Acts - Chapter Fourنموونە
Salvation in Christ Alone
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
Peter’s speech after the healing, caused no small stir. The religious authorities imprisoned Peter and John. The following day, all the leaders including members of the high priest’s family (Acts 4:6), came together. The fact that the whole ruling body came together, to investigate the ‘crime’, reveals its seriousness.
Filled with God’s Spirit, Peter courageously declared, “…It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth ... 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 4:10,12).
Peter’s statement that salvation is in Christ alone, had huge implications. In other words, Peter was stating
No blood, no altar now, The sacrifice is o'er!
No flame, no smoke ascends on high,
The lamb is slain no more… (an old Hymn)
The leadership knew that Peter’s proclamation with the added visible evidence of Christ’s power through the miracle could very well mean the collapse of the temple infrastructure. Therefore, the pilgrimage to the temple, the sacrificial system, the priestly office, the economy, the authorities’ power and position could all come to an end. The leaders’ desperate attempt to silence Peter and John, in fact resulted in more people responding to Christ’s salvation. Acts 4:4
May we truly grasp the significance of salvation through Christ alone, and through the Holy Spirit boldly act and proclaim this truth.
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About this Plan
The Jewish authorities could not deny Christ’s power at work, when they threatened Peter and John to stay quiet. On their release, Peter and John prayed with the church for power and boldness. The place where they were praying was shaken and all of them, not just the apostles, experienced and demonstrated God’s power. God’s grace was at work even as they all loved and shared with one another.
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