The Sunday Lectionary
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Sunday, April 14, 2024: Third Sunday of Easter
Revelations of Redemption and Reassurance
Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 3)
Introduction
with Expository Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Sunday, April 14, 2024: Third Sunday of Easter
Revelations of Redemption and Reassurance
Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48
(Revised Common Lectionary Year B)
(Easter 3)
Introduction
This compilation of scriptural passages from Acts 3:12-19, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7, and Luke 24:36b-48 offers a profound journey through themes of redemption, identity, and divine reassurance. In Acts, we witness Peter's bold proclamation to the Israelites, emphasizing Jesus as the cornerstone of salvation and urging repentance and conversion. Psalm 4 complements this message with its deep sense of trust and peace in God, even amidst distress. The passage from 1 John reveals the lavish love bestowed upon us by God, calling us His children and challenging us to purify ourselves in His likeness. Finally, Luke's account of Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to His disciples bridges the Old Testament prophecies with the New Testament revelations, confirming the necessity of His suffering and opening their minds to understand the Scriptures. Together, these texts weave a tapestry of God's enduring love, the transformative power of understanding, and the path to spiritual awakening.
Today’s Lectionary Readings
First Reading
From the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 3:12-19
Health and Forgiveness Through Jesus
First Reading
From the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 3:12-19
Health and Forgiveness Through Jesus
Acts 3:12-19 presents a powerful and pivotal moment in the early Christian narrative. In this passage, Peter addresses the astonished crowd that has gathered after he healed a lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful. Seizing the opportunity to preach, Peter clarifies that this miraculous healing was not by his own power or piety, but through the name and power of Jesus Christ, whom God raised from the dead. This event leads Peter to call his audience to repentance and conversion, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy and the transformative grace available through faith in Jesus Christ. This passage, rich in theological implications, showcases the apostolic mission and the early Christian community's emphasis on Jesus as the cornerstone of God's salvific plan.3 12 When Peter saw it, he addressed the people, “You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. 14 But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you.
17 “And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out,
Expository Commentary
Verse 12: Peter immediately redirects the attention from himself and John to God. He recognizes the crowd's amazement at the healing of the lame man and challenges their misperception that human power or piety is responsible. This redirection sets the stage for the proclamation of Jesus Christ's power and divinity.
Verse 13: Peter connects the God of the Jewish ancestors with the glorification of Jesus, affirming continuity with Jewish tradition. He confronts the people with their complicity in Jesus' death, highlighting the contradiction between Pilate's inclination to release Jesus and the crowd's demand for his crucifixion.
Verses 14-15: Peter's words grow more intense, contrasting Jesus, the "Holy and Righteous One," with a murderer (Barabbas). He does not mince words about their responsibility for Jesus' death, yet emphasizes the pivotal Christian belief: Jesus’ resurrection, to which he and others are witnesses. This underscores the apostolic authority as eyewitnesses.
Verse 16: Here, the healing miracle is directly linked to faith in Jesus. Peter clarifies that the healing is a manifestation of Jesus' power and not their own. This underscores the transformative power of faith in Jesus and its tangible outcomes.
Verse 17: Peter softens his tone, acknowledging that the actions of the people and their leaders were done in ignorance. This opens a door for repentance and forgiveness, rather than casting final judgment.
Verse 18: Peter interprets the events of Jesus' suffering and death as the fulfillment of prophecy. This not only validates Jesus' mission but also frames the events within God's sovereign plan, as foretold by the prophets.
Verse 19: The climax of Peter's address is a call to repentance. He invites the listeners to turn to God for the erasure of their sins, emphasizing God's readiness to forgive. This verse encapsulates the Christian message of redemption and grace.
