Refuse Credit That Belongs to Christ
Refuse Credit That Belongs to Christ: an original Acts 3:11-16 KJV devotional with biblical context and practical application.
“And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”
Acts 3:11-16 KJV
The crowd looked toward Peter and John as though the explanation rested in them. Peter corrected that impression immediately. The event was not proof of an independent power they had acquired or a personal holiness that made them worthy of admiration.
Read the passage carefully
Christian service can become dangerous when useful results are allowed to enlarge the servant beyond his rightful place. A person begins to speak as though the ministry could not continue without him. Others may encourage that belief because it feels easier to trust a visible personality than to exercise careful discernment. Peter's response directs us back to the Lord.
Give credit truthfully. Acknowledge God's grace, the work of others, and the ordinary means that contributed to a result. Do not use false modesty to deny a responsibility you actually fulfilled, but refuse the suggestion that usefulness makes you beyond correction. Leaders should welcome accountability, and those receiving ministry should test teaching by Scripture rather than allowing gratitude to silence every legitimate concern.
Carry this truth into the day
Christ's resurrection was the center of Peter's explanation. The miracle opened an opportunity to proclaim the Saviour, and Peter did not waste it on building his own reputation. Let your opportunities have the same direction. When someone appreciates your help, receive their thanks kindly and keep serving with humility. Your worth before God rests in Christ, so you do not need every good result to become evidence of personal greatness. A faithful servant can rejoice in being useful while remaining willing for the attention to move beyond him to the Lord whose grace supplied both the gift and the purpose for its use.
Why the setting matters
After the healing, Peter addresses the amazed crowd and denies that personal power or holiness caused it. He directs attention to Jesus, whom God raised from the dead.
Continue in the Word
Read further: Acts 3 in the King James Bible.