Acts 4:12 Study Bible: And there is salvation in none other, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among people by which we must be saved."

◄ Acts 4:12 ►

Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Salvation exists in no one else
This phrase emphasizes the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ. In the context of Acts 4, Peter and John are addressing the Sanhedrin, affirming that Jesus is the cornerstone rejected by the builders (Acts 4:11). This exclusivity is consistent with Jesus' own words in John 14:6, where He declares Himself the way, the truth, and the life. The early church faced significant opposition for this claim, as it contradicted the pluralistic religious environment of the Roman Empire, which was characterized by a pantheon of gods and religious tolerance.

for there is no other name under heaven
The phrase "no other name under heaven" underscores the universal scope of Christ's authority and the divine mandate of His name. In Jewish culture, a name was not merely an identifier but represented the essence and authority of a person. The name of Jesus, meaning "Yahweh is salvation," signifies His divine mission. This assertion challenges the prevailing religious systems of the time, including the Jewish leaders' reliance on the Law and the Roman practice of emperor worship.

given to men
The phrase "given to men" highlights the grace and initiative of God in providing salvation. It reflects the biblical theme of God's redemptive plan for humanity, as seen in John 3:16, where God gives His only Son for the salvation of the world. This gift is not earned by human effort but is a divine provision, aligning with the doctrine of grace found throughout the New Testament.

by which we must be saved.
The necessity of salvation "by which we must be saved" points to the urgency and essential nature of accepting Christ. The use of "must" indicates an imperative, leaving no alternative for salvation. This aligns with the apostolic preaching in the early church, as seen in Acts 2:38, where Peter calls for repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. The phrase also connects to the prophetic fulfillment of the Old Testament, where the Messiah is depicted as the sole source of deliverance for God's people (Isaiah 53).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Peter and John
Apostles of Jesus Christ who were speaking to the Sanhedrin, boldly proclaiming the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus.

2. Sanhedrin
The Jewish ruling council, consisting of religious leaders who were questioning Peter and John about their teachings and the healing of a lame man.

3. Jesus Christ
The central figure of Christianity, whose name is declared as the only means of salvation.

4. Jerusalem
The city where these events took place, significant as the center of Jewish religious life and the early Christian church.

5. The Healing of the Lame Man
A miraculous event that led to Peter and John being questioned by the Sanhedrin, providing the context for their bold proclamation.

Teaching Points

Exclusivity of Salvation
Acts 4:12 clearly states that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ. This exclusivity is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine and emphasizes the necessity of faith in Christ alone for salvation.

Authority of Jesus' Name
The name of Jesus holds unique authority and power. Believers are called to trust in His name for salvation and to proclaim it boldly to others.

Courage in Witnessing
Like Peter and John, Christians are encouraged to stand firm in their faith and witness to the truth of the Gospel, even in the face of opposition or persecution.

The Universality of the Gospel
The phrase "under heaven given to men" indicates that the offer of salvation through Jesus is available to all people, regardless of background or nationality.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ challenge or affirm your current understanding of salvation?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate the authority of Jesus' name in your daily life and interactions with others?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How can the example of Peter and John inspire you to be more courageous in your witness?

4. How does understanding the universality of the Gospel impact your approach to sharing your faith with others?

5. Consider the connections between Acts 4:12 and other scriptures like John 14:6 and Philippians 2:9-11. How do these passages collectively deepen your understanding of Jesus' role in salvation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 14:6
Jesus declares Himself as the way, the truth, and the life, emphasizing the exclusivity of salvation through Him.

Philippians 2:9-11
Paul speaks of the exaltation of Jesus' name, affirming that every knee will bow to Him, reinforcing the unique authority of His name.

1 Timothy 2:5
Paul states that there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, aligning with the exclusivity of salvation in Acts 4:12.

Romans 10:13
Paul writes that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, highlighting the power and necessity of Jesus' name for salvation.

