What Right did Peter Have to Make This Claim?

 “And 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.”   Acts 4:12

I AM – John tells us when a mob came to arrest Him, Jesus asked them, “Whom do you seek?”  They responded, “Jesus the Nazarene,” to which He responded, “I AM.”   In chapter 18 verse 6 John tells us the mob drew back and fell to the ground at His response.  Why?  Jesus identified Himself by the name of God in the Old Testament that was considered so special that it should not be pronounced out loud.  But the response to the name being spoken indicates the power Jesus possessed.  Yet He allowed Himself to be taken, wrongfully accused, beaten and put to death by crucifixion.   Why?  For what reason?   John has given us the reason earlier in his Gospel – chapter 1 verse 29, recording the words of John the Baptist, “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!”

Earlier in chapter 1 John offers this observation and invitation:

“He came to His own, and those who were His own, did not receive Him.  But as many as  received Him, to them He gave the power to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (verses 11-12)

Can you think of any other examples were someone possessing such great power used it to sacrifice Himself entirely and completely for the needs of others?   Where else can you find such great love?

What Right did Peter Have to Make This Claim?

 “And 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.”   Acts 4:12

Repeating - In some sense Peter is only expressing what he had heard Jesus say.  For example, in John chapter 14, verse 6, Jesus said “I am the [only] way, and the [only] truth, and the [only] life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” ([only] added for emphasis and to more closely convey the original meaning)

Quite a claim; very narrow and totally exclusive.  Taken on its own it could be disputed and regarded as dubious and highly unlikely.   But considered in the context that it was spoken by the One who gave sight to the blind, life to the dead, bread to the hungry and peace to a stormy world, it must be taken quite seriously.  Remember as well, this was the same One who told a lame man that his sins were forgiven and then lifted him to his feet to prove his ability not only the heal the physical manifestation of sin in this world, but also the ability to forgive that sin and remove the separation between us and God.

Peter knew it was one thing to make a claim, but quite extraordinary to back it up with acts of love, compassion and concern for the condition of those who heard Him.

What Right did Peter Have to Make This Claim?

 “And 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.”   Acts 4:12

Transfiguration – each of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark & Luke) describe a time when Jesus took Peter and two of the other disciples up with Him on a mountain where suddenly Jesus became something other than just the earthly Jesus.  The writers describe His face shining like the sun, His clothing becoming white as light, and two others – Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Him.  Peter and the others also heard a voice coming from a cloud that overshadowed them saying, “This is by beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!”

The reaction of Peter and the two others was “they fell on their faces and were much afraid,” until  the Jesus they knew came and touched them and told them not to be afraid.  Peter would remind us of three important words that require our response – “Listen to Him!”.

What Right did Peter Have to Make This Claim?

 “And 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.”   Acts 4:12

Once Blind, but Now I See – In the Old Testament, the Jewish people were given many indications on how to clearly recognize the Messiah when He came.    They were told, that prisoners would be set free, the lame would walk, the deaf would hear and the blind would see.  Careful study of the Old Testament will show no indication that a person born blind had ever been given sight.  So when John records in chapter 9 of his Gospel a blind beggar at the temple being given his sight by Jesus, this caused quite a “seen.”  Jesus was not “acting” like the Messiah, at least not what the Jewish religious leaders had come to expect – someone who would conform and agree to their religious system. 

There was no denying that a formerly blind person could now see.  His neighbors in verse 8 knew it.  His parents knew it, but were afraid to acknowledge it (verses 18-23).  When the formerly blind man was asked about what had happened, he responded in verse 25b, “One thing I do know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”   As the religious leaders continued to deny the obvious sign, the seeing man made some interesting observations recorded in verses 30-33.  Here is a quick summary:

•       Here is an amazing thing (v30)
•       Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind (v32)
•       If this man were not from God, He could do nothing (v33)

Peter understood the significance of this act.   Do you “see” the truth of Jesus?

What Right did Peter Have to Make This Claim?

 “And 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.”   Acts 4:12

                                                             

Proven Identity - Shortly after crossing the Sea Jesus asked His disciples the question, “Who do people say that I am?”  The responded that some said Jesus was John the Baptist raised back to life, others Elijah or one of the prophets.  Then Jesus made the question more personal by asking, “Who do you say that I am?”

It was Peter who responded, “You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God.”   Jesus praised Peter noting that God the Father had revealed this to Peter.   We could ask ourselves how, but I think the answer lies in what we’ve been considering – what had already happened had revealed this to Peter, as would events to come.   Peter was sure.  Who do you say Jesus is?

What Right did Peter Have to Make This Claim?

 “And 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.”   Acts 4:12

Walking Where No Man has Walked Before  - Matthew chapter 14 describes another crossing of the Sea of Galilee after the second miraculous feeding.  This time the disciples left in the boat by themselves and Jesus remained behind to pray.  Once again we’re told the crossing was difficult as the wind and the waves were against them.   Shortly before morning, they witnessed someone walking on the water and thought it was a ghost, but Jesus told them it was him and to take courage and not be afraid.

