There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
Acts of the Apostles 4:12 NLT
Two men went to the temple in Jerusalem. They were followers of Jesus. These two healed a man who had been crippled for over 40 years. People were amazed and wanted to know more. These two men shared about the one and only who saves and heals. His name is Jesus. People believed. The bible says that about 5,000 of the men put their faith in Christ (interesting side note, today there is resistance within the Christian community to know how many people are putting their faith in Christ, yet it was part of what is recorded in scripture as being important to know.)
The religious leaders of the temple were concerned about this massive response to Jesus Christ. They sent out the temple guard (when did following God require the establishment of religious police and what does that say about the nature of faith? Jesus brought in a transition from “keeping the law” to a “life of grace given freely”. This was not only a shockwave at a personal level, but grace also disrupted the entire structures of the law, creating a great sense of threat to those in religious power.)
These two apostles, Peter, and John were held overnight by the Temple Guard. In the morning, the “academy awards” of religious leaders met to discuss the dilemma. At issue is that teaching in the name of Jesus must be stopped. At issue, a man was among them who had been crippled for 40 years, and through the name of Jesus, he was walking in their presence. At issue, is the people were in amazement and seeking Jesus.
It is in this context that religious leaders demand that Peter and John stop teaching and healing in the name of Jesus.
Peter and John are filled with the Holy Spirit. Reciting scripture, Peter and John clearly speak to religious power with this message: “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” The response continues with their resolve to obey God, regardless of the demands to be silent.
Reflection
What happens following this encounter is important for you and me today. Peter and John gather with other followers, giving God thanks. Then, they pray for more courage and boldness. Scripture says the place they were meeting shook with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Encouragement
May we be filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking, and acting with courage, respect, and clear communication of the simple truth: “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” May we be clear about who Jesus is and what he does with the opportunities we have.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. This is the one and only Son in which You have made salvation possible. Jesus, thank You for giving up Your life completely for me and my sin. Thank You for my salvation. Holy Spirit, please give me the courage, respect, and boldness to communicate this amazing truth to those You give me the opportunity to share with.
In Jesus’s name, the one and only, I pray, Amen