Acts 4:12 – No Other Way

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The name of Jesus is powerful. It saves us awful sinners from death and eternal destruction. Nobody but Jesus can save us. This verse is a bold declaration to boost our trust and assurance. Why is it that so many people don’t understand this truth? Do you ever feel like you are the only one?

Context: Peter and John had been busy healing and teaching people that through Jesus there is resurrection of the dead. This upset some priests and Sadducees, who then confronted Peter and John and threw them in jail. When brought before the religious leaders to defend themselves, the Holy Spirit took over, and Peter called out the name of Jesus, giving him all the credit for such healings and salvation. The religious leaders were amazed yet knew they had to take control of the situation.

Peter and John were not afraid to be bold in their faith. Their words, together with the Holy Spirit’s promptings, were drawing people to their growing church. The truth had to be told, and Peter and John were not afraid of the consequences. We can learn much from their bold example.

It was a difficult time for those early believers. Their message of truth was not always received well by those who could not see. We can find parallels to the same peril being faced by Christians around the world today. Following Jesus is not all sunshine and roses for us all these years later, but that doesn’t mean we stop sharing.

Peter unashamedly proclaimed the power of Jesus’ name. As Christians, we approach God in prayer using the name of Jesus. We believe in the authority of Christ to listen and respond to prayers. Jesus himself told us in John 14:13, “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.”

I don’t want to distract from today’s memory verse so boldly proclaimed by Peter with other great verses. But Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:10-11, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” I feel like this declaration should end with an “Amen!” Don’t you?

We “must be saved” by Jesus. There is no other way. I checked a lot of different translations of this text, and the word “must” is commonly used. There isn’t much “wiggle room” in that word. If someone tries to tell you there are many roads to heaven, they are not relying on the authority of the Bible.

God’s word is what guides me, not some popular preacher or misguided person wanting to make others feel good. I want to be bold like Peter and John, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill me so I can speak truth, too. Jesus is the only way!

Let’s pray. Father, I pray that my life and all I say and do bring honor to you. Thank you for desiring to have a relationship with me. Help me shut out the world’s lies and give me the clarity of mind to discern. Open my eyes to understand the truth of your word. Wash me clean again from the sin that holds me in bondage. May I feel your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.