12 and Peter having seen, answered unto the people, 'Men, Israelites! why wonder ye at this? or on us why look ye so earnestly, as if by our own power or piety we have made him to walk? 13 'The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, did glorify His child Jesus, whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, he having given judgment to release 'him', 14 and ye the Holy and Righteous One did deny, and desired a man—a murderer—to be granted to you, 15 and the Prince of the life ye did kill, whom God did raise out of the dead, of which we are witnesses; 16 and on the faith of his name, this one whom ye see and have known, his name made strong, even the faith that 'is' through him did give to him this perfect soundness before you all. 17 'And now, brethren, I have known that through ignorance ye did 'it', as also your rulers; 18 and God, what things before He had declared through the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ should suffer, He did thus fulfil;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 3:12-18
Commentary on Acts 3:12-18
(Read Acts 3:12-18)
Observe the difference in the manner of working the miracles. Our Lord always spoke as having Almighty power, never hesitated to receive the greatest honour that was given to him on account of his Divine miracles. But the apostles referred all to their Lord, and refused to receive any honour, except as his undeserving instruments. This shows that Jesus was one with the Father, and co-equal with Him; while the apostles knew that they were weak, sinful men, and dependent for every thing on Jesus, whose power effected the cure. Useful men must be very humble. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to thy name, give glory. Every crown must be cast at the feet of Christ. The apostle showed the Jews the greatness of their crime, but would not anger or drive them to despair. Assuredly, those who reject, refuse, or deny Christ, do it through ignorance; but this can in no case be an excuse.