“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.” – Acts 2:22-24, NLT.
Sometimes–as followers of Christ–we are called to boldness. In today’s Scripture, I am citing a bold word that the Apostle Peter proclaimed to a Jewish audience. He does not pull any punches. “...you nailed him to a cross and killed him” (vv.23b).
He goes on to say later in this Pentecost sermon (2:36-38, NLT):
“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Notice that the Apostle Peter is not about making the Jews feel comfortable. He is not about saying it was “no big deal” that they killed Jesus. No.
He calls them out for their sinful actions. And he tells them first to repent and then to turn to God.
I suggest as pastors and Christian leaders that this is a good model to follow in addressing adultery. Call it for what it is:
“You committed adultery against your husband/wife and God.”
“God is calling you to repent and turn back to Him.”
“Here are some actions to take [i.e. like baptism] that will demonstrate you have repented and signify that to all.”
Boldness is not unchristian. Calling out sin and calling people to repentance is very Biblical. Let’s start walking in the example set by the Apostle Peter.
Call out the adulterer or adulteress.
Name the sin.
And then watch as the Holy Spirit moves…
