What's in a name?

Acts 3 tells the story of a man who was crippled from birth.  He had been carried to the temple gates and strategically placed in an area where he could beg for money from those entering and departing the temple.  Peter and John were about to enter when the man asked them for money.   Peter spoke to him and let him know they had no money to give, but what they did have, they would graciously share with him.  Here is what Peter then said to the man, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 

 

The next verses describe the man as one who entered the temple walking and jumping and praising God.  Then those observing this man, and realizing he was the cripple they had been seeing as he begged for money, were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 

Then in Acts 4,  the priests and officers of the temple and the Sadducees began to question Peter and John.  These officials were disturbed because Peter and John had been proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.  The next thing we know, Peter and John are put in jail for the night, then carried before the teachers of the law, the elders, and the rulers, so they could be questioned even more.  The leaders wanted to know by what power or by what name did you heal  the cripple?

From Acts 4:9-10 comes their answer. "If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed,  then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed."

Even though the actions of Peter and John brought healing to the cripple, the council of "important people" had jailed and harassed God's messengers.  Christianity was new, and its newness was wearing thin on those who were so attached to the law.  But God's message of love and grace and forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, was bringing people to belief and obedience to the gospel.

That's why the truth was proclaimed by Peter and John, with faith that did not waver, and boldness to bring good news to others.  The closing verse of Acts 4 was the power of Peter and John.  It's also a "back to the basics" of power for us to live and believe and share today. 

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

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