Have you ever had a déjà vu experience? In the midst of an ordinary day, you’re suddenly pulled out of the present moment by a strange feeling that you’ve been in this place or situation before. It’s almost as if you can predict what will happen next. And then, as quickly as the sensation began, it’s gone.
I wonder if Peter and John had an intense déjà vu experience as they stood in front of the Jewish authorities in Jerusalem. As we read in Acts 3 and 4, they were arrested after miraculously healing a lame man and continuing to preach on temple grounds about Jesus and His resurrection.
According to council procedure, the rulers, elders, scribes, and members of the high-priestly family sat in a semi-circle around Peter and John (Acts 4:5–7). This crowd would be intentionally intimidating to anyone, but especially terrifying to these two men. For Peter and John this was no vague déjà vu; this was a repeat of the reality of Jesus’s arrest that had ended in violence, agony, and death.
Jesus Himself had been arrested and brought before this council of elders, scribes, and chief priests (Luke 22:66). At that time, Peter watched from a distance and cowered in fear as Jesus faced the same Jewish leaders that he was facing now. This was not a mild questioning for Peter and John; this was a death threat.
But Peter had changed. Where once he had lied that he didn’t even know Jesus, now he insisted that the lame man was healed by the power of the risen Jesus, and that “there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Where once there was cowardice, now there was courage. “Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness” (2Corinthians 3:12). He was risking his life, determined to speak the truth that Jesus was the risen, ruling Lord of all. Oh, Peter —you’ve come so far!
What enabled this fisherman to boldly defy the same authorities who had recently condemned Jesus to a gruesome crucifixion? HOPE. Peter had seen the risen Jesus; he spoke with Jesus and ate with Him. Peter received forgiveness and was given the presence and power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). He knew that Jesus would be with him always (Matthew 28:20). This was not a maybe hope; it was a certain hope.
Peter and John are not alone in being empowered by this hope. As believers in Jesus, we see and hear Him in the Bible that reveals Him. We dine with Jesus as we take the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper and remember that He is our only hope for salvation. We, too, receive forgiveness and are filled with the Holy Spirit who unites us with Him forever.
Yes, we are changed, too. Let’s claim the hope we have in the name of Jesus.
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77 thoughts on "No Other Name"
Grace is new every morning! Amen
❤️ He is our living hope!
I love reading about Peter!
I wanna be bold like Peter!
Wow. Where we messed up in the past, we get to redo those situations with the courage and conviction of Jesus. Just like Peter, I can pass the tests I once failed. Wow and amen. Thank you, Jesus!
I never knew that about Moses. It was an interesting comparison of people I thought I knew very well.
Peter’s courage came from 2 promises- he was forgiven and powerful through the Spirit + Jesus was always near him- never far away. Proximity + power… we have this same proximity and power 2,000 years later. Amen.
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Forgive me father when I cower instead of claim the courage of Christ -seen here in Peter! Thank you God for this good word! Thank you God for renewed courage!
I believe being filled with the Holy Spirit also enabled Peter to speak with such confidence. Verse 8 of Acts 4 say, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. It’s so beautiful how the Holy Spirit enables us to do that which we naturally are unable to do in our own strength.
I really appreciate the comparison between Peter’s actions during Christ’s death versus after. Is it also the role of the Holy Spirit that makes Peter bold?
Amen
Peter made the choice to hold onto the hope, because he had to or he would’ve always regret that moment. Thankfully our Lord and Savior allows us to come back in shame but leave with glory of forgiveness with the Spirit
I cannot help but think God put Peter in these pages to give us hope and an appreciation of God’s spirit. Peter was so filled with the Holy Spirit that he could not keep quite. This is such a change from the night before Jesus death when he did not have courage to speake up and be counted with Jesus..
Amen❤️
May I proclaim the good news boldly being led by the Holy Spirit! I ask the Heavenly Father for wisdom and to forgive me from the fear of men and my pride for not always being ready to share the wonderful works of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I pray that our love will grow more and more in the knowledge and understanding of what is best! Philippians 1:4
I come from a similar background and situation. This is encouraging and I’m happy for you!
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I struggle so much with sharing the gospel. Despite growing up in a very Christian family, I myself didn’t truly recognize the hope we have until I started SRT this spring with the Mark study and I’ve grown so much since. I have just gone the last two years through such a dark spell of anxiety, postpartum depression and loneliness and all that has changed is my heart and it’s made all the difference. I am so thankful for this ministry! I pray God will give me the words and the courage to give others His hope.
@Ruth Long- this week’s podcast guest is Christine Caine. I’m still listening, but it’s been great so far.
