At the Name of Jesus

The Name That Changes Everything – Acts 3:11-26

Dear Friends, the lame man who had just been healed is now walking, leaping, and praising God inside the temple. A huge crowd gathers in Solomon’s Colonnade, staring in amazement.

Peter sees the opportunity and speaks boldly:

“Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus.” (vv.12-13)

He doesn’t take any credit. The miracle happened because of Jesus – the same Jesus the crowd had denied and handed over to be killed. Peter reminds them they chose a murderer over the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead.

Then comes the wonderful turn:

“You acted in ignorance… but what God foretold through all the prophets — that his Christ would suffer — he has thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (vv.17-19)

Peter tells them this Jesus is the prophet Moses spoke about. All the prophets pointed to Him. And because they are descendants of the prophets and of the covenant God made with Abraham, the blessing is for them first — the blessing of turning from wickedness and receiving forgiveness.

What a powerful sermon! The same crowd that had seen the miracle is now hearing the gospel explained. The healing was never the main point — it was a sign pointing to Jesus, the risen Lord who alone can forgive sins and bring times of refreshing.

Today, pause in the quiet.

We still live in a world that is amazed by miracles but often misses the One who performs them. Peter made it crystal clear: the power is not in us, but in the name of Jesus. The same Jesus who healed the lame man is still at work today — not just to fix bodies, but to forgive sins, blot out guilt, and bring refreshing to weary souls.

The call is the same: repent and turn to Him.

Point to Ponder: Miracles are signs, but Jesus is the Saviour. The greatest miracle is still a changed heart that turns from sin to the living God.

Verse to Remember: “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19 ESV)

Question to Consider: This week, is there any area of your life where you’re still trying to “fix” things in your own strength? What would it look like to bring that honestly to Jesus and ask Him to do what only He can do — forgive, restore, and bring refreshing?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church