Today we read Acts 3. Here, Peter castigates the people of Jerusalem (especially the Pharisees), of whom most had rejected Jesus as the coming Messiah and had Him crucified. That many of the Jews would do this had been prophesied in the Old Testament (see verse 22). Sadly, they chose to ignore the fact that the risen Lord brings to light our hidden guilt and lifts the burden that crushes every sinner. That is why the apostles would later move beyond the Jews–and spread the Gospel among the Gentiles (to whom you, dear friends in Muslim countries, belong). *** Praise God, though Jesus’ Word points out your shame, His grace will wipe away your sin.