Faith in the Name

In Acts Chapter 3 we find the first recorded miracle performed by the disciples. I believe this miracle is very significant for all believers. Here Peter provides us with the “key” for use in exercising faith’s authority through proclamation of power (the power vested in the mighty Name of Jesus).

Peter’s own words state, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you.” But what did he have to give? Peter was able to loose the healing power this man needed for his disfigured limbs to be made whole. He confidently gave what Jesus had given him – authority over sickness and disease. He declared, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Notice, Peter replies, “But what I do have…,” implying that he knew exactly what he possessed. He held the Name of Jesus - the name that’s above every other name! So when the people who witnessed this miracle looked at the two disciples in shock and awe, Peter turns to them and says, “Why look at us so intently, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?”

Peter quickly diverted the attention of the crowd away from the cured man, and from himself. Why do this? Simply because the explanation of the miracle was not to be found in any of them. The explanation is unveiled in verses 15 and 16:

“You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is (1) Jesus' name and (2) the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.”

The New American Standard reads, “You put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses. And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”

There are three important phrases contained in these verses that explain why this miracle was performed - the first miracle by the disciples:

[1] The name of Jesus.

[2] Faith in the name of Jesus.

[3] Faith which comes through Jesus.

In this explanation, Peter could have mentioned any one of these three things on their own and it would still have made perfect sense. However, it is clear that he wanted to make a distinct point, and that is; in order to release miraculous power we must understand the significance of all three elements.

Let’s examine the third phrase first, as the other two are in some way connected.

Faith which comes through Jesus. “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). In our faith walk, we should look away from every other object and keep our eyes riveted on Jesus. Peter must have done just that! He couldn’t have been looking at the helpless cripple; his eyes must have been fixed on the Healer Himself - Jesus the Christ. “Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power” (Heb. 1:3)

Jesus is the exclusive author of our faith because He has provided us with the only perfect example of what a life of faith is like. On this occasion, Peter wasn’t gazing at an image or snapshot of faith, but rather, at Jesus the author of faith Himself. Peter saw Jesus healing this man, just as he had witnessed so many times before. He had total trust in the faithfulness of His Lord.

Your faith can only come through Jesus. In your mind’s eye you too must be able to see Jesus (God’s anointed) performing signs and wonders. Acts 10:38, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

Faith in the name of Jesus. All of us should have faith in the name of Jesus. In the full knowledge that He has obtained a more excellent name (Heb. 1:4), and that this name is far superior to every other name. Philippians 2:9-11, “Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The wonderful name of Jesus has authority in three realms. It is as powerful and as effective in whatever dimension it is proclaimed. The early church knew this, and they prayed accordingly. Acts 4:30, “By stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

When using the Name of Jesus you must be convinced that you will get a response in the spirit realm. Acts 16:18, “She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit (in her), “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.”

The name of Jesus. The degree to which you use the Name of Jesus is the degree to which the forces of darkness will submit to you – no more no less!

The Name of Jesus was given to the church “to use.” Every mention in scripture of the use of the Name is in direct reference to the Body of Christ. When we became “co-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17) we inherited His name. Therefore, whatever He has obtained so have we! By inheritance Jesus obtained a more excellent name – a name that is exceedingly, far above and superior to every other Name. And it’s ours too!

The Name of Jesus legally belongs to the church (His bride). When exercising authority on this earth we have the Name of Jesus. Whenever we pray to the Father in His Name, God responds the same way He would if Jesus Himself had made the request. “In that name,” the Father hears and gives us whatever we ask [John 16:23]! Furthermore, Jesus has promised to personally endorse all our petitions to God [provided they are made in His Name and are in line with His will].

Mark 16:17-20, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well. After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.”

Luke 10:17, “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

Acts 4:18: “Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Acts 5:40, “They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.”

There’s something about the Name! Even the scoffer or unbeliever recognises it’s power!

Let’s finish with my favourite verse:

Revelation 19:13, “He (Jesus) is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.”

When we use the Name of Jesus in spiritual warfare it’s as if we are applying the Word of God. Just as Jesus Himself spoke to the devil, and said, “It is written,” so too can we exercise authority and enforce the enemy’s defeat – in the Name of Jesus. Hallelujah!

Chris Demetriou, 04/02/2007