgiveness in the name of Jesus as the God-exalted supreme Authority! Lest anyone think that these three inspired records are not really authoritative for us because they are in the book of Acts, Peter also taught essentially the same truth many years later: “Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God” (1 Pet. 1:21).
Let us learn from these key statements to proclaim forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ as the One whom God has exalted to be the supreme Authority!
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I do have a problem with the claim some people make that the Book of Acts should not be used to teach doctrine. That doesn’t agree with 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is profitable for doctrine. Of course, we have to take into account the transitional nature and historical context of the book, but there are many truths in Acts that are helpful for an understanding of the person and continuation of the work of the ascended Christ (Acts 1:1).
Thank you for sharing these passages for our consideration.
You are welcome, Brad. Thanks for the feedback. I believe that our understanding of doctrine and practice continues to be impoverished to no small extent by faulty approaches to the contemporary value of Acts.