Day 316, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Acts 3–5
What’s in a Name? What's so Special About Jesus' Name?
We name our children, pets, sports teams, businesses, churches, or other organizations. We use names in all advertising, and we put them on T-shirts, ball caps, all kinds of clothing, and even automobiles. What’s in a name, anyway? Sometimes nothing, but most of the time, a name represents something.
A name can be very significant. For instance, when we say put your “John Hancock” on this piece of paper, we mean for you to write your signature on an important document. We then remember that John Hancock was once a very famous person who penned his name in large letters on the Declaration of Independence.
Billy Graham is a name known worldwide. When we hear it, we recognize his reputation as a great gospel preacher who had integrity. There is, however, someone more famous. From the first century until today, Jesus Christ has been the name known around the world.
Jesus' Name
Ordinary people loved Jesus. He was kind—he miraculously fed thousands of people, healed their sick, and raised their dead. They loved his teaching and how he confounded the religious leaders with his wisdom and insight. He offered people forgiveness for their sins and spiritual life.
The Jewish leaders, however, hated him. He was a threat to the traditions and leadership of the Jewish nation. They thought when Jesus was crucified, they were through with him, and his name would die with him. Much to their fear, confusion, and dismay, however, Jesus arose three days later.Miracles Continue in Jesus' Name
Then, after forty days of resurrection sightings, suddenly, Jesus was gone. The religious leaders hoped that would be the end of it, but the Jesus movement continued. A strange working of a heaven-sent Spirit enabled men to speak in other languages, and Christianity spread. This was a more significant threat than when Jesus was with them—now, Jesus’ disciples were also doing miracles! More and more people joined his disciples; the number grew to over 5,000 in a very short time (Acts 4:4).
In today’s Bible reading, religious leaders try to stop the movement. They seek Peter and John, the new leaders of the Christians, and ask by what power or authority they are doing these miracles.
Peter said it is God who gives the ability to heal. Peter is doing the miracles in the name of Jesus, whom they crucified, but whom God raised back to life. He further informs them that “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, NIV).
The religious leaders don’t listen to Peter and John but order them to stop speaking in Jesus’ name. His disciples reply that they can’t stop—they are compelled to obey God rather than men (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29).After they are released, they keep telling others about God’s salvation. They also continue doing miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus.
Honoring God's Name
In Acts 3-4, we read how early Christians publicly and boldly proclaimed salvation in Jesus Christ and healed in his name. But in chapter 5, we discover that God is just as concerned that his people honor it.
In the early days of the church, wealthy Christians sold their property to pay for the needs of poor Christians. Ananias and Sapphira, husband and wife, members of the church, are killed for lying to the Holy Spirit about their giving. They boasted that they gave more than they did just to look good in the eyes of their fellow believers.
Have we ever misrepresented our gifts to the LORD and boasted about it? God wants us Christians to be honest in all our dealings. Let’s not lie and falsely represent ourselves or our deeds. God wants us to be holy and to preserve the honor of his name.
Spreading God's Name and Salvation, Despite Opposition
After this parenthesis about God’s discipline in the church, the history of the Acts of the Apostles continues. Once again, the Jewish religious leaders are furious about spreading the gospel (Act 5:17-40). Their directives to Peter and John not to teach or preach in Jesus’ name are disobeyed. The high priests and Sadducees and their friends are filled with jealousy. They arrest them and put them in jail.
During the night, an angel of the Lord opens their cell, frees them, and the disciples are found preaching in the temple courts the following day! The religious leaders are shocked and dismayed. The captain of the guard brings the apostles to the Sanhedrin and High priest for questioning.
After hearing their testimony, the religious leaders want to put Peter and John to death. One popular Pharisee, Gamaliel, calms them down and makes them listen to reason. Nevertheless, the religious leaders had Peter and John whipped and then warned them to stop speaking in Jesus’ name. Do the disciples listen? No, they rejoice because they are considered worthy to suffer for the name of Christ. “Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 5:42, NIV).
Discussion
Names can be significant. What is the significance of Jesus’s name?
Who loved Jesus and who hated him?
When is it okay to disobey the government?
Focus Verse
Acts 4:12 (NIV) “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod
Looking Ahead: Trouble can come within or outside a family or organization. The Next Lesson will help us in Handling Opposition.
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