Giving in Jesus’ Name - Nov. 9th, 2025

Acts 3:6 KJV

6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Introduction

All of us have experienced moments when someone needed help and we felt we had little or nothing to offer. Perhaps you’ve thought, “I wish I could do more, but I don’t have much to give.” In our Scripture today, Peter and John faced such a moment. As they went to the temple at the hour of prayer, they met a man lame from birth who sat at the temple’s Beautiful Gate begging for alms (Acts 3:1-3). This lifelong cripple had chosen a strategic spot, nearly everyone entering for worship would see him[F. F. Bruce, Bible Study Commentary on Acts]. When he asked Peter and John for money, Peter’s response was unforgettable: “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). With these words, Peter gave a gift far greater than coins. He offered the power and love of Jesus Christ, and the result was a miraculous healing. A man who had never walked in his life stood up and began walking and leaping in the temple courts, praising God (Acts 3:7-8).

I want to talk to you today about “Giving in Jesus’ Name.” This event at the Temple gate shows us that true Christian giving goes far beyond material assistance when we give of ourselves in the power of Christ for the blessing of others. Peter and John had no money to give that day, yet they did not consider themselves empty-handed. They gave what they did have: faith in the risen Lord and the authority of His name. God used that gift to change a man’s life forever.

As we explore this event, we will consider three aspects of “giving in Jesus’ name.” First, we’ll see what we may lack materially (“Silver and Gold Have I None”), acknowledging that we often feel inadequate or poor in resources. Second, we’ll examine what we do have to give (“Such as I Have Give I Thee”), recognizing the spiritual riches and gifts God has given us to share. Third, we’ll rejoice in the power of God and Christ’s authority behind it all (“In the Name of Jesus Christ”), understanding that it is Christ’s power, not our own, that makes our giving effective. Through it all, my prayer is that we rediscover the joy and privilege of giving whatever we have for the sake of Christ, trusting Him to multiply it far beyond our expectations.

[Outline adapted from the Zondervan Pastor’s Annual]

I. “Silver and Gold Have I None” | Giving Beyond Material Wealth

Peter’s opening words to the beggar were an honest admission of poverty: “Silver and gold have I none.” The apostles did not have earthly riches; in fact, they had left their jobs and possessions to follow Jesus. By the standards of this world, Peter and John were not wealthy men. Yet, their lack of money did not prevent them from ministering to others.

Though Jesus promised in Mark 10:28–31 that those who forsake all for His sake shall receive “an hundredfold now in this time,” this was not a guarantee of earthly wealth, but rather a promise of abundant spiritual and relational blessings through the body of Christ. Peter’s words in Acts 3:6, “Silver and gold have I none,” are not a contradiction of that promise, rather, they illustrate it. While the apostles possessed little materially, they were rich in faith, filled with the Spirit, surrounded by the love of countless brethren, and entrusted with the gospel’s power. Christ’s “hundredfold” is not measured by coins in the coffers, but in the joy of knowing Him, the fellowship of believers, divine provision in every season, and the eternal reward that far outweighs any sacrifice made for His name.

Here we see that material poverty is not spiritual impotence. A person may have no silver or gold and still be a mighty instrument of God’s grace. Peter had no coins for this man, but he would not use that as an excuse to walk past him. Instead, Peter found a way to give something better than money[Bruce]. He understood that God’s work is not limited by our lack of material resources.

It is often easier for people to equate “giving” with financial contributions. While giving money to those in need is important, the Lord reminds us that our calling to give extends beyond our wallets. There are needs in this world that silver and gold alone cannot meet. The lame man at the Beautiful Gate thought he needed money, but God knew he needed a healing and salvation, blessings far more valuable than coins. Sometimes we also encounter situations where what’s needed most cannot be bought. In those moments, God calls us to offer the love, power, and truth of Christ that we possess as believers.

History gives us a poignant illustration. Centuries after Peter, the renowned theologian Thomas Aquinas visited Pope Innocent IV in Rome. The Pope showed him the treasuries of the church and said, “You see, Thomas, the Church can no longer say, ‘Silver and gold have I none.’” Aquinas replied, “True, Holy Father,” “but neither can she now say, ‘Rise up and walk.’”[Herbert Lockyer, All the Doctrines of the Bible]. The church of that era had accumulated great wealth, but Aquinas observed that it had perhaps lost some of its spiritual power. The contrast is striking: the early apostles were poor in gold but rich in faith, whereas later the church was rich in gold but (at least in this story) lacking the power that comes from single-minded trust in Jesus.

Brothers and sisters, we should never think, “I have nothing to give,” simply because we don’t have money or worldly wealth. Like Peter, we may have no silver and gold, yet we do have something precious to offer in Jesus’ name. God delights in using the humble and the materially poor to demonstrate His power. The Scripture says, “God hath chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom” (James 2:5). Often those with little worldly wealth know how to rely on God more deeply. If we depend on Him, our lack can become an opportunity for His provision.

