Bible Study - Acts 4
S – And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12 ESV
O – Commentary:
Salvation "in the name" (v. 12) alludes to Peter's earlier exposition of Joel 2:32 (Acts 2:21); the term translated "saved" includes making whole (i.e., healing the man—so v. 9, literally). Peter learned this use of Psalm 118:22, cited here in verse 11, from Jesus; see Luke 20:17
Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament.%0a4%3a9%E2%80%9312.+~Salvation+%E2%80%9Cin+the+na), Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2014), 328.
It's vital to understand that a person's name held much greater significance in biblical times than it does today. Names weren't random titles to distinguish someone's identity — a name represented one's essential character and personhood. Like a power of attorney, one's name carried the same weight and authority as the person to whom it was given. The name of Jesus and the person of Jesus Christ are inseparably linked. His name and His power, authority, and personhood are one and the same. The name of Jesus embodies who He is.
Got Questions, What does it mean that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12)?
A – Jesus is the only way to God. Throughout history, we've tried to build other paths to Him — ones that feel more appealing, more comfortable, more suited to our own wants and needs. Other gods, other behaviors, other beliefs, skepticism, even atheism — they all offer a false sense of what happens in the end. But God hasn't changed, and the Bible remains steadfast: the name of Jesus, His character, His personhood — that's the one and only path to a relationship with God.
R – Heavenly Father, You are the Savior. Thank You for the path to a relationship with You that comes through Jesus. Help us eliminate the other ideas we cling to — the ones that are convenient and self-serving — so we can know You as You truly are. We want a genuine relationship with You, one that draws us closer and shapes us more into Your likeness.