Peter replied, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water,” and Jesus did.  Peter, a mere man, actually walked on the water, like Jesus, but then he took his eyes off Jesus and concentrated instead on his immediate circumstances – the wind blowing, and the water getting him wet and he began to sink into the stormy sea, but he managed to say three very significant words, “Lord, save me!”   As Mark is accustomed to describing Jesus’ actions we’re told that “immediately Jesus took hold of him and took him to the boat.”

Peter learned not only what Jesus can enable us to do, but also how He longs for us to say those same three words.  And He’ll be there for us just like He was for Peter.

What Right did Peter Have to Make This Claim?

 “And 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.”   Acts 4:12

Miraculous Feeding – Thousands came to listen to Jesus speak and teach and we’re told of two occasions involving 5,000 and 4,000 men respectively, (the crowds were much larger, but only the number of men present is recorded) were Jesus fed them.   The provisions involved 5 loaves of bread and two fish for the first feeding and 7 loaves and a few small fish for the second.  The disciples were told to pick up what was left from the first feeding, which filled twelve lunch baskets – one for each of the Apostles to also be fed.  The leftovers from the second feeding – 7 large baskets of food!  Michael Card refers to the first miraculous feeding as one of “perfect provision” (just enough for the need at hand) and the second as a “miracle of abundance” (more than enough to meet the need).  These events would have recalled to mind the miraculous way God provided for His people during their 40 year journey to the Promised Land.

Unfortunately, most of the people merely regarded Jesus as a meal ticket, but He desires to be so much more in our lives.  Peter learned that tasks impossible for mere men and not impossible for Jesus.

What Right did Peter Have to Make This Claim?

 “And 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.”   Acts 4:12

Treacherous Waters – As a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee, Peter was aware of the strong and sudden storms that could arise.  In Mark chapter 4 they are crossing the water and as recorded in verse 37, “and there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.”   Jesus was in the boat sleeping when they woke Him saying, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Jesus merely spoke three words, “Hush, be still,” in verse 39 and the “wind died down and it became perfectly calm.”   The disciples reaction is recorded in verse 41,  “And they become very much afraid and they said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey Him?’”   Sometimes I’ve wondered if Jesus’ words “Hush, be still” were to the storm and water or to his marginal followers?  After all, verse 40 records, “And He said to them, ‘Why are you so timid?   How is it that you have no faith?’”  

Peter could probably tell us, but perhaps it’s left open-ended so we could take these questions to heart.  Picture yourself in the boat with the other followers.  What would / should your reaction be?

What Right did Peter Have to Make This Claim?

 “And 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.”   Acts 4:12

Resurrections - There are several accounts of resurrections in the Gospels, but Peter was one of only 3 apostles to witness a synagogue leader’s daughter being brought back to life in Mark chapter 5.  The reaction Mark records in verse 42 is “And immediately they were completely astounded.”  The other is recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 11 where Jesus knew that a close friend was very sick.  The message to that end was received from Lazarus’ sisters but Jesus chose to delay going to the home for two days, so by the time He and the apostles arrived Lazarus had died and had been buried for four days.  In fact Jesus tells His disciples in verse 14b-15, “Lazarus is dead and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe…”.   In greeting one of Lazarus grieving sisters He tells her, “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me shall live even if He dies.” (verse 25).   A very strong statement considering how long Lazarus had been in the grave.   But all Jesus did was simply cry out (verse 43), “Lazarus, come forth,” and he did.

Peter witnessed first-hand someone who exercised power over death and he knew Jesus was someone worth following and listening to.  In verse 45 we’re told, “Many therefore of the Jews, who had come to Mary and beheld what He had done, believed in Him.”  What about you?

What Right did Peter Have to Make This Claim?

 “And 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.”   Acts 4:12

Demons Fear & Obey – In the Gospel of Mark chapter 5 verses 1-20, Peter has just finished taking Jesus across the Sea of Galilee when a demon possessed man approaches the boat.  We’re provided details that this man lives among the tombs, has often been bound to be restrained but broke the chains, and constantly cried out and had self-inflicted wounds.   Here is a man who knows no peace, who when asked by Jesus what the name of the demon is, is told “Legion; for we are many.”

Jesus told the demons to leave the man and they obeyed him.  Peter and those who knew the man now observed him sitting down quietly, clothed, in his right mind, and perhaps for the first time in his life, knowing peace.  Instead of a life causing fear and terror, he left proclaiming to people in the region the great things Jesus had done for him and everyone marveled.  Like Peter, here was a man whose life was radically and dramatically changed.             

What Right did Peter Have to Make This Claim?

