The context of today’s passage began when an invalid beggar was healed by Peter and John as they made their way to the temple for afternoon prayers. Reports of the healing drew quite a crowd and quickly caught the attention of the Jewish leaders. They arrested the two disciples and brought them before a group of high officials with a demanding question: “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Peter’s answer is straight to the point— “Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”

Acts 4:12
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Salvation expresses the idea of being rescued from a dangerous situation. Our spiritual condition is undoubtedly that. We are sinners, separated from God, and can do nothing about it. Our best efforts fall short. Death is our destiny. Not just physical death but also spiritual death…eternal separation from God. We need deliverance, and only one person can rescue us.

Jesus came to earth to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Being fully God, he came to pay the penalty of our sin as the sinless sacrifice. Being fully man, he was entirely qualified to die on our behalf. On the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for your sin and mine. It is through him and him alone that we can be rescued finally and forever.

Father, thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you for loving me enough to do what I could never do for myself. I pray for the one reading this who has not yet trusted in Jesus alone for salvation. May today be the day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.