In summary, Acts 3:12-19 presents a powerful example of early Christian preaching, where Peter uses a miraculous healing as a springboard to proclaim the Gospel. He confronts, enlightens, and invites his audience to a transformative relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Psalm 135 is a vibrant hymn of praise that invites worshipers to glorify the Lord for His greatness and mighty acts. This Psalm stands as a profound testament to God's sovereignty, emphasizing His power over all things, both in the heavens and on earth. It serves not only as a call to worship but also as a reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and mercy towards His people. Through a litany of reasons for praise, including God's creation, deliverance, and enduring love, Psalm 135 inspires believers to reflect on the majesty and enduring presence of God in their lives.1 Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4 When you are disturbed, do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the LORD.
6 There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!”
7 You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.
8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety.
Expository Commentary
Verse 1: This verse is a direct appeal to God, emphasizing the psalmist's confidence in divine justice ("God of my right"). It reflects past experiences where God provided relief ("room") during times of distress, establishing a foundation for the current plea for grace and attention.
Verse 2: Here, the psalmist addresses his adversaries, questioning the duration of his unjust suffering. This rhetorical question underscores the futility ("vain words") and deceitfulness ("lies") of his opponents' actions, contrasting with the psalmist's pursuit of truth and honor.
Verse 3: This verse reassures believers that God distinguishes and values the faithful. It reaffirms the psalmist's belief in God's responsiveness, serving as an encouragement to maintain faithfulness amidst opposition.
Verse 4: This advice is a call for self-reflection and restraint. The psalmist advises that in times of agitation or distress, one should avoid sin and instead reflect inwardly, promoting a sense of calm and contemplation.
Verse 5: The psalmist emphasizes the importance of sincere worship ("right sacrifices") and trust in God. This verse implies that genuine religious practices, combined with faith in God, form the foundation of a righteous life.
Verse 6: This verse reflects a common yearning for God's favor and presence. It encapsulates the desire for divine blessing and guidance, acknowledging that true goodness and enlightenment come from God.
Verse 7: Here, the psalmist expresses a joy that surpasses material abundance. The gladness derived from God's presence and blessings is depicted as greater than the joy from worldly prosperity.
Verse 8: The psalm concludes with an expression of profound peace and security under God's protection. This serene trust allows the psalmist to rest, free from fear, assured of safety in God's care.
Psalm 4, therefore, is a blend of personal lament, wise counsel, and unwavering faith. It encapsulates the struggle against external adversities and internal turmoil while affirming the supreme solace and security found in a relationship with God.
In this inspiring and profound passage from 1 John 3:1-7, the text delves into the heart of Christian identity and the transformative power of God's love. As believers are called 'children of God,' the passage emphasizes the profound change in status and nature that comes from this divine affiliation. The text contrasts the world's inability to recognize this sacred identity with the believer's hope in Christ's return, suggesting a future revelation of their true selves. This section also explores the concept of sin, defining it as lawlessness and contrasting it with righteousness. It serves as a moral and spiritual guide, urging Christians to embody the purity and righteousness of Christ, who was without sin. The passage is a powerful reminder of the Christian calling to live in the light of God's love, striving for holiness and reflecting the character of Jesus in a world that often fails to recognize Him.3 1 See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. 3 And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
4 Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. 6 No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
Expository Commentary
Verse 1: This verse speaks to the immense love of God, highlighting the privilege and honor of being called His children. The concept of divine adoption is central here, emphasizing that believers are not just followers but part of God's family. The lack of recognition by the world is tied to its failure to recognize God Himself, indicating a spiritual blindness or ignorance.
Verse 2: The verse addresses believers directly as "Beloved," reinforcing their valued status. It speaks of an eschatological hope - the ultimate transformation and revelation of the believers’ true nature at Christ’s coming. This future state remains a mystery, but it is clear that it will involve a profound change, enabling believers to see Christ in His full glory and be transformed to resemble Him.
Verse 3: Here, the hope in Christ's return and transformation is linked to a call for moral and spiritual purity. The verse implies that the anticipation of being like Christ should motivate believers to live in purity, mirroring the purity of Christ.
Verse 4: This verse provides a definition of sin as lawlessness, an act of rebellion against God's commandments. It underscores the seriousness of sin, not just as a moral failing, but as a fundamental rejection of divine law and order.