The beauty of Gods redemption of Peter from the time of denial and fear and bowing to the pressure of the world to this bold proclamation and risk. He may have felt fear but he did not bow to it, He spoke boldly. Peter did not redeem himself he was redeemed by Jesus. He met the loving Jesus, he didn’t try harder or practise practise practise. He met the Lord, He met his power and was filled with the promised holy spirit. He had unshakeable hope in the resurrection power and salvation through Jesus Christ. I don’t need to be shaken by threatening situations, I can stand firm through the power of the holt spirit.
Lord thank you for your power and presence, I boldly ask you would give me more of your Holy Spirit that I would live not by strength or might but by the spirit of God. Give me boldness to speak the word of God.
So beautifully said Poppy – I pray for the same strength through the Holy Spirit as we face such challenging times ahead in earths history.
The beauty of Gods redemption of Peter from the time of denial and fear and bowing to the pressure of the world to this bold proclamation and risk. He may have felt fear but he did not bow to it, He spoke boldly. Peter did not redeem himself he was redeemed by Jesus. He met the loving Jesus, he didn’t try harder or practise practise practise. He met the Lord, He met his power and was filled with the promised holy spirit. He had unshakeable hope in the resurrection power and salvation through Jesus Christ. I don’t need to be shaken by threatening situations, I can stand firm through the power of the holt spirit. Lord give me more of your Holy Spirit that I would live not by strength or might but by the spirit of God. Give me boldness to speak the word of God boldly.
Not by strength or might but by the spirit of God. The same spirit that raised Jesus Christi from the dead lives in me.
Initially we’re all Peter right? But when the Lord stirs in us a want to fully give ourselves in faith he lifts the veil on our hearts. He reveals to us the true glory of Christ’s crucifixion. We can then understand this new covenant and through prayer come to know the heart of our God. This veil lifted ensures our deliverance and makes us BOLD knowing the battle is won.
Jess, how fabulous. SRT is so good for all ages and all stages of study.
The 2 Cor passage really complements Acts 4 so well and gives us deep insight on Jesus’ New Covenant, and the power of the Holy Spirit in us. This morning I’m thankful for His graciousness to save me from sin.
Stepping out of your comfort zone to share the gospel and message of salvation
It gives me great hope that the Peter in Luke 22 is the same Peter that shows up in Acts 4. God can use someone no matter what they’ve done. No sin is too big.
This reading spoke to me tonight. Its so beautiful to see how the church grew! Im so surprise at how each of the disciples really cared about and loved one another. I would have thought that there was some conflict between them. And like Peter and John, I pray that we would be so filled with the Holy Spirit that we can no longer keep our testimonies of God to ourselves! And also the verse of “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” meant so much to me. God is truly amazing.
Jess this is wonderful ! Welcome we are delighted to have you here!
Brooke P and Claire B I just went back to read the comments rom last night. Thank you for praying for me. I feel so blessed to have your prayers. Brooke P I am praying for you too, my husband and I went through a lot of heartache and loss before getting to this point and God brought us through. I still have to remember on a daily basis that God has carried me through the wilderness like a father carries his son all this way up until now (Deuteronomy 1:29-31). A book of devotionals that really helped me through the IVF process was “In due time” by Rebecca harries. Another book that helped to re-ignite my prayer life and relationship with God after our loss was “PUSH- Pray until something happens” by Jurgen Matthesius.
So glad to hear that Jess. I’m praying for blessings to rain upon you.
I pray I would have this kind of boldness. To talk about the things I have seen Jesus do in my life and heard him say to me. It sounds so simple, but yet it can be so hard.
Sisters, I just received a text from my cousin, Beth, my paternal aunt, Aunt Betty (she is in her mid 80’s) fell a little while ago. From what I understand she isn’t seriously hurt but her knees and legs are weak. She was taken to the ED and will probably have to go to a nursing facility for rehab and care for a little while. Please pray for her.
Kelly, Searching, and those who are praying for me thank you! Lexi B I am sorry you are having a difficult time at work, I am a huge advocate of leaving toxic situations if possible. Amazing reading today, the boldness of Peter in front of the priests is so inspiring, I pray for us all to have it! I have seen God do an absolute miracle in my life with my own eyes, I constantly tell others about it but sometimes worry people are tired of me speaking about it! Have a blessed day sisters
I wonder if John thought, “Oh no, here we go again!!”, when Peter and he were arrested and put in jail. I wonder if John thought it was going to be a repeat of what happened with Jesus Christ or if, by his faith and hope, he knew it would be different. Hope that history wouldn’t repeat itself. Hope that Peter had the courage to stand firm. Hope that he, John, had the faith and courage to stand firm. But most of all, hope that the Holy Spirit would guide them through this and they would carry on the message of Christ, His resurrection and the Holy Spirit.