 “And 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.”   Acts 4:12

His Calling – Peter was a fisherman by trade.  The Gospel of Luke chapter 5 verses 1-11 describe how after fishing all night and catching nothing, Jesus instructed him to put his nets out into the deep water only to have the nets filled with fish to the point that the nets began to break.  We’re told Peter’s reaction involved amazement, fear, and falling down at the feet of Jesus saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”   Jesus responded, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.”

And Peter left the fish, the boat, his profession – everything and followed Jesus.  And he was with Jesus during the entire time of his public ministry, so we have the reliability of an eye-witness.

What Right did Peter Have to Make This Claim?

The Christian faith is sometimes criticized for the exclusive claims made that salvation from sin is only available through Jesus.   While exclusiveness is not confined to Christian faith, it is worth exploring why the claim is made.  Is valid proof offered?   Is there anything that might be unique compared to other faiths?  Are there credible witnesses?  Is the evidence compelling?

Peter, one of the Apostles and someone close to Jesus, provides a good case study.   He is perhaps the most emotional and genuine follower of Jesus in terms of his struggles to grasp the reality of Jesus and to faithfully and consistently follow Him.   And yet, his life was radically changed as evidenced by his statement to the Jewish religious leaders as recorded in Acts 4:12,

                “And 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.”

In future posts we’ll consider the evidence and proof that lie behind this claim.

Imagine the News

Jerusalem Temple Tribune – “Pagan Nobility Pose a Strange Question to King Herod”

News sources in the palace have advised that a large group of men known as Magi have travelled to pay Herod a courtesy visit with an unexpected question, “Where is He who is born King of the Jews?”  Much to King Herod’s surprise their question was quite sincere and genuine.   They assumed that he would be aware of the event.   It was further reported that Herod consulted the Scribes, Lawyers and other experts of the Scriptures and was told that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.    Herod conveyed this finding to the Magi and asked them to report back when they had found the One, as he "wanted to go and pay homage to Him as well."

A palace correspondent reported as the Magi were departing from the palace that evening they became quite excited at sighting the bright object which that re-appeared in the sky.   They claimed they had been following this object for quite some time, that once again it was moving and they were determined to finish their journey.

Our Bethlehem correspondent reported that the entourage came to a small home in Bethlehem and begged entrance where they paid homage to the young boy child named Jesus and gave him gifts befitting of a King.   Our source was unable to estimate the value of the gifts but it was said to be quite extravagant.  A curious observation was that the Magi did not begin their journey home by way of Jerusalem, but had decided to take a different route.   It was further reported that the young family vacated their home shortly after the visit and their whereabouts are unknown.

In other news from Bethlehem, soldiers of King Herod conducted a raid and have killed all baby boys, two years of age and younger.   No explanation has been offered for the King’s actions.

Imagine the News

Jerusalem Temple Tribune – “Shepherds from Bethlehem Claim Angelic Appearance”

News has come from the region of Bethlehem that some shepherds are now claiming an appearance by an Angel to announce the birth of, as they put it, “A Savior who is the Messiah and Lord!”   The shepherds insist that while they were watching their flocks that suddenly there was a bright light and that a being, having the appearance of a man, told them not to be afraid and instructed them to go to a stable in Bethlehem where they would find this Christ child lying in a feeding trough.”   They further claim that they left their flocks (a violation of their profession) and went to Bethlehem and found a new born baby boy in a feeding trough, just as the angel had said.   Incidentally, they also claim the parents had just travelled from Nazareth for the required Roman census.

When the High Priest and Sanhedrin were asked to comment on this news, those who could be reached scoffed at these tidings stating:

·         Just like the similar report by Zacharias about a year ago, God no longer speaks directly to His people – He has entrusted that responsibility to us.

·         Think about it – would the Messiah actually come as an infant?  Would he be born in a barn and placed in a feeding trough?  Of course not!   And why would He be born in a place like Bethlehem?  At this observation one of the Scribes who asked that his name not be disclosed, did indicate from the prophet Micah, there was the mention that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem.

·         They concluded by asking us if there wasn’t any real news that we could devote our time to reporting?

In other "real" news a very bright object has been sighted in the night skies east of Jerusalem that seems to be moving.

Imagine the News

Jerusalem Temple Tribune – “Young Girl Claims Angel Appeared to Her”

A young girl of Nazareth recently returned from a 3 month visit to a cousin and was noted to be “with child.”   The family asked that their name not be referenced in this article as they are very embarrassed – not only that their daughter has become pregnant, but that the only reason she has offered is that an angel had appeared to her and told that even though she was a virgin, that she would give birth to a child who would be the “Son of God.”   Per the parents of the girl, “Our daughter has never done anything like this before, yet she persists to claim the reason given is true.”   Recall just a short while a Priest named Zacharias also claimed an angelic experience in the temple.

