No Other Name

Introduction

William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet shows the love between two people from rival families - the Montegues and Capulets. In the second scene of the second act, Romeo is in the garden outside of Juliet’s window. Frustrated by the name of this lover that she is forbidden to see, Juliet reflects on his name and hers.

“JULIET  O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name, Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I’ll no longer be a Capulet. … (she continues) ’Tis but thy name that is my enemy. Thou art thyself, though not a Montague. What’s Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot, Nor arm, nor face. O, be some other name Belonging to a man. What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other word would smell as sweet. So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called, Retain that dear perfection which he owes Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name, And, for thy name, which is no part of thee, Take all myself.”

She acknowledges that were he to be called by another name, there would be no problem. To that end, were she called by another name, there would be no problem. And yet there is something significant in names.

It’s this topic of names is the focus of our attention today. Turn in your Bibles to Acts 4 (p. 868 in the Bible’s provided).

Last week, Armal led us through chapter 3. In that chapter, Peter and John make their way to the temple and encounter a lame beggar who was asking for money. In response Peter said:

Acts 3:6 ESV

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

Because this man was well recognized around the temple, this healing created quite a stir. In response, Peter stood up and preached another evangelistic sermon. Our chapter today is the response to that sermon.

As we read this passage, notice the references to names and what roles names play in the text, specifically Jesus’ name.

Acts 4:1–31 ESV

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old. When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

So the religious leaders are threatened by the fact that this man was healed and the proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection, they arrest Peter and John and hold them over night.

When the religious council, likely the Sanhedrin, gathers the next day and puts Peter and John on trial, they ask…

Acts 4:7 ESV

…“By what power or by what name did you do this?”

It is a bit understanding that these leaders would ask about power. Not just anyone could heal. But the fact that they ask about a name is curious to me.

What’s in a name?

We hear names all around us. Names of stores, political parties, politicians, athletic teams, mascots, and so much more.

Names are a means of identification. We are called by names - whether given or nick names. Those names not only identify us as individuals and but provide some measure of association with our families and maybe even our reputations.

It’s been interesting in our study of Genesis in the Tuesday Iron Sharpens Iron sessions to see how the names of Jacob’s children had significance to their birth, some semblance of personality, and even had a role in the blessings they received (Gen. 49).

Names are a means by which people are classified. We can understand a bit about heritage based on names.

We give titles (or formal names) to people in certain positions in order to provide structures of authority. If being called to speak with the janitor is a bit different then being called to speak with the Principal.

We see names throughout Scripture. In fact, in this passage, we get to see a fair number of other names.

Other names

The priests and the captain of the temple - were titles or names of authority - some physical and some spiritual.

The Sadducees were one of the three major sects of Judaism that ruled in that time. They are noted for their lack of belief in the resurrection and other miraculous signs. In fact, later in the book of Acts, we’ll find Paul using the difference between the beliefs of the Pharisees and Sadducees as a basis for his testimony about Jesus (Acts 23:6).

One part of the Sanhedrin (noted by the “rulers and elders and scribes”), or the ruling council was the High Priest and family - Annas, Caiaphas, John and Alexander (and likely other unnamed leaders). These people used their position to wield a great deal of power and influence in that region. They were quite wealthy and used their positions to enrich themselves and intimidate others.

Then we see the names of Peter and John - two of the twelve apostles. They had followed Jesus for a few years. While they were both part of the most inner circle of Jesus’ disciples, Peter had become the primary speaker of the group.

Even in our day, there are people that wield power and authority. They use their names and titles to gain wealth and influence. And yet as we see in Peter’s response and in the gathering of the church - they rest in the name of…

Jesus - a name like no other

Jesus’ name is not a magic name or an omen by which we can get whatever we want. Guided by Scripture and empower by the spirit, the name of Jesus brings…

Authority and power to heal

Peter implies in his response that if they are being tried for a “good deed done to a crippled man,” then there is no basis for he and John to be put on trial. And yet it’s not just the good deed, it’s the power, the name behind that good deed. Peter notes with boldness that it is in Jesus’ name that this man was healed. Peter knows that he has no ability on his own to heal this man - but rather by the power and authority of Jesus alone.

But, notice secondly that the name of Jesus, empowered by the Spirit provides…

Boldness

Peter was known for being a “ready-fire-aim” kind of guy. He often suffered from “foot-in-mouth” syndrome. But here, he’s not speaking or acting on his own bravado. That bravado had gotten him into trouble in the past. And yet now, under arrest by the temple guards and on trial before the religious leaders, Peter is not afraid, he’s not daunted by their threats. He is emboldened by the name of Jesus. The religious leaders even acknowledge that Peter’s zeal is evidence that He had been with Jesus.

He had witnessed Jesus’ ministry among the other disciples and among the crowds. He had personally felt the impact of Jesus power and authority in the healing of his mother in law (Matthew 8:14-15) and in his own restoration following his denial (John 21). On top of that, he had come face to face with the risen Jesus. When your leader rises from the dead (and promises your own resurrection), there is nothing to fear.

