Today we look at Acts 4:5-13. In this passage we see the first miracle brought about through Peter and John after Christ had ascended to heaven. We get an insight into the disciples understanding of the power of Jesus name and how they used His name in their ministry. As we reflect on this passage, we are wanting to focus on the question the religious leaders asked Peter and John – “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
The context – The healing of the lame man
In chapter three of the book of Acts, we read an event that occurred not many days after Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples and all who were in the upper room. We are told that Peter and John are on their way to the temple for prayers and see a lame man begging at the gate of the temple. This was a daily activity of the man as it was his only means of income. We can assume this was not the first time Peter and John would have encountered the man begging at the gate. I don’t think it is too much of a stretch to even assume that the man was begging at that same spot when Jesus went in and out of the temple. If it is true, how amazing to think that this very day was the God ordained moment for this lame man to encounter God and receive his healing.
Acts 3:6 (NKJV) Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
It is human nature to focus on what we do not have. I think Peter was being honest when he said he did not have any money to give to the man. What he did have however outweighed anything money could buy. Whenever we are faced with the challenge to minister to someone in need. I wonder how often do we rely on our physical resources to help or meet their needs. While ministering to the physical needs of someone is of utmost importance, let us never be satisfied to just meet physical needs. As we position ourselves to be a community that serves the needs of others, let us never forget that we have something greater than mere physical resources.
“What I do have I give you”. Peter recognised that what he possessed was far more than what the lame man was expecting. The man would have been satisfied with a few coins to help him get through another day. The reality was that the lame made needed something more than silver or gold. What he needed was to be made whole. The world is crying out for wholeness but most do not realise that the only answer to their needs go beyond physical resources. Peter made a distinction between resources available on earth and resources available supernaturally from Jesus Christ. “in the name of Jesus Christ” – Peter offered the lame man something that was going to transform him for eternity.
What’s in a name?
Acts 4:7 (NKJV) And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet makes this profound statement. “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” You can call a rose whatever you want, it wont change what a rose is. The flower gives the meaning to the name. It’s the person behind the name that makes the name. When Peter spoke the name Jesus, he knew the man behind the name and therefore experienced the power of that name. Saying the name of Jesus is not a mantra. Who you believe Jesus is, will determine your experience with the name Jesus Christ.
The person behind the name Jesus?
Look at Peter’s response and you see what the early church believed about Jesus. The apostles along with the believers in the early church believed 2 things about Jesus:
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He had ultimate control over human condition
Acts 4:10 (NKJV) let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
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He had ultimate control over human destiny
Acts 4:12 (NKJV) Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
The importance of knowing the person behind the name
The religious leaders recognised that there was an intimate connection between Peter and John’s relationship with Jesus and the use of His name – “they had been with Jesus”.
Acts 4:13 (NKJV) Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
God has no grandchildren. You cannot have a second hand experience with God. You cannot share the encounters of someone else. You need to have your own personal experience with Christ in order to experience the life of Christ. Beware of a relationship with Jesus “twice removed”. Remember the sons of Sceva?
Acts 19:11-17 – “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.”
Acts 19:15 (NKJV) And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”
Just using the name of Jesus without an intimate relationship with Him has no value. TO KNOW THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME, WE NEED TO KNOW THE PERSON JESUS CHRIST
Jesus the ultimate cure
Each time we use His name, let us remind ourselves of the person behind the name. Look at some of these amazing Scriptures that speak of who Jesus Christ is. Every time we pray in His name, let us remember what that truly means. Each time we use His name, let us remind ourselves of the person behind the name.
He is the ultimate authority
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
He is the ultimate salvation
1 Corinthians 6:11 … But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
He is the ultimate access to God
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
He is the ultimate key to answered prayer
Jn 14:13-14 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
He is the ultimate defense from demonic oppression
Luke 10:17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
He is the ultimate healer
James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
NEXT TIME YOU PRAY IN THE NAME OF JESUS REMEMBER THIS:
JESUS CHRIST IS THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY
JESUS CHRIST IS THE ULTIMATE SAVIOUR
JESUS CHRIST IS THE ULTIMATE ACCESS TO GOD
JESUS CHRIST IS THE ULTIMATE ANSWER TO ALL OUR PRAYERS
JESUS CHRIST IS THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION FROM DEMONIC OPPRESSION
JESUS CHRIST IS THE ULTIMATE HEALER AND WORKER OF MIRACLES
Jesus christ is truly the ultimate cure for this broken world. You’d better believe it.