Acts 4:5-31

Names mean something.

For instance in America when you hear the name Patrick Henry, you think of patriotism, heroism, and courage. “Give me liberty, or give me death!” he proclaimed.

On the other hand, Benedict Arnold conjurers up thoughts of betrayal, treason and disgrace.

In the Bible names are important to God. One’s name often identified some characteristic of the person or event at their birth. For instance, Isaac’s name means “laughing.” Jacob means “deceiver.” Moses, “drawn out.”

Names may reflect some aspect of one’s life or character such as “Simon the Zealot,” “John the Baptist, or “Herod the Great.”

Jesus’ name means “saves.”

In our text we see three responses to the name of Jesus.

#1 The Apostles preached, proclaimed, and defended Jesus’ name

When called before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court, for healing a lame man and causing a stir among the people, they inquired, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

In response, Peter affirmed that Jesus was the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy and boldly proclaimed, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Ax. 4:12)

#2 The Sanhedrin rejected and opposed Jesus’ name.

This reaction is witnessed throughout Acts by the enemies of Jesus. They denied His Sonship. Rejected His claims of Divinity. And refused to believe He was the Messiah. All of the evidence, including Jesus’ miracles, His unparalleled teaching, and even His resurrection, could not persuade them to believe.

So, the authorities threatened Peter and John and “commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”

#3 The Christians prayed, calling on Jesus’ Name.

Following the apostles’ arrest and subsequent threats by the council, the Jerusalem brethren convened one of the most powerful prayer meetings recorded in the Bible (Acts 4:23-31).

They fervently prayed for strength, faithfulness, and boldness to continue preaching the Word and professing the name of Jesus. The Bible says God responded by shaking their meeting place and filling them with the power of the Holy Spirit.

This narrative reminds us that not much has changed in 2000 years.

#1 People today still become incensed and outraged at the name of Jesus.

Some claim to be “offended” at any vestige of Jesus’ name being spoken, sung, or prayed to in any public venue. The enemies of Jesus are real. And they are becoming more visible, vocal, and in some instances even vicious. Be apprised, government, media, and Hollywood are not friends of Jesus.

#2 We must continue to preach and teach in the name of Jesus.

Peter’s response to the council’s threats should be our attitude. “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Ax. 4:20).

“Boldness” is a word that stands out in this text. We cannot give in to the politically correct crowd who seeks to banish Jesus from the marketplace and the public forum. Preachers, pastors, parents, and all Christians should not be ashamed of the Gospel or Jesus’ name.

Yes, we must “speak the truth in love.” And our speech should be gracious, “seasoned with salt.” But we must speak up. Live for the Lord. Let our light shine. And refuse to hide our faith in Jesus.

#3 Let’s pray in Jesus’ name

Jesus promised, ”And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (Jn 14:13-14).

When we pray according to God’s will, He hears and answers prayer. Why? Because we belong to Jesus. His name is authoritative and powerful.

Pray for strength, courage, and boldness. Pray for our spiritual leaders. Pray for those in positions of power. Pray for your family. Pray for your church-family. Pray for unbelievers and the lost to be saved.

“Do not pray for easy lives,” wrote Phillips Brooks. “Pray to be stronger men and women. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks.”

“Great names come and go, but the name of Jesus remains,” wrote Warren Wiersbe. “The devil still hates it, the world still opposes it, but God still blesses it and we can still claim it! ‘In the name of Jesus’ is the key that unlocks the door of prayer and the treasury of God’s grace. It’s the weapon that defeats the enemy and the motivation that compels our sacrifice and service. It’s the name that causes our hearts to rejoice and our lips to sing his praise.”

“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there’s just something about that name.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman