No Other Name

Acts 4:6–12

“Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

The Apostles Peter and John boldly assert that “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (v. 12).” The LORD did say, as St. John recorded for us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him (John 14:6-7).” The Truth Himself said that truth by definition is exclusive, it does not and cannot mix with falsehoods or light with darkness (II Cor 6:14). God cannot lie (Num 23:19, Titus 1:2), because He is goodness (Mark 10:18) and Christ, the Word is reason itself riding His white horse rescues us from the spirit of the age (Lewis). Let us not shy away from gently proclaiming the truth and reason for our hope (I Pet 3:15) just because it appears exclusive, when actually all are welcome to receive Him. Let us learn from the acts of the Apostles today and henceforth, we pray with Living Life: “Father, thank You for the courageous examples I find in the apostles as they boldly proclaimed the name of Jesus. Help me to make the name of Christ known through my words and actions. Grant me courage and wisdom to do this in a way that honors You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”