The following day, Israel’s rulers wanted to know by what right, i.e., in whose name, this work was done. Peter declared “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” “
Christ,” i.e.,
Messiah, located Jesus historically as the long-awaited hope of Israel. “
Nazareth” located Jesus geographically as the lowly servant of God. Then Peter further identified, testified and magnified this Jesus with clarifications that bespoke His singular fame.
“Whom ye crucified.” No other name bespeaks crucifixion like “Jesus.” Hundreds upon thousands upon millions were crucified in the ancient world, yet to this day we remember pre-eminently, if not solely, the crucifixion of Christ. At the sight of a crucifix, our hearts whisper “Jesus.”
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He announced to Martha, “I am the resurrection.” He raised others during His lifetime, but all of those folks subsequently died. Jesus arose never to die again.
“By Him this man stands whole.” No other name bespeaks restoration like “Jesus.” Mankind fell on Eden’s floor and broke into a million pieces. Today we lead jagged, ragged lives; but one day His followers will stand in Him complete.
“The rejected stone is now the cornerstone.” No other name bespeaks exaltation like “Jesus.” At the name of “Jesus” every knee will bow.
In sum,
there is salvation in no other. No other name bespeaks salvation like “Jesus.” In no movie have I ever heard a hard-pressed soul cry out to Allah, Buddha or any other. As in the chart-topping single, it’s always “JESUS, take the wheel.”
For all He is, for all He has done, we rightfully sing,
“No other name but the name of Jesus is worthy of glory, and worthy of honor, and worthy of power and all praise.”
