The Answer
Healing the lame man and preaching about the miracle resulted in the arrest of the apostles. Acts 4:5-7 tell us they were brought before Israel’s supreme court—The Sanhedrin. Everything was ready, and the prosecution asked
the critical question: “By what power or by what name have you done this?” Peter did not let that opportunity slip away. They wanted a defense, instead, they got a sermon. The best defense is a good offense. Verse 8 … “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them …” Verses 9-12 are a mini-sermon on the name of Jesus. This is the name that brings wholeness. This is the name that brings salvation. First, he declared their guilt, v. 10b … “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.” The healing name of Jesus—resurrection proves His saving power—and they rejected the power. Second, he proved the Savior, v. 11 … “This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’” The leaders were the builders who tossed away the Cornerstone of God’s building: Jesus Christ. Third, he offered them grace, v. 12 … “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” If there is salvation in no other name, then a person must make a commitment. What would they do with Jesus Christ? Would they accept Him or continue to reject? They asked about the name. He answered their deepest need. What will you do with Him?
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.