Father, give me the faith and hope to carry on spreading the message of Christ’s resurrection, of salvation and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sisters, be blessed and spread the Word of salvation and have faith.
Julia B: Have you been able to find like-minded hearts in your area that can help you take that “breath” you are yearning for? I’m still praying so. Prioritize your plans by deciding what your children need in important, basic living skills. You have the opportunity to focus on what matters most now through working together. Consider reading, mapping, measuring things and quantities (kitchen chemistry!), cause and effect, word and picture puzzles, quiet and patient observing, crafting, caring for people and animals and plants, loving God. These (and many other skills) are mind and character builders that require honing throughout life. Show your children where the richest, peaceful rewards can be found. No regrets.
I just wanted to drop in and comment. This is my first time I feel the need to leave a comment, as it’s only my second Bible study I’ve done here.
I’m pretty new to Bible study (not new to being a Christian–I just haven’t been a very diligent one when it comes to the study); part of my problem was feeling a little overwhelmed when trying to read and *understand*. Whenever I’ve tried to study in the past, I’ve always found myself merely reading, not absorbing and fully understanding and grasping the importance of what I was reading. I didn’t want to sit there and mindlessly read and not get anything out of it, so I would often end up setting my Bible aside and not continuing with my study. In sum, it felt like I was doing it wrong.
I own a SRT Bible that I purchased a few years back on my sister’s suggestion; the Bible itself is beautiful and gorgeously designed, but I have vision problems, even though I’m only in my thirties, and the font was too small. I considered purchasing the physical Bible study books, but I was worried that I was going to run into the same situation with the font size. Then the wonderful customer service folks turned me in the direction of the digital subscription for the SRT Bible study guides. The first one I got was this study (Acts), but since Hosea was only a few days into it, I tracked down the digital guide in the shop and purchased it separately so I could read and start to develop the habit of sitting down each morning and focusing on my study. Let me tell you: the digital sub has been a GODSEND. I can zoom in! I can read it! And for the first time, I’m actually not just reading but *understanding* when reading the daily study lesson in conjunction with these posts here on SRT.
So I just wanted to step in and thank the ladies at SRT for introducing a digital subscription option. I’ve gone on to purchase the New and Old Testament digital study books and am using those for my Saturday and Sunday studies so I can get an overview of the Bible as a whole (and to continue that daily study practice!). This is the first time in my life that I feel like I’m getting a full understanding of not only what the Bible is but what it means, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this!
I took this from Patti Sauls. Can you imagine being in the same semi-circle as Jesus was in. That ended in agony and death. This is where Peter and John were. The same situation. Would I be so bold as to proclaim my faith? HOPE is the key word. Peter did this by hope. Peter received forgiveness and was given the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit, just as we have. I need to remember this power that we have through the Holy Spirit. Jesus is with us always. I pray that I can share that hope we have in Jesus.
Prayers covering all of the requests today. TERRI and BETSYANN thank you for your words today.
Lexi B, Melanie, and others that have asked for prayers—I am praying for you. May the Spirit guide your words, thoughts and hearts in wisdom and peace. The Lord is near to you all! And what is set before us is a great hope & joy, even though the weight of our situations here on earth sometimes make us feel overwhelmed, I pray we are all given the strength in Jesus to see the hope of heaven & feel the presence of the Lord’s nearness. “So let us strive to know the LORD. His appearance is as SURE as the dawn. He WILL come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the land.” Hosea 6:3.
Praying for boldness for you! And also for me because I do not speak His name near enough.
I love what you’ve said here. Really resonated with me. Thank you!
Women of God I ask you to ask the Holy Spirit to flow through you in some way TODAY that you can speak about as Peter did to build up the faith of all of us reading this and everyone you know! As Sharon, Jersey girl said in a quote “You will always talk about what you are seeing and hearing. What are you seeing an hearing? “ . Believe that power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) to move through you. Peter came upon a man and saw him healed. Let us know tomorrow what you see and hear Him do. Look for what God is doing. You won’t see it if you don’t look for it.
Did any one else look at the Sanhedrin’s thoughts and actions in this passage and feel a profound sense of sadness? Their story is truly tragic: blinded by their need for power, control, and earthly authority they SEE the miracles of Jesus and His disciples and even acknowledge them…and yet reject them because they are afraid to give up their temporary positions and prestige. They exchanged the eternal weight of glory for temporary power that would, inevitably, end.