Verse 5: The verse refocuses on Christ, emphasizing His sinlessness and His mission to remove sins. It reinforces the understanding of Jesus as the perfect sacrifice, unblemished by sin, and therefore capable of effectively dealing with humanity's sinfulness.
Verse 6: This verse presents a stark contrast between living in Christ and living in sin. Abiding in Christ is depicted as incompatible with a lifestyle of sin. It suggests that a true encounter or relationship with Jesus fundamentally changes a person, making sin incompatible with their new identity in Christ.
Verse 7: The author concludes this section with a warning against deception and a reiteration of the connection between righteous living and being in Christ. It's a call to adhere to the truth of the gospel and the example of Christ’s righteousness, implying that true believers will naturally exhibit righteousness in their lives.
This passage from 1 John is a powerful reflection on the nature of Christian identity, the hope of transformation, and the call to live a life of purity and righteousness in anticipation of Christ's return.
In this profound passage from Luke 24:36b-48, we witness a crucial moment of revelation and understanding in the lives of Jesus' disciples. Following His resurrection, Jesus appears before them, offering peace and dispelling doubts about His physical resurrection. He demonstrates His tangible, living presence by showing His wounds and sharing a meal, thereby reassuring the disciples of His real, bodily return from death. This moment marks a pivotal transition from confusion to clarity, as Jesus opens their minds to comprehend the Scriptures, linking His suffering, resurrection, and the proclamation of repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations, starting from Jerusalem. This passage is not just a historical account, but a powerful reminder of the transformative reality of Jesus' resurrection and its implications for faith and mission.24 36b Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37 They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.
44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
Expository Commentary
Verses 36b-37: This scene opens amidst the disciples' confusion and shock following reports of Jesus' resurrection. Jesus' sudden appearance exacerbates their fear and disbelief, prompting them to think they are seeing a ghost. His greeting, "Peace be with you," is not just a common salutation, but a profound declaration signifying the peace that comes with the knowledge of the resurrection.
Verses 38-39: Jesus addresses their fears directly, inviting them to examine His physical form as proof of His real, bodily resurrection. This moment underscores the physical reality of Jesus' resurrection, distinguishing it from mere spiritual or ghostly appearances.
Verses 40-41: The disciples' reaction is a mix of joy and disbelief, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the event. Jesus' request for food serves as further evidence of His physical resurrection, dispelling any lingering thoughts that He might be a disembodied spirit.
Verses 42-43: Jesus eating in front of the disciples is a pivotal act that cements the reality of His resurrected body. It's a simple yet profound demonstration that He is alive in a physical, tangible form.
Verses 44-45: Jesus connects His resurrection to the broader narrative of the Scriptures, emphasizing that His life, death, and resurrection were foretold and fulfill the prophecies. The opening of the disciples' minds signifies a spiritual awakening, enabling them to understand the scriptures in the light of Christ's resurrection.
Verses 46-47: Here, Jesus outlines the core of Christian proclamation: His suffering, resurrection, and the offering of repentance and forgiveness of sins to all. This commission sets the stage for the disciples' mission to spread the Gospel, starting from Jerusalem.
Verse 48: This verse serves as both an affirmation and a charge to the disciples. They are not just passive observers; they are now witnesses, entrusted with the responsibility to share what they have seen and understood about Jesus and His resurrection.
This passage from Luke is rich in theological and historical significance, highlighting the reality of Jesus' resurrection, its fulfillment of Scripture, and its implications for the disciples and all believers.
Here end the Readings
Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].
The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentaries are by Kenny Sallee, ThM, aided by ChatGPT. The biblical commentaries provided here are intended for educational and spiritual enrichment purposes only. The interpretations and insights offered are based on the authors' understanding and perspective of the Bible, which may be influenced by their theological training, denominational background, and personal beliefs.
The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year B. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, we will be in Year C. The year which ended at Advent 2023 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
