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By What Power or Name?

The religious leaders gathered, as one, in Jerusalem to enquire of the source of the apostles’ power.

Having arrested apostles Peter and John the evening before for healing the lame man, the next day they arrive to interrogate them.

Today Book of Acts Bible Study reference is Acts 4:6-10.

Therefore, Apostle Luke writes:

“And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem” (Acts 4:5-6).

The “religious people” are always the doubters and non-supporters of the works of God.

Even “heathens” and unbelievers accept and believe the works of God and leave them standing.

They are ignorant of the works of God. They don’t know Him. Consequently, when they witness His great works they can’t identify them. Their actions and words reveal them as such.

Religious Leaders Equate “Power” with a “Name”

As a result, observe their behavior towards the apostles because of this miracle.

“And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, by what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” (Acts 4:7).

Above, note how these religious leaders equate “power” with a “name”. Consequently, they by asking the apostles, “By what power, or by what name” they rendered effectiveness synonymous with designation (Acts 4:7).

Thus, these zealots reveal that they are indeed ignorant about what transpired between the apostles and the lame man.

Nevertheless, there is much more to power than a name. On the other hand, the nameless is powerless. Nobody respects or obeys his name.

This is one of the reasons famous people are usually so influential. People respect their names. They honor their words.

However, the chief speaker of the apostles, Peter, replied to the “rulers of the people and elders of Israel” (Acts 4:8).

Apostle Peter Reveals Their Error

He exposed their ignorance and revealed the source of his power.

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, (Acts 4:8).

Why does the Scriptures say “filled with the Holy Ghost”? Is there any significance to this phrase? I shall definitely research this!

Apostle Peter continues:

“If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole” (Acts 4:9)?

Observe, how Apostle Peter responds to the leaders.

“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole” (Acts 4:10).

Conclusion

Unlike the leaders of Israel, Apostle Peter was certain of the source of the power that healed the lame man.

The leaders erroneous ask by “By what power, or by what name” the lame man walks.

By saying “or” they equate a name with power. Thus, in error, they associate a title with an appellation.

Nevertheless, Apostle Peter corrects this fault. He unequivocally, declares that “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” the lame man walks. He walks by faith in the name of the Lord (Acts 4:10).

Not once did he speak of “power”, because he is aware that his might is not in the “the name”. He understands this. And he used this knowledge wisely.

Power to Heal the Lame Man is not Resident in the Name

Yes, the Lord healed the lame man because of Peter’s faith in the name of Jesus. However, the power to heal him is not resident in the name of the Lord.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).

This influence comes only through faith in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ: the Holy Ghost.

Finally, ensure that you have this might. It gives you influence over all the powers of our Adversary. And by it you will live above sickness and diseases. Blessings!