What does Peter's statement reveal about the power of Jesus' name? The Scene at the Beautiful Gate The lame man had been carried to the temple gate every day, utterly dependent on the generosity of worshipers. Peter and John pause, not to offer coins but something far greater. The moment is a vivid contrast: human inability set against divine sufficiency. Peter’s Pronouncement and Its Immediate Effect Acts 3:6: “But Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!’” • Peter openly acknowledges he owns no material wealth, yet possesses something infinitely richer—authority vested in the name of Jesus. • The command is spoken without hesitation, revealing absolute confidence that Jesus’ name carries living power even after His ascension. • Verse 7 records instant strength flooding the man’s feet and ankles; verse 8 shows him walking, leaping, praising God—visible proof that the name accomplishes what it declares. What the Name of Jesus Reveals and Releases • Divine Authority—Peter does not pray for healing; he commands it. The name functions as Jesus’ own signature, authorizing the miracle (cf. Matthew 28:18). • Present-Tense Power—Jesus may be seated in heaven, yet His name operates on earth with undiminished effectiveness (Hebrews 13:8). • Exclusive Sufficiency—Peter offers no formula, ritual, or personal merit, only the name; that name alone meets the man’s need (Acts 4:10–12). • Covenant Continuity—Old-Testament healings came by God’s word; now that word is incarnate, and His name extends the same covenant mercy (Psalm 103:2-3). Echoes Throughout Scripture • Mark 16:17-18: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons… they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.” • John 14:13-14: asking in Jesus’ name brings the Father’s answer, glorifying the Son. • Acts 4:10,12: the cripple is healed “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth… there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” • Philippians 2:9-11: God exalted Him “and gave Him the name above all names,” every knee will bow—if spiritual forces must bow, so must disease. • Luke 10:17: even demons submit to believers “in Your name,” showing comprehensive dominion. Implications for Believers Today • The name of Jesus is not a mere closing phrase for prayers; it is the invocation of His person, presence, and authority. • Faith rests on the unchanging character behind the name, not on our emotions or eloquence. • Because Scripture is accurate and literal, the same name that lifted a lame man then still heals, saves, and liberates now. • Confidence grows as we remember that the power never resided in Peter; it flowed through him because he trusted the One whose name he spoke. |
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