Sermons

Christ Our Only Home	C. H. Spurgeon.	Acts 4:12
Christ the Only Saviour		Acts 4:12
Christ the Only Saviour		Acts 4:12
Christ the Only Saviour Found Out Too Late	C. S. Robinson, D. D.	Acts 4:12
Christianity the Only Reformatory Force	J. P. Newman, LL. D.	Acts 4:12
Jesus the Only Saviour	J. Begg, D. D.	Acts 4:12
None Other Name		Acts 4:12
One Only Way of Salvation	R. Wardlaw, D. D.	Acts 4:12
One Saving Name	S. Martin.	Acts 4:12
Only One Way In		Acts 4:12
Salvation by Christ Alone	Theological Sketch-Book	Acts 4:12
Salvation Exclusive But Comprehensive	Canon Liddon.	Acts 4:12
Salvation in Christ Alone	A. O. Smith, B. A.	Acts 4:12
Salvation in Christ Alone		Acts 4:12
Salvation in None Other	J. P. Lange, D. D.	Acts 4:12
Salvation Only from Above	J. P. Newman, LL. D.	Acts 4:12
The One Saving Name	A. B. Livermore.	Acts 4:12
The One Saving Name	R. Tuck	Acts 4:12
The Power of the Name of Jesus	W. Baxendale.	Acts 4:12
The Unfolded Banner of Salvation	R.A. Redford	Acts 4:12
The Way of Salvation	C. H. Spurgeon.	Acts 4:12
Truth from the Tribunal	W. Clarkson	Acts 4:1-21
Apostolic Trials	J. Parker, D. D.	Acts 4:1-22
Bigotry	J. Alexander, D. D.	Acts 4:1-22
Christ the Power of God	Christian Age	Acts 4:1-22
Christ's Servants Before the Tribunal	E. Johnson	Acts 4:1-22
Ecclesiasticism has no Exclusive Rights	General Gordon.	Acts 4:1-22
Peter and John Before the Council	D. J. Burrell, D. D.	Acts 4:1-22
Peter and John Before the Council	Geo. M. Boynton.	Acts 4:1-22
Peter and John Examined	J. Dick, A. M.	Acts 4:1-22
Righteous Boldness	Herrick Johnson, D. D.	Acts 4:1-22
Teaching and Persecution	J. Parker, D. D.	Acts 4:1-22
The Captain of the Temple	Prof. I. H. Hall.	Acts 4:1-22
The First Persecution of the Apostles	J. Bennett.	Acts 4:1-22
The First Persecution of the Church	J. Cynddylan Jones, D. D.	Acts 4:1-22
The Four Chief Props of Apologetics	O. Smith, D. D.	Acts 4:1-22
The Miracle At the Beautiful Gate as an Epoch	D. Thomas, D. D.	Acts 4:1-22
Typical Religious Persecution	W. Hudson.	Acts 4:1-22
The First Trial of Christian Preachers in a Court of Judgment	P.C. Barker	Acts 4:4-22
The Servants in the Footsteps of Their Lord	R.A. Redford	Acts 4:5-12

People

Alexander, Annas, Barnabas, Caiaphas, David, Herod, John, Joseph, Joses, Peter, Pilate

Places

Cyprus, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Solomon's Colonnade

Topics

Behoveth, Fact, Heaven, None, Salvation, Saved, Whereby, Wherein

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Acts 4:12

     1444   revelation, NT
     1651   numbers, 1-2
     2018   Christ, divinity
     2324   Christ, as Saviour
     2423   gospel, essence
     5042   name of God, significance
     5541   society, negative
     5776   achievement
     5971   uniqueness
     6183   ignorance, of God
     6510   salvation
     6669   grace, and salvation
     6696   necessity
     8168   way, the
     9240   last judgment

Acts 4:1-20

2427 gospel, transmission

Acts 4:5-21

7565 Sanhedrin

Acts 4:7-12

8427 evangelism, kinds of

Acts 4:8-12

     3224   Holy Spirit, and preaching
     3278   Holy Spirit, indwelling
     4366   stones
     7755   preaching, importance
     8712   denial of Christ

Acts 4:9-12

5334 health

Acts 4:10-12

5115 Peter, preacher and teacher
6512 salvation, necessity and basis

Acts 4:11-12

2069 Christ, pre-eminence

Library

Courage
Chester Cathedral, 1871. Acts iv. 13, 18-20. "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. . . . And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

February 16 Morning
Thy name is as ointment poured forth.--SONG 1:3. Christ . . . hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.--Unto you therefore which believe he is precious.--God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.--In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. If ye love me, keep my commandments.--The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

