What did God send the raised-up Jesus to do for Israel in Acts 3:26?
Acts 3:26 declares that God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him first to Israel to bless them by turning every one of them away from their iniquities. This was Peter’s appeal to the children of the prophets and covenant, showing Israel was then positioned to accept their King.
Les teaches that Peter is speaking to Jews as the children of the prophets and of the covenant God made with Abraham, saying, “in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed” (s362–s367). Then in Acts 3:26, Peter says, “Unto you first, God, having raised up his son Jesus, sent him to bless you in turning every one of you away from his iniquities” (s376–s380). Les explains that this is what God had in mind: Israel now was in a position to accept their King. The atoning work was made, Jesus had been raised from the dead, and He had ascended according to Psalms 110:1 to sit at the Father’s right hand until His enemies are made His footstool (s381–s389). He was ready to come back if Israel would have just believed it (s389–s390). Les further notes that God made valid offers knowing they would not be accepted, as with Adam and Eve in the garden and with Israel at Kadesh Barnea (s391–s402).
Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.