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Scripture • World English Bible
Acts 4:1–12
1As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them,
2being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening.
4But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
5In the morning, their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem.
6Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest.
7When they had stood Peter and John in the middle of them, they inquired, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”
8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people and elders of Israel,
9if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,
10may it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, this man stands here before you whole in him.
11He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’
12There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”
World English Bible (WEB) • Public Domain
Reflection
The scene in Acts 4 is arrest, accusation, and an irresistible witness. Peter and John have healed a man and the crowd has been moved; the religious leaders are threatened and demand an explanation. Peter doesn’t defend himself with clever rhetoric or political maneuvering. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he points to the only source and reason for what has happened: the name of Jesus — the crucified One whom God raised from the dead.
Peter’s words remind us of two inseparable truths. First, the power to change lives does not originate with human ability but with the risen Christ and the Spirit who speaks through his people. The apostles aren’t boasting in their skills; they are declaring the reality that God has acted in Jesus, and that act continues to bear fruit. Second, the good news is exclusive in its center but inclusive in its offer. When Peter says there is salvation in no one else, he is not being narrow for the sake of exclusion; he is being precise about where rescue and restoration are found. Salvation here means forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the new life that comes through Jesus’ death and resurrection. That good news is now found under one name — Jesus — and that makes the church’s witness both urgent and hopeful.
This passage also shows the posture of faithful witness. Peter stands calmly and addresses the rulers respectfully, even as he speaks truth plainly. He grounds his claim in what God has done: the crucifixion and resurrection. He uses Scripture (the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone) to interpret Jesus’ identity for his listeners. The Spirit gives boldness, but the content is the gospel — who Jesus is and what he has accomplished.
For the follower of Jesus, Acts 4 is an encouragement and a challenge. It encourages us to rely on the Spirit rather than our own cleverness when people press us to explain the hope we have. It challenges us to be clear about the exclusivity of Christ without becoming unkind or defensive. We are called to name Jesus, show what his life and death mean, and demonstrate his power through lives of mercy and holiness.
Hope flows from the truth Peter proclaims: salvation is not a human achievement but a divine gift given in Christ. That means no situation is hopeless for God. It also means every believer has both the responsibility and the privilege to point people to the name that saves, trusting the Spirit to work through our simple, faithful witness.
Practical encouragement: when you feel intimidated by questions or opposition, remember that the Holy Spirit is your strength. When you speak of Christ, do so with clarity about who he is and what he has done, and with tenderness toward those who hear. Let your life back up your words so people see the transforming power of the name you bear.
Putting Faith Into Action
- Prepare a one-minute testimony that names Jesus and what he has done for you. Practice it until you can share it calmly when asked about your faith.
- When facing opposition or fear, pause and pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you. Ask for boldness to speak the name of Jesus with clarity and grace.
- Serve someone on the margins — the healed man’s presence in the community mattered. Let acts of kindness be a visible sign of the salvation you proclaim.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, fill me with your Spirit so I can speak your name with courage and love. Help me point others to you — the crucified and risen One — and to live in a way that shows your power to save. Give me opportunities to tell of your mercy, and the wisdom to do so with gentleness. Amen.
Memory Verse
Acts 4:12 — There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!” (WEB)
“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!””
Bible Context
Read all of Acts 4
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Bible Context
Read all of Acts 4
Acts 4
World English Bible • WEB
1As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them,
2being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening.
4But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
5In the morning, their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem.
6Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest.
7When they had stood Peter and John in the middle of them, they inquired, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”
8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people and elders of Israel,
9if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,
10may it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, this man stands here before you whole in him.
11He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’
12There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”
13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.
14Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16saying, “What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can’t deny it.
17But so that this spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.”
18They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves,
20for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.”
21When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done.
22For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
23Being let go, they came to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.
24When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, you are God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
25who by the mouth of your servant David, said,
26The kings of the earth take a stand,
27“For truly, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed,
28to do whatever your hand and your counsel foreordained to happen.
29Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,
30while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.”
31When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
32The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
33With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all.
34For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
35and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.
36Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,
37having a field, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
World English Bible (WEB) • Public Domain
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