It made me think about how often I, too, do this in small ways every day by focusing my heart and mind on the temporary things of the world that don’t matter…by mindlessly scrolling social media or news sites that tend to bring me down when I could be using that time to read scripture, pray, move my body in worshipful and healthy ways, or reach out to others who are hurting. I turn my eyes away from the miracles and movement of the Holy Spirit to satisfy my own sense of self-gratification. LORD, help me to fix my eyes on You and remember what truly matters.
@LEXI B I am praying for you. I also want to encourage you with a song that has been SO inspiring for me lately as I’ve been struggling: Know You Will by Hillsong United. Not only is it a beautiful song, but just look at these lyrics:
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When the road runs dead
You can see a way I don’t
And it makes no sense
But You say that’s what faith is for
When I see a flood You see a promise
When I see a grave You see a door
And when I’m at my end
You see where the future starts
I don’t know how You make a way
But I know You will
I don’t know how You make a way
But I know You will
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I am clinging to that reminder today as my own job sits in potential jeopardy. The same Holy Spirit that filled Peter and John in today’s passage and gave them great boldness and confidence is the same Holy Spirit that fills us today, giving us power to be His lights no matter our circumstances. How incredible is that?! Oh how grateful I am that our God equips us with Himself even in our brokenness.
I appreciate your open honesty. Stay strong and pray! I’ll lift you up to The Lord who loves you and will never leave you!
My favorite lines in this are
“And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” And “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Powerful WORDS!!!!
Prayed for all of you here this morning. Praying for a blessed day. Praying for healing. Praying for protection. Praying that you all have a joyful, blessed and amazing day. Remember you are all dearly loved by our wonderful Jesus.
HOPE! Wow, great devotional!
With Jackie hill perry?
“Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter was filled with hope…”.
Lord, I know that I have been changed too! I pray that my life will be lived out “ with great boldness “ for you. I also lay at your feet the prayer requests of all the SRT Sisters and praise You for Your loving concern for every specific request. Amen
As I read Acts 4:20, I am remembering what Christine said in the week 1 podcast. Peter and John said, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Christine’s comment was, “You will always talk about what you are seeing and hearing. What are you seeing and hearing?” For Peter and John, they saw the miracles of Jesus. They saw how the message of salvation changed hearts and lives. They heard the words of God though Jesus’ teachings. They heard the testimonies of those whose lives had been changed. What was their response? They boldly spoke about Jesus, salvation and the power of God, to the point of being threatened by the authorities, and yet – even that did not stop them! Oh how I long to have that boldness. I hear what God has done, I see the evidence in lives all around me, yet is that what I’m talking about?? I want it to be, but so many times it is not. Please pray that I will have boldness to speak about what Christ has done for me, what He has done for those I know, what He has done for the whole wide world!I want to be bold for Jesus Christ!
@Lexi B – praying for you as you go to work in this hostile environment. May God give you boldness, and power to over come, and wisdom for every situation you face at your job.
@Melanie – praying for you as you face your family issues. May God give you protection and wisdom and the power of Jesus, and may He protect your health as you go through these trials.
Lexi B, joining the prayers for you. Keep loving, praying His protection over you and those you work with and He is strong in our weakness. Jesus shine your light throug Lexi, You are our hope, You foght for us. How great these prayers asking for boldness to speak your love, to tell others how great our God is. May you overflow in our conversations, may we like Peter speak the Truth, Jesus Christ. Joining you Searching in your listed prayers. Dear Sisters this world feels so heavy on so many right now, but God, but God is our hope and our salvation, no other name by which we find peace, rest, grace, unconditional love but our Jesus. Hugs and love. Blessed Beth good to see your post today.
The podcast this week is especially good! If you haven’t listened yet I highly recommend it!!
Jesus! The Name above EVERY name! The only One who can save! I pray everyone sees Him in & on me! Amen!
Lexi B I’m (We-SRT) praying for you.
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Praying for boldness like Peter to share Gods word with others.
Let people see on my face I’m with you Jesus. Amen
Despite the opposition, 5,000 men came to salvation that day! So encouraging to note that God still works mightily even in the face of opposition! There’s definitely more and more opposition springing up for Christians these days but God still works in the opposition and because of the hope we have, we can be very bold (2 cor. 3:12)!
We’re singing where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom this week. What a great reminder!
Katharine Jorgensen – may you glorify God in your game today!
Paying that I can have a faith as bold as Paul’s! I have been a Christian for 10 years, but I still struggle to “own” being bold about Christ and sharing Him with others. I pray for boldness to bring others to know Him.