Our Nazareth correspondent interviewed her fiancé who indicated he was devastated and as shocked as everyone else.  He has indicated his desire to dismiss his wife-to-be without exercising his right to have her put to death for her indiscretion.  

A few days later, our Nazareth correspondent heard rumors that the fiancé is also now claiming to have been instructed by an angel in a dream that the young girl is telling the truth and that the son she will have should be named Jesus, because this child will save His people from their sins.  Further, the fiancé has now decided to take the young girl as he wife, despite the objections of his parents.

After bringing this information to the High Priest and Sanhedrin, this story is once again being dismissed, with the recommendation that parents not accept such ridiculous stories from their children or their friends.      

Imagine the News

Jerusalem Temple Tribune – “Priest Unable to Speak About His Experience.”

Zacharias, who had been chosen for the great honor of over-seeing the incense offering emerged unable to speak.  Sources indicate he was in shock and had to be helped by those who had gathered to pray.  Later when he had collected himself, he asked for writing materials and indicated an angel named Gabriel had appeared to him with news concerning him and his wife Elizabeth having a son in their old age. Needless to say, this caused quite a stir among those worshipping at the temple, raising questions about this possibly being a prelude to the coming of the Messiah, as a forerunner was expected.

After consulting the high priest and other officials, the account is being dismissed as improbable due to the following facts:

• The LORD has not communicated directly to his people in over four centuries.
• Zacharias’ wife is so old, that she is no longer able to give birth to a child.
• Zacharias must have been overwhelmed by his serving and is expected to fully recover from his so-called experience.
• If the Messiah was to come shortly surely it would have been revealed to the High Priest and the other authorities.

Other Priests serving have been cautioned to not disturb the temple faithful and to maintain order as specified by those in authority.

Matthew – the Gospel of Fulfillment   Summary Acronym

Here's a summary to remember the message of this Gospel:

F     Follow Jesus                             4:19  /  9:9  /  19:21 

U    Understand                                13:14-15 

L     Law of LOVE                             22:37-40 

F    Foundation                                 7:24-27  /  13:35

I     Impossible apart from Jesus      5:20-48  /  19:23-26

L    Lost Sheep                                 10:5-7  /  15:24  /  18:11

L    Last to be like Jesus                   19:30  /  20:16, 26  /  23:11  

M   Messiah                                      1:1  / 8:27  /  9:2-8  /  11:2-6  / 16:16  /  26:63 

E    Every Word of God                     4:4

      Every Disease & Illness              4:23-24  /  8:1-17  /  9:18-38  /  12:15 

N   Narrow Gate / Not                       7:13-14,  21-23

T    Take up your Cross                     10:38  /  16:24

Matthew, the Jewish Tax Collector wants us to understand there's no one like Jesus.

Matthew – the Gospel of Fulfillment  Chapter 28    Your Response

The importance of Jesus and His death for our sins on the cross cannot be over-emphasized and yet without the information in this chapter it would be meaningless.   Without the resurrection of Jesus, His death would have been the result of His own sins, but the resurrection confirms that His death was for our sins and provides us the hope of eternal life.   This chapter presents us with the possibility of 3 responses:

Examples:

The Women who encountered Jesus  - they Obeyed.

The Soldiers who guarded the grave of Jesus – they Denied what they knew had taken place.

The Disciples – some Doubted the reality of Jesus resurrection initially, until He appeared to them.

There is only one response that results in eternal life in heaven.

Matthew – the Gospel of Fulfillment  Chapter 27     Blood

Perhaps the most important verse and concept of Matthew’s Gospel is verse 25 of this chapter.   Jesus has been handed over to Pilate, the Roman governor, to be crucified. Despite his efforts to prevent the crucifixion, Pilate relents to the demands of the angry mob.  Ceremoniously, he calls for water so he could wash his hands and say to the mob, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to that yourselves.”  And the people respond, “His blood be on us and on our children!”   The remainder of the chapter describes the crucifixion.

What irony.  They were assuming responsibility for demanding the death of Jesus, not realizing the very importance of what they were saying.  Without taking the blood of Jesus on them – His death as the perfect offering for their sin – they would just be like Pilate.   None of us are “innocent” of Jesus’ blood – our sins and His love for us made Him give His life for us.  As the Apostle Paul describes in Romans 5:8-9, “But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”

Is the blood of Jesus on you?

Matthew – the Gospel of Fulfillment  Chapter 26    Betrayal

Betrayal – what a terrible word and cruel concept.  In this chapter the word is used or implied 12 times and 3 verses summarize well our problem like that of His followers:

Verse 21 – One of you will betray Me.

Verse 31 – You will all fall away because of Me.

Verse 41 – The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

Despite the rejection that Jesus had experienced and the betrayal and denial that was now taking place, what would keep Him determined to suffer an agonizing  death on a cross for us?   Only His Great love and our great need.