So the first lesson is this: Don’t let what you don’t have keep you from giving what you do have. Even if our church is small and our budget tight, we are not spiritually impoverished. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the love of God in our hearts. A kind word, a prayer offered in faith, an hour of our time, a shoulder to lean on, these gifts in Jesus’ name can mean more than a check written without love. Many needs cannot be met by money alone. Peter discerned that, and so can we. When we have no silver and gold, we can still give Jesus, and Jesus is enough.

II. “Such as I Have Give I Thee” | Sharing What Christ Has Given Us

After stating what he didn’t have, Peter immediately declared what he did have to give: “but such as I have give I thee.” Peter was keenly aware that he possessed something of infinite value, something he was ready to share with the beggar. What was it that Peter had? He had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and faith that Jesus could heal and save. In other words, Peter had spiritual riches to offer, even if he had no money in his pocket.

Think about it: just a short time before, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter had been filled with the Holy Spirit and had preached Christ boldly. He knew by experience that the risen Jesus was still working miracles and changing lives. Peter had received grace, so he was ready to impart grace. He freely offered to this man what he himself had freely received from Jesus. This echoes the command Jesus gave to His disciples: “freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8b, KJV). All that we have as Christians, our salvation, our spiritual gifts, our knowledge of God’s truth, are gifts from the Lord. We are not meant to hoard these blessings, but to share them with those in need.

Notice that Peter says, “Such as I have I give thee.” We cannot give what we do not have, but we are responsible to give what we do have. Each of us should ask: What has God given me that I can share with others in His name? It may be a talent or skill, a spiritual gift, a testimony of God’s faithfulness, or simply the capacity to show compassion. Every believer has something to contribute. Peter had apostolic authority to heal in Jesus’ name, a unique gift, but all of us have the life-changing message of the gospel. We can offer prayer and the comfort of God’s Word. We can extend friendship and practical help. Whatever God has put in your hand, that is what He calls you to use for His glory.

This principle is seen throughout Scripture. One boy offered Jesus his meager lunch, five loaves and two fishes, and in the Lord’s hands it became a feast for thousands. The boy gave what he had, and Jesus multiplied it (John 6:9-13). In the Old Testament, a poor widow in Elijah’s time gave the little oil and flour she had to feed the prophet, and God miraculously refilled her jar (1 Kings 17:12-16). The Apostle Paul praised the Macedonian Christians, who even “in a great trial of affliction” and deep poverty begged for the privilege of giving to others, “yea, and beyond their power they were willing,” because “first [they] gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:2-5, KJV). The Macedonians understood that the greatest gift we can offer to God is ourselves. Once we’ve given ourselves, any other gift is an expression of that surrender.

So, what do you have to give? Perhaps you have time to listen to someone who is hurting. Perhaps you have a heart for teaching children, or the ability to cook a meal for a family in need. Maybe God has given you a spirit of encouragement or a talent in music that can bless others. These are precious gifts when offered “as unto the Lord.” Romans 12:6 says “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (paraphrase).

Peter didn’t hesitate to share what he had. Neither should we. And let’s not forget that the greatest thing we have to give is the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. We can give no greater gift to someone than to introduce them to the Savior. That day at the temple, Peter not only gave physical healing, but soon after, he gave a gospel message to the crowd so that souls might be saved (Acts 3:12-19). You and I may not heal a person’s legs, but we can, through the gospel, be God’s instruments to heal broken hearts and bring eternal life to those who are spiritually lame. In Acts 3:6, Peter essentially said: “I will share with you what I have, Jesus.” Let’s have the same mindset. If you know Jesus, you always have something to give. No one is so poor that they cannot bless someone else in the name of Christ.

III. “In the Name of Jesus Christ” | The Power of Christ in Our Giving

The third part of Peter’s statement is the most important: “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” Here lies the power source behind the gift. Peter made it explicit that he was acting not by his own authority or power, but as a representative of Jesus. To do something “in the name of Jesus Christ” means to do it by His authority, in His power, and for His glory. Peter wanted the lame man (and everyone watching) to know that it was Jesus who was at work. The ensuing miracle was not a display of Peter’s greatness, but Christ’s. As Peter later explained to the astonished crowd, “Why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? … His (Jesus’) name through faith in His name hath made this man strong” (Acts 3:12-16, KJV)[Bruce].

