Jesus Christ Of Nazareth

Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. 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 4:10-12 

When God moves among people it causes friction. When the apostles began to preach Christ, people responded. When they responded it challenged the status quo. When that happened the people who were maintaining the status quo became upset. They saw their power slipping away. This was intolerable to them. They identified Peter and John as being at the center of this most recent incident of the lame man’s healing. It was not the healing that caused them the problem, but that Jesus Christ was getting the credit. They had been the prime movers in His execution. Now His disciples were saying He had arisen from the dead and were doing remarkable things in His Name. In order for them to maintain their grip on the people, they had to shut down this movement. They arrested Peter and John, incarcerated them overnight, and called them into account in council the next day. Our text is a portion of Peter’s answer to them. He summarizes the Person and work of Christ in a few words. He does so with great boldness. He articulates what we still believe, ‘nor is there salvation in any other.’ This is the message of the apostles and has become our message as well. In the face of all opposition is the ongoing proclamation of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He lived, died and is risen from the dead, as Lord and Christ.  

Great God of Wonders, 
we rejoice that You do miraculous things 
to promote the person and work of Christ. 
We praise You, that in every age,  
You draw attention to Him. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning