No Other Name is Given Victory!

"When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”" (Acts 4:7, NRSV)

"let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead." (Acts 4:10, NRSV)

"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”" (Acts 4:12, NRSV)

Peter and John are being questioned by the chief priests and the scribes because of the healing they did to a lame man and for proclaiming that Jesus is the Resurrection of the Dead in the temple. The accusers have the audacity, as they did with Jesus, to ask them by what power or name did you do this action? It is a great question—a question that they probably don’t want answered.

Peter answers them by saying it is Jesus, who know they guy you killed, the guy God raised from the dead. What a strong statement—Peter basically says how dare you ask—look at what you have done—you kill—we bring life and healing to people. You kill, God brings life—not much of a contest.

Then with further confidence, he declares that there is salvation (eternal life) in no one else! No other name under heaven.

We lack the confidence of Peter—we are given a relationship and saved under the only name under heaven. Being a follower of Jesus is not just being a member of another religion. The Apostles and Jesus himself state this is only under Jesus’ name. Being a follower of Jesus is an exclusive claim, an exclusive faith—that is openly inclusive for all to proclaim.

Bottom line, others (religions, faiths, people) can only bring death, but Jesus, who is the resurrection and life, brings victory (exclusive victory)!