Peter, Updated

When Peter saw the astonishment of those who had seen the lame man healed, 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? .... And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out."  (Acts 3:12; 19)

Does this sound like the Peter we all know and love? I didn't think so. The resurrection really did a number on Peter, didn't it?

There has long been discussion in the Biblical scholar community about the "unreliability" of much of the Book of Acts. The sudden "getting it together" with purpose and eloquence by the disciples.  Stephen's speech, which is a summary of the Gospel of Luke. The completely communal life of the disciples. The huge numbers of converts. Etc. Etc.

We always read through large parts of Acts during the Great Fifty Days of Easter.  And the book is in the canon.  And while Acts often is used (with certain filters) to follow the spread of the church (in conjunction with other contemporary writings), let us not skip over the theological import of this thing.

The resurrection is SUPPOSED to really do a number on us. We are supposed to be changed. We are supposed to be transformed.  Big time.

So, rock on Peter!  Rock on.