Acts 4:1-22
Friday, 7 January 2022
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” -Acts 4:12
The Acts of Apostles recounts the growth of the early church through Spirit-filled disciples of Jesus Christ. The transformed disciples— from fearful men who fled their Master’s side when He was arrested and crucified, to strong men of faith who performed miracles, preached to crowds and authorities in Jesus’ name, became His powerful witnesses.
The key to Transformation
When Jesus was with them, although they had the revelation that the He was the ‘Son of the living God’ (Matthew 16:16), they were yet carnal believers - prejudiced, fearful and doubting. But after Jesus’ ascension, He sent the promised Holy Spirit – the Helper (John 14:26), who empowered the disciples with boldness and strength to lift up and proclaim the risen Lord as Savior. They began witnessing in the power of the Holy Spirit. There are times when we are carnal Christians, trying to do things in our own strength and failing miserably. Let us stop depending on our abilities and seek the help of the Holy Spirit to fill us with power to accomplish that which we have been called to do.
The Calling on all of Jesus’ Disciples
Jesus’ instruction to the apostles and to all believers everywhere is to bear witness of Him to the ends of the earth, in the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). With boldness and authority, this is just what the disciples proceeded to do. They witnessed Christ at every opportunity they had, even in the midst of opposition and persecution. As we see in Acts 4, Peter confronts the Sanhedrin with the unadulterated Gospel message that Jesus Christ, who was rejected and crucified by men, was the Messiah, whom God resurrected and exalted as the chief cornerstone. Salvation is received by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6).
Here are the key aspects of the Gospel we should be sure of and share with others:
God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for the sins of mankind, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life (John 3:16).
There is no other name, but the name of Jesus that can save (Acts 4:12)
When sin alienated man from God (Romans 3:23), God in His infinite love for us sent His Son, the Lamb without blemish, as the atoning sacrifice through death (1 John 4:10)
We are restored into a right relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)
The foundation of our Christian life should be rooted in Christ alone and this should be the gospel message that we proclaim.
Dear reader, if you have not received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, let this be the call to surrender your life to Him and welcome Him into your heart. If Jesus is your Savior and you are walking in faith with the Lord, let this be a time to remember the greatest gift of God – the sacrifice of Christ that enabled us who were perishing to be saved and enjoy an eternal relationship with Him. Count it a great privilege to know Him and consider it a great responsibility to share Him!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of life that you have given me. I pray for the power of the Holy Spirit, that I may witness Christ in boldness and confidence all my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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