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I
n the above passage, Peter is speaking to aston-ished onlookers at the temple’s gate in Jerusalemwho had just witnessed him heal a “man crippled frombirth.” The man had been carried to the temple gate,where he asked people entering the temple formoney every day. Neither Peter, nor John with whomhe was with, had money to give the beggar. But theydid not ignore him. They looked straight at him, sawhis condition, and spoke to him. Peter admitted thatthey had no money to give to him, but offered to givehim what they had and said, “In the name of JesusChrist of Nazareth, walk.” They did not leave the manalone. After speaking to him, Peter then took him bythe hand and helped him walk. And the man’s feetand ankles became strong and he walked.As we reflect on this scripture in the context of bring-ing about justice for those who have been physicallyand sexually abused, let us remember that:Peter and Johnrebuke the astonished crowd that they did notheal the man by their “own power or godliness.”They remind the onlookers that the “God of ourfathers,” through Jesus, who they had disownedand handed over to be killed, is the one whomade the man strong. Let us remember that Godemploys his children to bring about justice, but it isGod who gives us strength and redemption.Peter and John had nomoney. The beggar had no money. All three wererich in faith and God redeemed them all. Godworks with what we have to redeem.In order forredemption to take place, Peter and John publiclyrecognized their relationship to and with God;and, they established a relationship with theperson who needed help.Ensuring freedomfrom the effects of sin and the sin itself can be amessy business. Recovering from physical andsexual abuse is a long process. We may findourselves in long-term and challenging relation-ships when we work with victims of abuse. We arealso called to work with the very ones who causesuch harm—sexual abusers—who also needredemption. Both often face stigmatization andrejection by society.Whatsociety meant for dead—the Author of Life—Godraised from the dead. Those who are “dead” dueto abuse—the victims and survivors—have thehope of complete healing in Jesus. Those who aredead due to sin—perpetrators—are offeredredemption and healing through Jesus.
♦♦♦♦♦
Redemption comes from God.Redemption does not discriminate based onsocio—economic status.Redemption requires relationship.Redemption requires effort.Redemption gives life to what is dead.
3400 Park Avenue SouthMinneapolis • MN • 55407(612) 819-7162www.peaceandhopeinternational.org
“...You killed the , but from the dead. Weare witnesses of this. By faith in the name of , this man whom yousee and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the that comesthrough him that has given this to him, as you can allsee..., then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out,that times of may come from the Lord, and that he may send, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.”
author of lifeauthor of lifeauthor of lifeGod raised himGod raised himGod raised himJesusJesusJesusfaithfaithfaithcomplete healingcomplete healingcomplete healingRepentRepentRepentrefreshingrefreshingrefreshingthe Christthe Christthe Christ
Acts 3:15-16; 19-20 
“A generous person will prosper; the person who refreshes others will also be refreshed.”“A generous person will prosper; the person who refreshes others will also be refreshed.”“A generous person will prosper; the person who refreshes others will also be refreshed.”
Psalm 11:25Psalm 11:25Psalm 11:25
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