The Author of Life
The apostles John and Peter were in the temple when a man, lame from birth, asked for them alms. Instead of silver or gold, Peter told the him to rise up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Acts 3:6 bibrefacts3 bibrefacts3v6). The man was healed and began walking, leaping, and praising God, which earned Peter and John an attentive audience.
Peter began to preach and, among other things, told the Jews that they “killed the Author of life” (Acts 3:15 bibrefacts3 bibrefacts3v15). It is an interesting word, “Author” (or “Prince” KJV and NASB, “source” HCSB, elsewhere defined as “originator”), ἀρχηγὸν in Greek. It is used four times in the New Testament and only about Jesus. Here Jesus is the Author of life. In Hebrews 2:10 bibrefhebrews2 bibrefhebrews2v10 Jesus is the Author (NASB, “founder” in ESV) of salvation. In Hebrews 12:2 bibrefhebrews12 bibrefhebrews12v2 Jesus is the Author (NASB, “founder” in ESV) and Perfecter of our faith.
He is the Author of life, salvation, and faith. In order to secure those things for us He was killed (Acts 3:15 bibrefacts3 bibrefacts3v15), He suffered (Hebrews 2:10 bibrefhebrews2 bibrefhebrews2v10), and He endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2 bibrefhebrews12 bibrefhebrews12v2). When we come to the meal of peace, there is no question about who sits at the Head of the Table: the Lord Jesus Christ. There are no doubts about how we were invited: Jesus died and rose as our substitute. There is no uncertainty about what we get at this Table: nourished faith, salvation to glory, and eternal life. The Author writes us into His story, He shares His very own life with us. So come and commune with Him.