In Acts 4:7, a significant question is posed to Peter and John after the miraculous healing of the man at the Beautiful Gate: “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” This question wasn’t merely about identifying the mechanics of the miracle; it was an inquiry into the very source of divine authority and power that had manifested so clearly before their eyes. This moment offers a rich opportunity to explore the power and authority vested in the name of Jesus and its implications for our lives today.
The Context: A Question of Power and Name
The healing at the Beautiful Gate was not an ordinary event. A man who had been crippled from birth, someone everyone recognized as a beggar, was suddenly walking and leaping, praising God. This visible miracle drew the attention of the religious leaders. Annas, the high priest, Caiaphas, and others gathered to interrogate Peter and John. They could not deny the miracle but sought to discredit it by questioning its source. Their query—“By what power, or by what name?”—echoes a universal skepticism that often arises when the supernatural intersects with the natural.
Even today, when something miraculous happens, people’s minds naturally turn to these questions: What is the source of this power? Under whose authority was this done? This curiosity, or sometimes skepticism, can lead us to powerful truths about God’s kingdom and His purposes.
The Power: Not by Might, Nor by Strength
The first part of the question is about power. Peter and John’s response points us to a truth that reverberates throughout Scripture: the power to perform such works comes from the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself promised this power in Acts 1:8: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This power is not something we can manufacture through human effort. It is not based on physical strength, intellectual ability, or worldly influence. Zechariah 4:6 encapsulates this beautifully: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts. This Spirit-empowered life is the hallmark of a believer walking in alignment with God’s will. The disciples, once timid and fearful, were transformed into bold witnesses through the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
The Name: Authority and Dominion
The second part of the question—“By what name?”—delves into the issue of authority. In biblical terms, a name often signifies character, reputation, and authority. The religious leaders were familiar with the laws forbidding the invocation of demonic or unauthorized spiritual powers (Leviticus 20:27). They wanted to determine whether this miracle was a result of sorcery or manipulation. However, Peter’s response in Acts 4:12 leaves no room for doubt: “There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven, there is no other name for men to call upon to save them.”
The name of Jesus carries unparalleled authority. This is not merely a title but a representation of His divine nature and mission. It is the name by which:
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Salvation is given (Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:12).
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Baptism is performed (Matthew 28:19; Acts 8:16).
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Fellowship is established (Matthew 18:20; 2 Corinthians 1:10).
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Spiritual combat is engaged (Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17).
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Healing is imparted (Mark 16:18; Acts 3:6,16; James 5:14-16).
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Judgment is executed (Acts 13:6-11; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5).
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Prayers are answered (John 14:13-15; 16:23-26).
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Worship is directed (Ephesians 5:20; Hebrews 13:15).
The Power of the Holy Spirit
The power to act in Jesus’ name is intrinsically tied to the work of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, the name of Jesus becomes a formula without substance. This truth is vividly illustrated in Acts 19:13-16, where the sons of Sceva attempted to use the name of Jesus without a relationship with Him or the empowerment of the Spirit. The result was disastrous.
In contrast, when believers operate under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the name of Jesus becomes a key that unlocks heaven’s resources. It is through the Spirit’s power that:
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Lives are transformed – The lame walk, the blind see, and the dead are raised (Acts 3:6; Mark 16:18).
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The Gospel is preached with boldness – Ordinary men and women become ambassadors of Christ (Acts 4:13).
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The kingdom of darkness is defeated – Demons flee at the mention of Jesus’ name (Luke 10:17).
The Authority in Jesus’ Name
Authority in the spiritual realm comes from being under authority. Jesus Himself operated under the authority of the Father (John 5:19), and He has delegated His authority to His followers. This delegation is not arbitrary but covenantal. In Matthew 28:18-19, Jesus declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
Operating in Jesus’ name requires faith, obedience, and alignment with His purposes. It is not a magical incantation but an expression of a relationship rooted in trust and surrender.
Applications of Power and Authority
The name of Jesus is not confined to specific acts but permeates every aspect of the believer’s life. Here are some key areas where His power and authority are manifest:
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Salvation: The greatest miracle of all is the transformation of a sinner into a child of God (Acts 4:12; John 3:16).
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Baptism: Through baptism, we identify with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).
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Fellowship and Worship: The presence of Jesus is promised wherever two or three gather in His name (Matthew 18:20).
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Healing and Deliverance: Physical, emotional, and spiritual healing flows through the name of Jesus (Acts 3:16; Mark 16:18).
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Prayer: Prayers offered in Jesus’ name align with God’s will and carry the assurance of being heard (John 14:13-14).
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Good Works: Even the simplest acts of kindness, done in His name, carry eternal significance (Mark 9:41).
Walking in the Reality of His Name
To walk in the power and authority of Jesus’ name is to live a life that reflects His character and mission. This involves:
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Faith: Believing that Jesus is who He says He is and that His name is above every name (Philippians 2:9-11).
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Obedience: Submitting to His lordship and following His commands (John 15:14).
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Boldness: Proclaiming His name without fear, even in the face of opposition (Acts 4:29).
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Humility: Recognizing that the power is not our own but comes from Him (2 Corinthians 4:7).