Mistaken Identity

Acts 3:11-26

I. Introduction

1.  According to Peter, Jesus was executed through ignorance! (v. 17)

2.  Because the Jewish people failed to fully grasp who Jesus really was, Peter explains three aspects of Jesus’ identity from the Old Testament Scriptures

II. Jesus is the Servant of God  (vv. 13, 26)

1.  Isaiah prophesied a “servant” of the Lord:

• Who is called “Righteous” (Is 53:11 cf. Acts 3:14)
• Who would be exalted (Is 52:13 cf. Ac 3:13
• Who would be rejected (Is 53:3 cf. Ac 3:13-15)
• Who would suffer for sins (Is 53:4-6 cf. Ac 3:18-19)

2.  Paradox of the Lord’s ‘servant’:

• Exaltation comes through suffering
• God’s plan of salvation comes through human sinfulness and disobedience  (v. 17-18)

III.  Jesus is the Prophet Like Moses (vv. 22-24)

1.  Moses was the greatest Prophet in the Old Testament

• Delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt
• Mediated the Law on Sinai
• Spoke with God ‘face to face’
• Functioned as a Prophet, Priest and King

2.  Moses spoke of another special prophet that the Jewish people were to expect (Deuteronomy 18:15-19 cf. John 1:21, 6:14, 7:40)

3.  Jesus is the Prophet greater than Moses!

• Delivered His people from slavery to sin
• Mediated a New and better Covenant
• Came from the Father and is one with the Father
• Fulfilled the role of Prophet, Priest and King

IV. Jesus is the Seed of Abraham (vv. 25-26)

1.  God promised Abraham that through his “seed” all families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3, 22:18)

2.  Peter identifies Jesus as the promised “seed” (v.26 cf. Galatians 3:16)

3.  Through the ‘seed of Abraham’, the Gentile nations were included in God’s gracious covenant

V. Conclusion/ Application

1.  The times of ignorance have now come to an end.  Those who reject God’s clear testimony about Jesus will have no second chance to repent.

2.  Like Peter, we must know who Jesus is so that we can help others come to know Him too