With and Like Christ
'Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.' --ACTS iv. 13. Two young Galilean fishermen, before the same formidable tribunal which a few weeks before had condemned their Master, might well have quailed. And evidently 'Annas, the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest,' were very much astonished …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Impossible Silence
'We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.' --ACTS iv. 20. The context tells us that the Jewish Council were surprised, as they well might be, at the boldness of Peter and John, and traced it to their having been with Jesus. But do you remember that they were by no means bold when they were with Jesus, and that the bravery came after what, in ordinary circumstances, would have destroyed any of it in a man? A leader's execution is not a usual recipe for heartening his followers, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Wheat and the Tares
'And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.' --ACTS iv. 32. 'And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.'--ACTS v. 11. Once more Luke pauses and gives a general survey of the Church's condition. It comes in appropriately at the end of the account of the triumph over the first assault of civil authority, which assault …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The First Blast of Tempest
'And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2. Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now even-tide. 4. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. 5. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Obedient Disobedience
'But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21. So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. 23. And being let go they …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Servant and the Slaves
'Thy servant David...'; 'Thy Holy Servant Jesus...'; 'Thy servants...'--ACTS iv. 26, 27, 29. I do not often take fragments of Scripture for texts; but though these are fragments, their juxtaposition results in by no means fragmentary thoughts. There is obvious intention in the recurrence of the expression so frequently in so few verses, and to the elucidation of that intention my remarks will be directed. The words are parts of the Church's prayer on the occasion of its first collision with the civil …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Scriptural Christianity
"Whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head." Ezek. 33:4. "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." Acts 4:31. 1. The same expression occurs in the second chapter, where we read, "When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all" (the Apostles, with the women, and the mother of Jesus, and his brethren) "with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Christ's People --Imitators of Him
First, then, this morning, I will tell you what a Christian should be; secondly, I will tell you when he should be so; thirdly, why he should be so; and then fourthly how he can be so. I. As God may help us then, first of all, we will speak of WHAT A BELIEVER SHOULD BE. A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. You have read lives of Christ, beautifully and eloquently written, and you have admired the talent of the persons who could write so well; but the best life of Christ is his …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

The Way of Salvation
What a great word that word "salvation" is! It includes the cleansing of our conscience from all past guilt, the delivery of our soul from all those propensities to evil which now so strongly predominate in us; it takes in, in fact, the undoing of all that Adam did. Salvation is the total restoration of man from his fallen estate; and yet it is something more than that, for God's salvation fixes our standing more secure than it was before we fell. It finds us broken in pieces by the sin of our first …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
A MANIFESTATION OF GOD IN ANSWER TO PRAYER ". . . When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." -- Acts 4:31. This remarkable manifestation of God reveals the effectiveness of prevailing prayer. It vividly discloses the fact that prayer can accomplish much. It is apparent that neither the apostles, nor the assembled company of devout believers were astonished at the marvelous …
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

Against the Modern Free-Thinkers.
Sir, THERE arrived in this neighbourhood, two days ago, one of your gay gentlemen of the town, who being attended at his entry with a servant of his own, besides a countryman he had taken up for a guide, excited the curiosity of the village to learn whence and what he might be. The countryman (to whom they applied as most easy of access) knew little more than that the gentleman came from London to travel and see fashions, and was, as he heard say, a Free-thinker; what religion that might be he could …
Joseph Addison—The Evidences of the Christian Religion, with Additional Discourses

The Church of God.
More than one hundred times the words church and churches are used in the New Testament. It is always translated from ekklesia. Most translators agree that a more correct translation of this Greek word would have been congregation. "The church of God" would then have read, "Congregation of God." "The church of the first-born" would have read, "The congregation of the first-born." The church that was at Antioch would have read, "The congregation that was at Antioch," etc. What Is The Church Or …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Paul at Sea. Acts xxvii. 22-25.
"There's no hope," said the captain, "the ship cannot live in such a storm." "There's no hope," said the military officer, "we shall never see Rome." "There's no hope," said the prisoners, "we shall die at sea instead of on the scaffold." One prisoner, however, had hope, and in the long run made all his companions to hope. Paul cried out, "BE OF GOOD CHEER, FOR THERE STOOD BY ME THIS NIGHT THE ANGEL OF GOD, WHOSE I AM, AND WHOM I SERVE, SAYING, FEAR NOT, PAUL, THOU MUST BE BROUGHT BEFORE CAESAR, …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

