"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved"
(Acts 4:12 NKJV)

Salvation can only found in Jesus

Though this verse is utterly unpopular and politically incorrect, it is the truth of God and will stand for eternity. Salvation is found only in Jesus. “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8-9).

The context of this passage reveals Peter’s response to a hostile Jewish Sanhedrin.   Peter does not mince words. He charges them with the worst crime in the world: they have crucified the Son of God. “...let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole” (Acts 4:10).

The sins of the Sanhedrin were diverse and deadly. A brief summary of their sins would include the following —

1. They rejected the claims of God’s Son, thus rejecting the Father Who sent Him, John 12:48-49.
2. They crucified the Savior of the world (Acts 4:12).
3. They misled people who might otherwise have believed on Him (Mark 15:11).
4. They denied the unanswerable evidence that He was raised from the dead and spread lies to prejudice the Jews and others who might believe in Him (Matthew 28:11-15).
5. They continued to oppose His apostles though they could not answer their arguments or disprove their claims (Acts 3-4).

The general teaching of Scripture from beginning to end is that God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).  He presently delays the coming of His Son in the hope that more will repent (2 Peter 3:9).

Acts 4 shows that God desires the salvation even of His enemies — those who killed His Son and who are still persecuting His apostles.  Luke later records that a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7).  Jesus had prayed for this response (Luke 23:34). They could no longer resist the truth.

It is sad when men allow their stubbornness to blind their eyes to the word of the Lord. It is sadder still when they influence people to join them in suicidal rebellion. The saddest thing of all, however, is that some people are so determined to have their way that they influence friends and loved ones to follow them into eternal condemnation.

Salvation comes only in Jesus.  If some other name (person) could shed his blood to wash away our sins, or if we could save ourselves, we would not need Jesus.   All others have sinned and are themselves in need of salvation (Romans 3:23).   Our only hope lies in Jesus, the sinless Savior of mankind (John 14:6).   

– Rick Duggin