#244 - No Other Name: The Bold Witness of Peter and John in Acts 4.5-12

In Acts 4:5–12, Peter and John face the Sanhedrin—the supreme Jewish council in Jerusalem—just a day after their arrest for healing a lame man in the temple. The assembled rulers, elders, scribes, and high priestly family members include influential figures like Annas and Caiaphas. These authorities question the apostles, demanding to know by what poweror in whose name the miraculous healing occurred.

Drawing on Stanley Horton’s Acts Commentary, we see how this interrogation reflects the council’s apprehension about the growing influence of Jesus’ followers. Eckhard Schnabel (ZECNT) emphasizes the political and religious clout of the high-priestly families, underscoring the intimidating atmosphere for two fishermen from Galilee.

Yet Peter, filled afresh with the Holy Spirit, addresses the leaders respectfully but with bold conviction. He declares that the miracle happened “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead” (Acts 4:10, NKJV). Peter then quotes Psalm 118:22 to illustrate that Jesus—rejected by the religious elite—has become the “chief cornerstone.”

The passage culminates in the powerful statement: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, NKJV). This message reveals the heart of the apostles’ preaching: Jesus is the exclusive and all-sufficient Savior. Despite standing before the most influential court of their day, Peter and John boldly affirm the unique, life-giving name of Christ, setting a timeless example for believers who face opposition in every generation.