Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

–Parallel verses:
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭16‬
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

I love that Peter had prepared his message ahead of time, so that he was ready to give a reason for the hope he had in life and this miraculous event at Pentecost. He later in I Peter instructs Christ-followers to also be ready to share the truth about their hope in Jesus.

He now gives a quick, brief summary of the events that led up to this time. Here is my paraphrase: Jesus, God’s Son, as demonstrated by numerous miracles, signs, and wonders, was handed over to the Jews by God’s deliberate plan. And the Jews there, along with the Jewish leaders, came up with the evil plan to kill this innocent and sinless man, by nailing him on a cross. But God raised him from the dead, as death had no power over him. What is your paraphrase or brief statement of faith?

It is so important to share the truth about Jesus, we should rehearse it and practice it, because we never know when God will present us an opportunity to share it and save a lost soul.

A few months back, I got nominated for an award in our city. I was invited to the annual gala, and they surprised me with the recognition. I had no prepared speech but was able to give a message giving God the credit for all of the service work I do (and some credit to my wife, kids, and friends). I was also able to encourage these business leaders to walk through life asking for help in the hard times from God and their friends.

I am glad I was prepared for this. What else can I prepare for?

Lord, teach us to be prepared in and out of season to share the reason for our faith and belief in you. May we proclaim your goodness and faithfulness as we share. Thank you for Peter and his precise accounting of your time in ministry on the earth.