Following the healing of the lame man in the preceding chapter, several men in Acts chapter 4 posed a question to the apostles, Peter and John, in order to find the source of their astonishing authority and power: “By what name have ye done this?” (v7).[1] The response was clear and unmistakable: “By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth … there is none other name” (vv10,12).
Names are highly significant. They tell us about character, reputation and authority. In today’s world we place great weight upon the names of important people, companies and brands. But when it comes to the infinitely more important matter of our souls, it is therefore necessary to ensure that we have our confidence in a name that will provide perfect refuge and security for eternity. The Bible distinctly presents this name: it is the name of “JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Mat 1:21).
The preaching of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is referenced frequently in the book of the Acts, and is accompanied by many instances which demonstrate the power that the Saviour has to redeem and restore. In the case of the man from chapter 3, it was “by the name” of the Lord Jesus, and in His power as the Creator and Saviour of the world, that the lame man received strength and was able to stand up, to walk and to leap for joy. Through the energy and enabling of Another, he was delivered from the helpless condition he found himself in. The apostles made it clear that the power of the name of Christ was not limited to physical healing, as they declared that “neither is there salvation in any other” (v12). John, in his Gospel, states that those who “believe on His name” come into the tremendous spiritual blessing of being a child of God (Joh 1:12).
However, it was not enough for the apostles to conclude there; they went further in their comments, stressing to their hearers that the Saviour’s name is not only powerful but preeminent. It did not suffice to solely inform them of His power to heal and save, but they faithfully declared that “there is none other name” (v12). The Lord Jesus has a name which is “above every name” (Php 2:9). There are many in this world who will promote the names of religion, politics, good works, or charismatic leaders. But there is no other person, power or authority on earth which can forgive sins and save souls. The only way of salvation is found in God’s Son, who gave Himself for us and died for our sins.
“Christ the Saviour of sinners came
Into the world to save;
Sing His glory, His worth, His fame,
Jesus alone can save.
No name else is given,
Search through earth and heaven.”
Maybe the question you have today is this: “By what name can I be saved?” The response is still the same today: By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and by believing alone on Him! For “there is no other name.”
“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom 10:13).
[1] All Scripture quotations in this article are from the KJV.
