The Power of Jesus’ Name

A NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

In the Old Testament God’s name was used by His representatives to carry out His authority (Deut. 18:18-22; 2 Kgs. 5:9-15). It was also used as a proclamation of who Yahweh is and what He provides (Gen. 4:26; 12:8; 13:4; 16:13; 21:33).

In Acts, the name of Jesus provides forgiveness of sins (2:38; 8:12), healing (3:6; 4:10; 16:18), and is often surrounded by controversy (4:18; 5:40; 9:29; 15:26).

Elsewhere in the New Testament, the name of Jesus is used to wash, sanctify, and justify new Christians (1 Cor. 6:9-11), giving them purpose in life (Col. 3:17; 2 Thess. 1:12), and a reason to be grateful (Eph. 5:20) for the promise of eternal life (Jn. 20:31).

A STORY REWRITTEN

Because this man was born lame, he’d likely never entered into the temple. He had to rely on others to bring him outside the temple gates to beg for money as people entered (3:1-3).

Peter and John did not have money. Even if they did, money was not what he needed most. He needed what the power of Jesus’ name could provide - salvation and healing (3:4-6).

With the power of Jesus’ name, he became whole and experienced joy beyond compare. The name of Jesus allowed him to move forward from the pain of the present (3:7-10).

A SECOND CHANCE

Peter and John’s actions captured the attention of the people and provided them an opportunity to proclaim how such a miracle was possible (3:11-16).

Peter told the crowd they allowed a guilty person to walk free and put an innocent Man to death. Yet, God raised Jesus up to bless them and to call for them to turn from their iniquities (3:17-26).

With the power of Jesus’ name, these people had an opportunity to be forgiven and experience times of refreshing (3:19). The name of Jesus allowed them to move forward from the guilt of the past.