Salvation In His Name Only

To the amazement of the people of Jerusalem for the healing of the lame man, the Apostle Peter gave another sermon that emphasized that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah. While during the sermon at Pentecost 3000 came to the Lord, this sermon at the Temple brought 5000. This also brought about the first persecution of Christians, as documented in the Book of Acts. The position and authority of the Leaders in Jerusalem were threatened by the Apostle Peter's proclamation that the healing was done in the name of Jesus, the resurrected-glorified Messiah.
 
This priestly Sadducean aristocracy—who were primarily interested in maintaining their power and economic interests—became the primary enemy of the budding church. As with the ministry of Jesus (cf. John 11:49), they not only saw the Apostolic message as a threat to their authority but a threat to the stability of the whole nation. Other messiah figures had caused unrest and brought about the wrath of the Romans. The theme of Peter’s sermon about the resurrection, the Author of life, a prophet like Moses seemed just as radical and alarmed the ruling aristocracy who wanted to maintain the status quo with Rome which kept them in power. These leaders ruled through the Sanhedrin the highest Jewish council which consisted of 70 members from the aristocracy plus a presiding officer, the High Priest.
 
When the Apostles Peter and John were brought for interrogation before the Sanhedrin, the leaders asked them a similar question that the Pharisees asked Jesus (cf. Luke 20:20), "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?" (Acts 4:7). What bothered them was not the miracle but the proclamation of the Word.
 
Instead of giving a defense, the Apostle Peter gave them a sermon. Don't you just love that? At the heart of his sermon is a play on the word "save" which could mean both (1) physical salvation translated as "healed" or "made well" in verse 9, and (2) spiritual "salvation" as in verse 12. The physical “salvation” of the lame man through the name of Jesus points to the far greater salvation that comes to all who call on His name. Many years later, the Apostle Paul would make the same appeal to those rioting against him in Jerusalem: "wash away your sins by calling on His name."
 
Although the leaders in Jerusalem could not argue that the miracle had happened, they continued their rejection of God's message whether by the Apostle Peter or later by the Apostle Paul. Luke gives several clues to underscore their obstinate attitude. He repeats the word "miracle" (or "sign") twice in Acts 4. The healing of a 40-year-old man who has been lame since birth should have given them ample evidence that God is authenticating Peter’s and John’s apostleship (namely, that they are true messengers from God). Yet, they persisted in their unbelief. Ironically, they were looking for salvation in the tyranny of Roman rule.
 
Theists, atheists, and pantheists alike continue to look for salvation in someone or something else. Some look for salvation from technology, but that only brings the tyranny of the machine. Some look for salvation in government or a political figure, but that only brings the tyranny of a tyrant, perhaps the Antichrist himself. Some even look for salvation from extraterrestrial life, but that only brings the tyranny of demonic spirits. But...Scripture is clear, there is no salvation, whether in the here and now or for the afterlife, apart from Christ (Acts 4:12). His salvation, though, brings freedom from tyranny, the tyranny of sin. More than that, He gives us abundant life, eternal life, life with Him.
 
Where are you looking for salvation?
Where is your hope?
 
Read Acts 4:12 again!