Acts 3:14 – You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Peter continues his bold speech to the crowd in the temple, confronting them with the reality of what they had done. He reminds them that they rejected Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One, and instead chose to release a murderer—Barabbas.

The phrase “disowned” means they denied Jesus, refusing to acknowledge Him as the Messiah. Even when given a choice by Pilate, they turned away from the very One who came to save them.

Peter calls Jesus “the Holy and Righteous One”, a title that emphasizes Jesus’ sinlessness and divine nature. Jesus was set apart (holy) and without fault (righteous), yet the people rejected Him in favor of a guilty man.

This verse highlights the tragic reality of human sin: when given a choice between the Son of God and a criminal, the crowd chose the criminal. Peter does not soften his words—he forces them to face the weight of their decision.

Historical Context

This event refers to what happened during Jesus’ trial before Pilate (Luke 23:13-25). Pilate, the Roman governor, found no reason to execute Jesus. To avoid conflict, he followed the custom of releasing one prisoner during Passover. When he presented Jesus and Barabbas to the crowd, the Jewish leaders stirred up the people to demand Barabbas’ release and Jesus’ crucifixion (Mark 15:6-15).

Barabbas was a known rebel and murderer (Luke 23:19). His crimes were serious, yet the people preferred him over Jesus. This choice showed how far they had been influenced by their religious leaders and how blind they were to Jesus’ true identity.

In Jewish thought, the titles “Holy” and “Righteous” were often used to describe God (Isaiah 53:11, Psalm 16:10). By using these titles for Jesus, Peter is making a bold claim: Jesus is the sinless one, the true Messiah, the one who fulfills God’s promises.

Theological Implications

1. People naturally reject righteousness. The crowd’s choice reveals the human heart’s tendency to turn away from truth and embrace sin. It was easier for them to accept a criminal than to submit to a holy Savior.
2. Jesus is the Holy and Righteous One. Peter’s description of Jesus confirms His divine nature. He was without sin, fulfilling the prophecy of the righteous servant in Isaiah 53:11.
3. Rejecting Jesus has serious consequences. The people rejected their only hope, choosing a temporary and worldly solution instead of eternal salvation. This is still a choice people make today when they reject Christ.
4. God’s plan is not stopped by human rejection. Even though they disowned Jesus, God still used their rejection to accomplish salvation through His crucifixion and resurrection.

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured as a direct accusation, forcing the crowd to recognize their sin. Peter does not use soft language—he confronts them with their choice:

• “You disowned the Holy and Righteous One” – This highlights their rejection of Jesus, not just as a person, but as the sinless and chosen one of God.
• “And asked that a murderer be released to you” – This exposes the absurdity of their decision. They didn’t just reject Jesus; they actively chose someone who was guilty of great crimes.

Peter’s contrast between Jesus and Barabbas serves to emphasize the moral and spiritual blindness of the people. This rhetorical technique forces his audience to consider the seriousness of their actions.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:11 – The prophecy of the Suffering Servant who would be called righteous and bear the sins of many.
• Luke 23:18-25 – The account of Pilate offering to release Jesus, but the people choosing Barabbas instead.
• John 1:10-11 – “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” Jesus was rejected by His own people.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus, the Righteous One, took our place.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that people are still faced with the same choice today—accept Jesus as Lord or reject Him in favor of something else. Many still choose the world, sin, or their own desires over Jesus.

It also calls us to be aware of our own spiritual blindness. The crowd thought they were doing the right thing, but they were deceived. We, too, must be careful not to reject God’s truth because of cultural pressure or personal pride.

Additionally, this verse encourages us to trust in Jesus’ righteousness, not our own. The people thought they could determine who was guilty and who was innocent, but only God is truly just. Jesus alone is holy and righteous, and only through Him can we be made right with God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He sent His Holy and Righteous Son to save even those who rejected Him. Even though the people turned their backs on Jesus, He still went to the cross for them.

This verse also shows that God’s love is not based on human acceptance. Even though Jesus was rejected, God still glorified Him, proving that human opinions do not change God’s plan.

Finally, God’s love is displayed in His willingness to forgive even the worst sins. Peter later tells the people to repent (Acts 3:19), showing that God was still offering them salvation, despite their rejection of Jesus.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse directly points to Jesus as the Holy and Righteous One, a title that emphasizes His sinless nature. Throughout the Bible, Jesus is shown to be the only truly righteous person:

• 1 John 2:1 – “We have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”
• Hebrews 4:15 – Jesus was tempted in every way but was without sin.
• Acts 7:52 – Stephen also calls Jesus “the Righteous One” before being martyred.

Peter also contrasts Jesus with Barabbas, highlighting how Jesus, though innocent, was treated like a criminal so that sinners could be set free. This is a direct picture of the substitutionary atonement—Jesus took the punishment that we deserved.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. In what ways do people today still reject Jesus in favor of worldly things?
2. Are there areas in my life where I am rejecting God’s truth, even unintentionally?
3. What does it mean that Jesus is the Holy and Righteous One, and how does that impact my faith?
4. How does Jesus’ rejection and crucifixion show both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God’s love?
5. Am I living in a way that reflects trust in Jesus’ righteousness, rather than relying on my own goodness?