There Is Still Power in the Name of Jesus: Acts 3:1-4:12
When the Name of Jesus Gets Real
Our culture is comfortable with vague spirituality.
People talk about “good vibes,” mindfulness, or “my truth,” and most of the time, nobody objects.
But something changes when you start talking specifically about Jesus.
Especially when you say He isn’t just one option, but Lord—the only name that saves.
That’s exactly what we see in Acts 3–4.
A man who has been unable to walk since birth is healed in the name of Jesus, crowds are amazed, religious leaders are furious, and a bold declaration rings out: “There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV)
This isn’t just an old story.
It shows us how the name of Jesus still meets needs, demands a response, and faces opposition today—and what that means for your life right now.
The Name of Jesus Meets Our Deepest Needs (Acts 3:1–10)
Peter and John are on their way to the temple for an ordinary time of prayer when they see a man who has been lame from birth. Every day he’s carried to the temple gate to beg for money—close to religion, but still broken and stuck.
Most people walked past him. He had become part of the scenery.
But Peter and John stopped, looked straight at him, and truly saw him. They didn’t see an interruption; they saw a person made in the image of God.
When the man asks for money, Peter replies, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6 (NIV)
Immediately, the man is healed—he jumps up, walks, and begins praising God.
This scene shows us a few important truths:
God often works through ordinary, everyday moments, not just big events.
One sign that God is changing your heart is that you start really seeing people—especially the hurting and overlooked.
Money, education, and medicine can help, but only Jesus can transform a heart and forgive sin.
The greatest gift the church can offer isn’t buildings, budgets, or programs. It’s Jesus Himself.
Sometimes we ask God for relief, and He brings transformation instead.
We want Him to remove the struggle; He gives His presence and strength in the middle of it.
Because beneath every financial, emotional, or relational issue is a deeper need: we need Jesus.
The Name of Jesus Demands a Response (Acts 3:11–19)
The healing draws a crowd. People recognize the formerly lame man walking, jumping, and praising God, and they come running to see what happened.
Peter is quick to make something clear: this wasn’t about his power or holiness.
“Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” he asks. Acts 3:12 (NIV)
He points them straight to Jesus. Then Peter speaks with courage: “You handed Him over… You disowned the Holy and Righteous One… You killed the author of life, but God raised Him from the dead.” Acts 3:15 (NIV)
That’s hard to hear—but it’s necessary. Before we can appreciate grace, we have to be honest about our guilt.
Peter doesn’t stop at bad news, though. He announces hope: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 (NIV)
The name of Jesus is not something we can stay neutral about. It calls for repentance (turning from our way) and faith (trusting His way).
Many of us feel exhausted by sin, shame, and the pressure to fix ourselves. Jesus offers forgiveness, freedom, and what Peter calls “times of refreshing from the Lord.”
So the question lands on each of us: What will my response to Jesus be? Keep living for myself? Keep delaying obedience? Keep carrying shame that He already died to forgive? Or surrender and follow Him?
The Name of Jesus Faces Opposition (Acts 4:1–12)
Not everyone is thrilled about the name of Jesus. The priests, the temple guard, and especially the Sadducees—religious professionals—are deeply disturbed because Peter and John are preaching resurrection in Jesus’ name.
They arrest Peter and John. Yet even in chains, the message spreads—thousands more believe.
The next day, Peter and John stand before the religious leaders and are asked, “By what power or what name did you do this?” Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter answers: it’s “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead” that this man stands healed. Acts 4:10 (NIV)
Then comes the bold claim: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV)
In a culture that says, “All paths lead to God,” Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV)
That is exclusive—Jesus is the only way. But it’s also incredibly inclusive—anyone who comes to Him can be saved.
Opposition to Jesus often comes because His name confronts our pride. It calls us to stop trying to save ourselves and surrender fully to Him.
So if you face pushback or misunderstanding because you follow Jesus, don’t panic. In Acts, opposition didn’t stop the gospel; it often spread it.
Carrying the Name of Jesus into Everyday Life
If the name of Jesus still meets needs, demands a response, and faces opposition, what do we do with that? The call from this passage is simple and challenging: carry the name of Jesus wherever you go.
For parents: Carry the name of Jesus in your home. Pray with your kids, read the Bible with them, and show them what it looks like to follow Him in real life.
For students and young adults: Carry His name on your campus, in your friend group, and at work—even when it costs you socially. Your quiet integrity and bold kindness may be the “miracle” someone else needs to see.
For long-time believers: Don’t let familiarity dull your awe. Ask the Holy Spirit to rekindle your boldness, just like He did for Peter and John.
For all of us: As you go through your day, notice people. See them, serve them, help them, and pray for them—but don’t stop there. When God opens the door, speak up and point people to Jesus.
Sometimes carrying His name will bring resistance or misunderstanding. But we do not need to apologize for the name of Jesus, because there is still power in His name—for the parent praying for a prodigal, the person trapped in addiction, the grieving, the anxious, and the one buried in shame.
Jesus still saves, breaks chains, softens hard hearts, restores broken lives, and raises spiritually dead people to life.
A Clear Next Step: Respond to His Name
Maybe you’ve admired Jesus from a distance. Maybe you’ve delayed surrender or tried to fix yourself and carry your shame alone.
Acts 3–4 reminds us: there is no other name that saves. Repent. Turn to God. Put your trust in Jesus. Be baptized in His name.
The same name that healed the lame man and raised Jesus from the dead can save you too.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (NIV)
If you’re ready to take a step—whether that’s asking questions, praying with someone, or getting baptized—reach out to us at The Crossing. We would be honored to walk with you as you respond to the name of Jesus.
If you already follow Him, choose one specific way this week to carry His name—sharing your story, inviting someone to church, praying with a friend, or speaking Jesus’ name into a difficult situation.