The Book of Acts

ACTS 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ.” This first use of the Name of Jesus must have struck the Jews with a peculiar force.

Fifty days before, they had hung Him stark naked upon a cross; now, three thousand of them cry out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter answers, “Repent ye and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins.”
This meant a break with Judaism, although it was not clearly in their minds yet, but to be baptized into that Name was to put on that Name and bear the stigma of that Name among their fellows.

The First Miracle in the Name

In the 3rd chapter, we get its first public use. Peter and John are going up to the Temple to worship, (they had not yet been separated from the temple worship), and as they arrived at the door of the temple which is called “Beautiful,” they saw a cripple lying in his dirt and helpless¬ness, with outstretched hands beseeching an offering.

Peter and John, fastening their eyes on him, said, “Look on us.” And he, expecting to receive something, looked up. Then said Peter, “Silver and gold have I none but what I have, that give I thee.”

I can see the disappointed look followed by a mystified expression in his eyes as he looked upon those two humble fishermen. Peter continued, “In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!”

And immediately a thrill passed through his body; Peter reached down, grasped him by the hand and lifted him to his feet; and those ankles that had been useless from babyhood were filled with the strength of manhood. For the first time in his life, this man could leap, run, and walk.

During all of his babyhood days he had watched others playing while he himself was unable to take any part in their sport, but now this impotent, useless member of society throbbed with health and life. He rushed into the temple, leaping, jumping, and shouting praises to God; finally, he turned and grasped Peter and John by the hands while the multitude gathered about them, and Peter declared, “Why fasten ye your eyes upon us, as though by our own power we made this man to walk.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified this Man Jesus Whom ye delivered up and denied in the face of Pilate when he determined to release him. But ye denied the Holy One and asked for a murderer to be granted unto you. Ye killed the Author of Life Whom God raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses. And on the ground of faith in His Name hath His Name made this man strong whom ye behold and know.”