Lectionary

Acts 4:5-12 (NKJV)

⁵ And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, ⁶ as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. ⁷ And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: ⁹ If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, ¹⁰ let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. ¹¹ This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ ¹² Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

1. The Setting of the Testimony:

Peter and John, standing before the Sanhedrin, are questioned about their source of power and authority after they healed a lame man. Imagine this scene: two uneducated fishermen standing in the midst of the most powerful religious leaders in Jerusalem. Yet, it is here, in the grip of potential peril, that the true power of God is revealed through the boldness of Peter.

2. The Courage to Speak Truth:

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter responds not with fear, but with a profound declaration of faith. He attributes the miraculous healing to “the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” This is the same Jesus whom these leaders had crucified. Peter’s courage transforms this trial into a testimony. He flips the script, using this platform to not only defend their actions but to preach Jesus as Christ.

3. Jesus: The Cornerstone:

Peter cites Psalm 118:22 to show that Jesus is the cornerstone—fundamental yet rejected. This metaphor resonates deeply, particularly in a religious culture that highly valued such symbolism. Peter’s message is clear: Jesus, whom they rejected, is indispensable to God’s plan. This declaration challenges us today: How often do we reject the cornerstone of our faith in pursuit of our own plans?

4. The Exclusivity of Salvation in Jesus:

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” This is a profoundly exclusive statement in a pluralistic world. It is a declaration that sets Christianity apart, as it claims a universal truth about the uniqueness of Christ. In our contemporary society, this exclusivity can be uncomfortable. It challenges the modern ethos of inclusivity at all costs. Yet, it calls for deep reflection on the centrality of Jesus in our personal and communal faith journey.

5. The Implications for Us:

What does this mean for us today? Like Peter and John, we are called to be bold in our faith. We live in a world where the name of Jesus can be contentious, where speaking truth can lead to social, professional, or even legal repercussions. However, we are reminded that the Spirit of God empowers us to speak boldly and truthfully about our faith.

6. The Call to Witness:

We are each called to be witnesses of Jesus in our own spheres of influence—our families, workplaces, and communities. Witnessing may not always require words; it often demands action, a living out of the truths we profess. How we treat others, how we handle adversity, and how we face injustice speaks loudly about the Jesus we serve.

In closing, let us be inspired by the courage of Peter and John who, in the face of adversity, proclaimed the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Let us hold firm to the conviction that salvation is found in no other name, and let us live out this truth in boldness and love. May we leave here today renewed in our faith and invigorated to be ambassadors of Christ in a world that desperately needs His love.

“Lord, grant us the boldness of Peter and John to speak of Your love and salvation. Help us to not only proclaim Your name with our lips but demonstrate Your grace through our lives. Amen.”

THEOLOGICAL THEMES OF THIS TEXT

1. The Sovereignty of Christ
   • Jesus as the Cornerstone: The passage references Psalm 118:22 where Jesus is identified as the cornerstone—the primary foundation of the church and the kingdom of God. Despite being rejected by the builders, which symbolizes the religious leaders, Jesus becomes the central figure in God’s plan.
   • Authority of Jesus: Peter declares that the miraculous healing was done in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, affirming His divine authority and continuing presence and power even after His ascension.
2. The Power of the Holy Spirit
   • Source of Boldness: The passage notes Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit when he spoke to the Sanhedrin. This emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in providing courage and articulation in the face of persecution.
   • Guidance in Testimony: The Spirit not only empowers but also guides the disciples in how to testify about Jesus, ensuring that their witness aligns with God’s will.
3. Salvation Exclusively Through Christ
   • Exclusivity of Salvation: The passage is clear that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus, reinforcing the Christian doctrine of exclusivism—Jesus is the unique and ultimate mediator between God and humans.
   • Universal Offer: While the statement is exclusive in means, it is universal in scope—“under heaven given to mankind”—indicating that this salvation is available to all humanity, not limited to a particular ethnic or religious group.
4. Conflict with Worldly Authorities
   • Christian Witness in the Face of Opposition: The context of this declaration is a trial before the highest religious court, illustrating the conflict between the burgeoning Christian faith and established religious authorities.
   • The Boldness in Proclamation: Despite the potential consequences, Peter and John seize the opportunity to declare the truth about Jesus, modeling a fearless commitment to God over compliance with human authorities.
5. Fulfillment of Scripture
   • Prophecy and Fulfillment: Peter’s use of Psalm 118:22 underlines how Jesus’ life and mission fulfill Old Testament prophecies, reinforcing the continuity and integrity of the Christian message within the broader biblical narrative.
6. Role of Divine Healing
   • Signs and Wonders as Testimony: The healing of the lame man serves as a sign that corroborates the message of the apostles. Miracles in Acts are often portrayed as visible manifestations of God’s kingdom and the truth of Jesus’ lordship.
7. Transformation Through Jesus
   • Change and Restoration: The healed man is a testament to the transformative power of faith in Jesus. This not only refers to physical healing but also spiritual renewal, which is accessible through Jesus.