Several years ago, Ed Welch, a pastor in New York wrote a book entitled When People are Big and God is Small. Part of the premise behind that book is what we might call “fear of man.” When we fear the opinions of others we fall into the trap of big people and a small God.

Peter, empowered by the Spirit and inspired by the resurrection of Jesus was fearless in the face of powerful people. Even as they were being released and threatened, Peter and John responded…

Acts 4:19–20 ESV

… “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

In a similar way, we need not be fearful when the message of the Gospel is offensive to those who hear. We don’t need to be mean or cruel with it, but we should not be fearful. When we consider all that God has done for us and what He has done for humanity, the message of the Gospel should compel us to speak.

Not only does the name of Jesus provide authority, power, and boldness, His name gives us access to the Father in…

Prayer

In fact, after Peter and John left the custody of the religious officials, they returned to some of the other folks in the church and began to pray together. While Peter and John were the ones in this instance on the receiving end of this persecution - they were not alone - there was a unity that we’ll get to consider a bit more next week.

But did you notice what they prayed for and how they prayed?

Acts 4:24–30 ESV

… “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

They prayed for continued boldness even as they would expect God to continue to do miraculous signs through them - in Jesus name. We may not face a great deal of persecution here, but may we pray for boldness even the presence of the “live and let live” attitude of our culture. But may we also pray for continued boldness for our brothers and sisters who do face threats of persecution - the Dilworths in North Africa, the Basses in Arabia, the Goels in South Asia, Caleb in the Middle East and the hundreds of millions of believers who reside in nations that are hostile to the gospel. If you notice that each week in the midweek email, we provide a link to our prayer list. Weekly, many of those prayers change - especially the unreached people group of the week and the nation of the week. Those links from Joshua project and operation world provide helpful information to guide our prayers.

There is one final reason that Jesus’ name is like no other name -

Salvation

At the central point of Peter’s defense before the council, he said…

Acts 4:12 ESV

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

That is a bold statement in front of these leaders. Some of this boldness comes from the very meaning of Jesus’ name. Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua - which means “Yahweh saves.” Jesus’ name points to the salvation that comes from God himself. Being fully God and fully human, Jesus came from the God the Father. His life, death, and resurrection opened the door for us to be saved.

But notice the exclusivity of Peter’s statement - “no one else, no other name” - not Allah, Buddha, Joseph Smith, or L. Ron Hubbard, or any other big time religious leader. As the book of Acts progresses, we’ll see the church expanding in an environment of polytheism and idolatry - so we could add to that list - not Zeus, Hermes, Hades, or Diana.

In our day, so many people want to rely on themselves. To this Peter would reply - no - there is no other name - not your name, my name, our parents names, politicians names, or the names of business leaders - no matter how generous or seemingly altruistic they may be. We can’t save ourselves through good works, sacrifices, self actualization, or acts of mercy.

Salvation is in Jesus alone!

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Romans 1:16 ESV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

In Peter’s first letter to the exiles stated…

1 Peter 2:21–24 ESV

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Friend, if you are trying to find salvation in anything other than Jesus Christ, you’re looking for it in all the wrong places. Salvation by faith in Jesus restores your relationship with God that was broken by our sin. This salvation carries with it a purpose-filled life - conveying love, grace, and mercy to others around us. This salvation brings a hope of eternal life with God.

Romans 8:1 ESV

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Oh, come friend.

Closing thoughts

Brothers and sisters in Christ, Peter gives us a great example about a bold faith in Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:1). He is our mediator and savior. He is the one who advocates for us before the Father and declares us righteous. We have no need to fear any other name when His name is on us.

Let’s pray.

Benediction

Romans 8:38–39 ESV

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Questions for reflection and discussion

Read: Acts 4:1-31

1. If you had to defend yourself in a court of law, how well do you think you would hold up under cross-examination?

2. Describe a time when you experienced timidity about your Christian faith. What do you think was causing your fear?

3. Why did the preaching of Peter and John upset the religious establishment?

4. What did Peter mean by the phrase “the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone” (v. 11)?

5. Consider the millions of unreached and lost people living today. Now consider what Peter says in Acts 4:12. How should we respond?

6. What does this story teach us about preaching Christ?

7. Why do you think the church addressed God as “Master” in its prayer (vv. 24–30)?

8. Why did the church quote Psalm 2:1–2 in its prayer?

9. Why should we pray for boldness? What does boldness look like in evangelism?

Sources:

Bruce, F.F. The Book of Acts, Revised Edition. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1988

Fernando, Ajith. Acts. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998.

Keener, Craig S. Acts: An exegetical commentary, Volume 2. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Lightfoot, J.B. The Acts of the Apostles: A newly discovered commentary. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2014

Peterson, David G. The Acts of the Apostles. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009.

Toussaint, Stanley D. “Acts.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/romeo-and-juliet/read/2/2/