Acts 4

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet." ~Juliet

In this chapter, the Priests, temple guard and Sadducees came up to Peter and John and seized them....they were not happy that the name of Jesus was being used.

You see, when someone does something in another person's name...they are doing it as them. And this made them nervous, because they had put Jesus to death. They thought the Jesus issue was taken care of. So they grabbed them and threw them into jail overnight.

But the evidence of a miracle and Peter's words had already made an impact. 5,000 believed that day. Wow! What a move of the Holy Spirit! Eyes and ears were opened to God's word and the Good News.

The next day Peter and John had to answer to a familar name: Caiphas. This is the same one who interrogated Jesus before His death. Peter knew this guy. Would he sit on the sidelines again?

Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome. Matthew 26:57-58

Not a chance. He got another filling of the Holy Spirit (yes, you get free refills of the Holy Spirit!) and spoke boldly to this group of officals. He quoted scripture to them, he made it very clear whose name they performed this miracle in.

And they threatened Peter and John. They commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus.

Just what is it about a simple name, Jesus? These days you can still get in trouble for saying His name. It has the same impact as a lightning rod in the middle of a storm. People don't like it, don't want to be near the one saying it and will do what they can to shush that person.

"...so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth..." Phil 2:10

This is why when you pray, you pray "in Jesus name". He is our advocate with God...He pleads our case before the highest court in the universe. He's got clout.

If I were to walk into a ritzy restaurant with no reservation, there's a slim to none chance I'd get a seat. But if I go in and ask for a table and say I'd like one "in the name" of Oprah...you know there would be some scrambling in that place. I'd probably be offered the chef's table.

Doing things in the name of Jesus gives us access to GRACE. (God's Riches At Christ's Expense)

The people seemed to pressure the officials. You see that today as well. When the people speak, politicians ususally listen. They don't want to anger their constituents. They might get voted out next time. The temple officers think twice about sending Peter and John to prison. Can you see them surrounded by 5,000 believers? You know they were sweating a bit!

So Peter and John are released and they go back to their companions. They tell them what happened. And do they ask God to zap those temple officials? No. Do they ask God to deliver them from possible imprisonment? No. Do they ask for another ministry? No. They asked for more of the Holy Spirit to keep on performing signs and wonders and to preach the Gospel!

Did you know you have the same access to do the amazing things that the apostles did? Yes, you can preach. Yes, you can heal. Yes, we can--in Jesus name.

What was the result of this prayer, this unity? People started taking care of the hungry, the homeless, the widows and orphans. They sold off their excess and shared with those in need. They obeyed Christ's commandment of love.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

These days the church has abdicated it's authority in caring for those in need. We have allowed the government to take over our job. More and more these days the church is stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility back. There are soup kitchens, shelters and sharing centers...all ministering in Jesus' name.

The last verse, 36, seems to be a "hook" for the next chapter. Luke was very precise in naming "Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement),". This man sold some land and gave the money to the apostles, to be distributed as they saw fit.

Do you trust your church with your tithes and offerings like Joseph?

What I'd like for you to try this week during quiet time is a specific prayer request. Don't just pray for the Holy Spirit to teach you about Chapter 5. Ask Him for a special free refill this week.

Take care not to ask for the wrong reason. We don't want to just be filled for the experience. We have something to do for Jesus this week. I don't know what it is yet, it might be the guts to speak to a family member about Christ. It might be healing. Just remember, to be filled with the Spirit means that some other stuff has got to move out to make room. Confession and repentance will be key. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring to mind what it is that needs to go.

Time for a spring cleaning of your soul.