Acts 3

“And his name--by faith in his name--has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health” (v16).  Peter and John were careful to direct the people’s attention to Jesus, the author of salvation and miracles.  Jesus’ followers were now empowered by his Spirit to preach, prophesy, and heal, yet they were still primarily “witnesses” (v15) to the Savior.  The believers’ own “power and piety” could not save anyone (v12).

We can’t honor God’s kingdom by building up our own names or egos.  We are called to speak and act “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” (v6).