"And all that Believed were Together. " Acts 4:44.
"And all that believed were together." Acts 4:44. 1 Restore, O Father! to our times restore The peace which filled thine infant church of yore; Ere lust of power had sown the seeds of strife, And quenched the new-born charities of life. 2 O never more may differing judgments part From kindly sympathy a brother's heart; But linked in one, believing thousands kneel, And share with each the sacred joy they feel. 3 From soul to soul, quick as the sunbeam's ray, Let concord spread one universal …
J.G. Adams—Hymns for Christian Devotion

Ananias and Sapphira
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. One of the most striking features of the early Christian Church was what we have come to know as Christian Communism, or as the historian describes it in Acts iv, 32: "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common." It is a bright and a pleasing picture that is thus presented. Nor is it difficult to understand how such a spirit …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether Explicit Belief in the Mystery of the Incarnation of Christ is Necessary for the Salvation of Everybody
Whether Explicit Belief in the Mystery of the Incarnation of Christ is Necessary for the Salvation of Everybody We proceed to the seventh article thus: 1. It seems that explicit belief in the mystery of the incarnation of Christ is not necessary for the salvation of everybody. A man is not required to have explicit belief in matters of which angels are ignorant, since the faith is made explicit by divine revelation, which reaches men through the medium of angels, as was said in the preceding article. …
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

St. Cyprian.
PART I (AD 200-253) About the same time with Origen lived St Cyprian, bishop of Carthage. He was born about the year 200, and had been long famous as a professor of heathen learning, when he was converted at the age of forty-five. He then gave up his calling as a teacher, and, like the first Christians at Jerusalem (Acts iv. 34f), he sold a fine house and gardens, which he had near the town, and gave the price, with a large part of his other money, to the poor. He became one of the clergy of Carthage, …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Whether There is but one Divine Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that there is but one Divine law. Because, where there is one king in one kingdom there is but one law. Now the whole of mankind is compared to God as to one king, according to Ps. 46:8: "God is the King of all the earth." Therefore there is but one Divine law. Objection 2: Further, every law is directed to the end which the lawgiver intends for those for whom he makes the law. But God intends one and the same thing for all men; since according to 1 Tim. 2:4: "He will have …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Necessary for the Salvation of All, that they Should Believe Explicitly in the Mystery of Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not necessary for the salvation of all that they should believe explicitly in the mystery of Christ. For man is not bound to believe explicitly what the angels are ignorant about: since the unfolding of faith is the result of Divine revelation, which reaches man by means of the angels, as stated above [2287](A[6]; [2288]FP, Q[111], A[1]). Now even the angels were in ignorance of the mystery of the Incarnation: hence, according to the commentary of Dionysius (Coel. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether all are Bound to Receive Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that not all are bound to receive Baptism. For Christ did not narrow man's road to salvation. But before Christ's coming men could be saved without Baptism: therefore also after Christ's coming. Objection 2: Further, Baptism seems to have been instituted principally as a remedy for original sin. Now, since a man who is baptized is without original sin, it seems that he cannot transmit it to his children. Therefore it seems that the children of those who have been baptized, should …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ Worked Miracles Fittingly on Men?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ worked miracles unfittingly on men. For in man the soul is of more import than the body. Now Christ worked many miracles on bodies, but we do not read of His working any miracles on souls: for neither did He convert any unbelievers to the faith mightily, but by persuading and convincing them with outward miracles, nor is it related of Him that He made wise men out of fools. Therefore it seems that He worked miracles on men in an unfitting manner. Objection 2: …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ Suffered in a Suitable Place?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ did not suffer in a suitable place. For Christ suffered according to His human nature, which was conceived in Nazareth and born in Bethlehem. Consequently it seems that He ought not to have suffered in Jerusalem, but in Nazareth or Bethlehem. Objection 2: Further, the reality ought to correspond with the figure. But Christ's Passion was prefigured by the sacrifices of the Old Law, and these were offered up in the Temple. Therefore it seems that Christ ought …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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