Day 7

Readings and Thoughts for Saturday, February 9, 2008

Acts 3:11-26 Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Portico

So Peter is speaking in a portico. That’s great! Just what is a portico?

It’s an entrance to a building, a walkway or porch with a roof supported by columns. There were several porticos in the ancient temple in Jerusalem. Solomon’s portico was probably on the east side of the building. Copy and paste this link into your browser to see pictures and satisfy your architectural curiosity about porticos - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portico. I think looking at a few pictures helps you to envision the scene, which is an important part of understanding or getting a feel for the story.

What is Peter speaking about in the portico? Actually, this is his second sermon in the book of Acts. Having just healed a lame man, Peter is trying to explain to the amazed crowds how this miracle took place and how they should respond to it spiritually. Not unlike the brazen Peter we remember from the Gospels, here he is strident and confrontational in his tone. “You Israelites!” he begins, and then he goes on to accuse them of responsibility for the death of Jesus, as if these particular people were themselves present in the crowd at Jesus’ trial. “You killed the author of life (Acts 3:15).” What tough words!

Having accused them, Peter then forgives them: “And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance… (Acts 3:17).” Still, there is only one appropriate response to both the miracle and the message, and that is to “Repent, therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out… (Acts 3:19).”

I wonder what John is doing throughout this scene? We know he is there with Peter. Did he play a role in the healing? The text does not tell us. Does he speak to anyone himself? Luke does not quote him at all. Is he supportive of Peter? Horrified at his tone? Does he worry about the controversy that might be caused by the inflammatory words? John has good reason to be worried – in the very next scene he and Peter are hauled before the council to defend the healing and Peter’s speech.

In a dramatic moment, are you more Peter or John? Are you at the forefront naming the issues (Peter), or are you on the sidelines diplomatically avoiding trouble (John)? Is one of these styles better for sharing the Gospel than the other? Have you ever had an encounter with a “Peter” that you found uncomfortable? Have you ever acted like John and later thought you should have been a little more Peter?