There is power in the name of Jesus because the name represents the Person of Jesus, crucified, risen, and exalted. When Peter invoked Jesus’ name, he was confessing his dependence on the Lord’s power. And the Lord indeed stretched forth His hand to heal. The formerly crippled man stood, walked, and leaped for joy, a living testament to Jesus’ ongoing power to save and restore[Bruce]. In fact, this miraculous healing fulfilled the Old Testament promise of what Messiah’s salvation would bring: “Then shall the lame man leap as an hart” (Isaiah 35:6)[Bruce]. It was as if God was saying through this miracle, “Jesus is indeed the Messiah, and He is alive and working!” No wonder the people were “filled with wonder and amazement” (Acts 3:10).

For us today, “giving in Jesus’ name” means that we offer our gifts and acts of service with a clear aim to honor Jesus and rely on His strength. Colossians 3:17 (KJV) instructs, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” We might not have apostolic miracle-working power on demand, only God can decide when a miraculous healing will occur, but we have the same authority of Jesus’ name when we pray, when we serve, and when we speak His gospel. Jesus promised, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13, KJV). This means we should boldly ask God to work through our giving and ministry, not for our acclaim but so that Christ is glorified.

When we give in Jesus’ name, we also must remember to give Jesus the credit for any results. Peter and John did so, they immediately redirected the crowd’s amazement away from themselves and toward Jesus (Acts 3:12-13). Likewise, if God uses our gift or service to bless someone, we should humbly point to Jesus as the source of the blessing. The name of Jesus is the only name that deserves praise. Acts 4:12 declares that He is the only name by which we must be saved. And indeed, it is ultimately salvation that is the greatest healing and gift. Physical miracles are signs pointing to the greater work Christ does in saving souls. So whether our giving leads to a dramatic miracle or simply meets an everyday need, let it be done in the love and power of Jesus, with the prayer that He will use it to draw people closer to Himself.

Finally, let’s consider the effect that giving in Jesus’ name had in this story. The healed man was not only walking, he was praising God exuberantly. Acts 3:8 says he entered the temple “walking, and leaping, and praising God.” When God’s power is at work, joy is the result. The man clung to Peter and John, deeply grateful (Acts 3:11). And the people who saw it were astonished and attentive, ready to hear the gospel. In the next chapter, when Peter and John were questioned by the authorities, they fearlessly testified, “By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole” (Acts 4:10, KJV). Thus, one act of giving in Jesus’ name led to an ever-widening testimony about Jesus. Our acts of kindness and giving in Christ’s name can likewise open doors for the gospel. Perhaps we help a neighbor or coworker “in Jesus’ name,” that might lead them to ask why we care, and we can share about the love of Christ. The authority and compassion of Jesus give credibility to our message.

There is also a joy for the giver. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35b, KJV). When we give in Christ’s name, we experience a special blessing, the joy of being used by God. Imagine how Peter and John felt, seeing a lame man healed and praising God! There is no greater joy than to know God has worked through your obedience to bless another. You may not see such a dramatic result every time you give or serve, but know that nothing done in Christ’s name is ever wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). A cup of cold water given in Jesus’ name, Jesus said, will not lose its reward (Matthew 10:42). Every act of Spirit-led giving has eternal significance, even if we cannot see the full impact yet.

Conclusion

“Giving in Jesus’ Name” is both a duty and a delight for every follower of Christ. Peter’s encounter with the lame man shows us that we don’t need material riches to make a difference. What God desires is a willing heart that will say, “Such as I have, I give to you.” When we offer what we have, our time, talents, love, and especially the truth of the gospel, God can do amazing things. The power is not in us, but in the name of Jesus.

Let us take encouragement from this account. You might feel that you are “have not” in terms of money or might of this world, but if you have Jesus, you have the greatest treasure of all. You can share Him with others. There is a whole world of people “lame” in spirit, broken by sin and sorrow, sitting at the “Beautiful Gate” longing for help and hope. Will we stop and pay attention to them? Will we say, “I have something to give you in Jesus’ name”? If we will, God’s grace will flow through us to touch lives.

Remember, the joy on that man’s face as he leaped in the temple can be mirrored in the joy we see when a soul is saved or a heart is healed through our ministry. And above all, God will be glorified. The people who saw the miracle “were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened” (Acts 3:10), and Peter used the opportunity to glorify Christ. In the same way, our giving should cause others not to see how generous we are, but how gracious Jesus is.

As we close, let’s each ask God: Lord, what have You given me that I can give for Your sake? Who do You want me to help or reach out to? It might be someone in this church, or a neighbor, or even a stranger God puts in your path. You don’t need silver or gold to obey that prompting. Offer what you have, no matter how small it seems, in Jesus’ name. Then trust Him for the results.

May we, like the early disciples, embrace the privilege of giving in Jesus’ name. It is a privilege indeed, for we are partners with Christ in His mission. He continues to work through us, and His name is as powerful today as ever[Bruce]. Let’s go forth and give as unto the Lord, joyfully and liberally, knowing that “God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7) and that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Amen.