K SWENSON – continuing to pray for you
ANGIE – thank you for your comments yesterday and the challenge question you posed – “Will I/Am I willing to give the people in the places where my feet step what I have, hope in Jesus?”
Help me to be more aware of words and actions that impact what others see as my representation of Christianity and Jesus.
MELANIE – continuing to pray for you and your family
LEXI B – praying for you, for wisdom
KATHARINE JORGENSEN – praying for your game today!
DOROTHY – praying for your family, for healing and wisdom
VICTORIA E – continuing to pray for you and your little one, and also for the young girl with brain cancer and her family. I can’t imagine being in their situation – adds a whole new perspective on what I view as my problems and challenges.
BROOKE P – praying with you as you wait
CHARLIE – praying for you and for your students, for their mental health and wisdom to know there is help available, and wisdom regarding what/who they reach out to for help. Prayers for all young people, and all ages that are struggling – I see it in my own extended family with elementary and middle school age.
TRACI GENDRON – praying for you and your family, Tanner’s ease of swallowing and relief from pain for your husband
MARI V – praying for Caleb and online college, and for your continued healing
FOSTER MAMA – praying for your dad and mom, and you!
TAYLOR – praying for pain relief, and wisdom in your new relationship
SARAHJOY – praying for you and other teachers, especially Andrea
EMILY LOUALLEN – praying for De and her family, for comfort, strength and healing for their broken hearts
I never get tired of hearing how Peter changed after receiving the Holy Spirit. I love how he redeemed himself and grew bold and on fire for the gospel! This gives me hope!!
Praying for you this morning Lexi B. May God go before you and make a way for you to be a light at your work without fear.
“the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone” must have been Peter’s (ironically “the rock”) favorite verse about the Messiah. He uses it several times in sermons and in his epistle. Maybe because when he declared Jesus was the Christ, Jesus told him that truth would be the foundation for the church (Matt 16:18).
Thankful that God made it so simple-just one way to be saved from eternal death. Yet it is so hard to submit to His way.
LEXI B – praying for your situation and for you to be filled with courage. Also that the details for your new business venture would quickly align so that you have a different place to glorify God with your gifts.
MELANIE – praying you find relief from your pain soon.
KRISTEN – praying for your dad.
VICTORIA E – praying for your young friend, that she would feel the love and comfort of God through her journey. And that you would have God’s peace in your pregnancy.
FOSTER MAMA – praying for your dad.
My favorite words from our passage… boldness, freedom, hope, and life. May God bless you all with these gifts.
Lexi – praying for you. If you could all pray for me and my family. New need protection and wisdom. It hard when people use kids as weapons of division, we are in the hard place. We are trying to be peace makers but also growing weary. My health issues continue to find new colors and forms. Praying for the power of Jesus to touch us all today
May God through His Holy Spirit strengthen you, Lexi B., as he did Peter and John. May your light continue to shine and may He be the strength that empowers every part of you. I pray Galatians 6:9 over her Lord, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” May the harvest be evident for You, Lord God. Cover Lexi with your armor Lord as she goes into each day. I pray in your name, Jesus, and its power alone. Amen.
“…for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” THIS!!! I want to be so filled with the Holy Spirit that I can’t stop speaking about what I have seen and heard.
LEXI, I am so sorry about your work situation. I pray that God will give you strength, wisdom, and discernment. I pray for His protection to cover you and that He will start now healing your brokenness. Please know that you are loved by your sisters and even more, by God.
He is our only hope for salvation, what joy it is to know our Lord is with us and for us to have the strength to stand out for Him.
I pray for each of you to have that strength especially for you Lexi B ,
God has a plan for you! I pray that God will go before at work and your powerful prayers, be they silent be felt throughout the building.
Lexi B–I have had great jobs that turned bad and know the pain that causes. I am praying for you to have strength and wisdom.
I agree. Our God is powerful, wonderful, amazing and so much more
This is just so funny to me that they thought they could warn Peter and the others and they would stop doing God’s bidding. Amazing how many don’t know how powerful our God is. ❤️
Amen. May our Father help us to put our faith in Jesus, in no other name.
@Lexi B will pray for you. May the Lord give you wisdom as you seek Him
My heart is heavy and I knew that I could turn to my Shereadstruth family for prayer. My job has turned for the worse, and without going into too much detail; they are actively discrimating against us with a new policy. My workplace is now a hostile environment, run on fear. It’s hard because I love my coworkers so much, but it is getting increasingly difficult to remain there. I want to be light, but I am getting weary. Please pray for strength for me. I just feel so broken.