Justin Houtz

Leviticus 2, Acts 3

DateVersionReading Plan
April 2, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Leviticus 2

Observation

Instruction regarding offerings continue in this chapter and pertain specifically to the grain offering. Such offerings were to be made with fine flour, oil and incense poured on it, unleavened and with no honey. However, as an offering of firstfruits, leaven and honey was permissible (Lev. 2:12). The offering was to be brought to Aaron and his sons (the priests) and the memorial portion burned on the altar. The memorial portion was “The representative amount of the offering that was burned on the altar… The rest was for the priests.” (Lev. 2:10) All offerings were to be seasoned with salt and the salt of the covenant was not to be missing from their grain offering (Lev. 2:13).

Application

The repetition of salt in Lev. 2:13 and its requirement not to be missing from all grain offerings seems worthy of further reflection. The FSB says, “The use of salt as the main preservative in the ancient world could have motivated figurative usage where salt symbolized the preservation of the covenant.” Coming into the New Testament, Jesus told the crowd during His sermon on the mount that they “are the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). It is a joy to consider how God’s people have been chosen to be His earthly representatives in preserving the truth of the gospel and bringing it to the nations.

Acts 3

Observation

As Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour, they encountered a man lame from birth who was being carried (Acts 3:1-2). The man saw them and asked to receive alms (Acts 3:3). Peter directed the man’s attention to look at them and told the man that he did not have any silver or gold but what he did have he gave to the man, telling him to rise and walk in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 3:6). Peter took the man by the hand, raised him up and his feet and ankles were made strong (Acts 3:7). The people looked on these events with wonder and amazement (Acts 3:9-10).

As the man was clinging to Peter and John and the people were expressing their astonishment, Peter addressed the people, asking them why they were wondering at this as though the man’s healing came their own power or piety (Acts 3:12). He quickly brings their attention to the real Author of the miracle, Jesus, whom they had delivered over, denied and killed but God raised from the dead (Acts 3:14-15). Peter made clear that it was Jesus’ name and the man’s faith in Jesus that had given him perfect health in their presence (Acts 3:16).

Peter confronted the people for their ignorance along with their rulers, telling them that Christ’s suffering was foretold by the prophets through whom God spoke long ago (Acts 3:17-18). Peter recounted the words of Moses who said that God would raise up a prophet like himself (not meaning in character or ability, “but likeness in the sense that both were raised up by God” – BBC) (Acts 3:22). The prophets of old had spoken of these days and God, having raised up his Servant, sent Him to the nation of Israel first to bless them by turning each one of them from their wickedness (Acts 3:26).

Application

It is crucial for us to see the way in which Peter redirected the attention of the people onto God following the healing of man lame from birth. He took no ownership of it himself but instead immediately and rightfully gave attribution to God and His Servant, Jesus. How much we should draw from this the kind of humble, Christ-centered, God-glorifying disposition we are to have. May it be for us in times when God displays His power and dominion that we exalt His mighty name.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that You have chosen me to be the salt of the earth. Help me by Your Spirit uphold and declare the life-giving truth of who You are and what You have done. Father, help me to abide in You, giving You glory for every good and perfect gift that is from above.

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