Acts 18-20: In Jesus Name

There are two complimentary stories found in Acts 19 which illustrate what the phrase "in Jesus name" means. I hear this phrase (and similar phrases) tossed around like it holds some sort of magic.

"Jesus led me to this understanding."

"Karate for Christ."

Before a baptism: "We anoint this child in the name of Jesus Christ."

So...do I just have to say the words and Jesus' name blesses my way?

The first example in Acts 19 is the twelve disciples who didn't know the baptism of Jesus. They only knew the baptism of John. As Paul asked them questions, he realized they had not been baptized in the NAME of Jesus. Remember, when Jesus gave the apostles the great commission in Matthew 28, He commanded them to baptize "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." These men had not been baptized in the right name - in the name that saves. Remember, also, Acts 4:12 - "there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." After Paul taught these men the correct way, "they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:5). That is, by the authority of Jesus. Jesus had commanded this baptism, and these men had to submit to His authority. They had already been baptized in the baptism of John, but that was not a faithful response to the death of the Lord Jesus - for they had yet to hear the gospel message.

The second example is the seven sons of Sceva who were attempting to cast out a demon by invoking the name of the Lord Jesus. They said, "I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches" (Acts 19:13). Here's a clear attempt at using the name of Jesus, right? And it's for a good work, right? But these men had not been granted the AUTHORITY from Jesus. Even though they called on His name and invoked His name, it was useless. The demon-possessed man jumped on them, tore their clothes off, beat them, and they fled from that house naked and wounded. It was CLEAR they had stepped out of their realm of authority. The name of Jesus held no power for them because they did not use it the way Jesus had established.

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (Colossians 3:17). It's not, "whatever you want to do, make sure you SAY the name of Jesus, and Jesus will bless it." It's "make sure you do ONLY that which Jesus has authorized!" Make sure you walk according to His ways and by His rules.

Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'" (Matthew 7:21-23).

We'll consider ourselves warned!

God bless,
Nathan

Tomorrow's Reading: Acts 21-23