There Is Power in the Name of Jesus — Acts 3:1–26
Oct 1, 2026 2
The man at the temple gate expects a few coins. Instead, he gets up and walks. There is power in the name of Jesus, and Peter wants the amazed crowd to understand who has changed this man’s life.
Acts 3:6–8
[6] But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” [7] And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. [8] And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. (ESV)
Power in the name of Jesus
This man has been unable to walk since birth. Every day, someone carries him to the temple gate to ask for money. When Peter and John arrive, he expects another gift to help him get by.
Peter takes him by the hand, and immediately his feet and ankles become strong. He walks into the temple with them, leaping and praising God. People recognise him. They have seen him begging at that gate, and now they can see the change.
But Peter immediately points away from himself. This has nothing to do with his own power or godliness.
There is power in the name of Jesus.
Peter tells the crowd about the one they rejected. They handed Jesus over to be killed, even though Pilate had decided to release him. They killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. Peter and John are witnesses. This man is standing before them because of Jesus (see Acts 3:12-16).
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Our greatest need is forgiveness
Then Peter moves from the man’s physical healing to the crowd’s need for forgiveness.
Acts 3:19
[19] Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, (ESV)
These are confronting words for people who rejected Jesus. Yet Peter offers them hope. They can turn back to God and have their sins wiped away. The Jesus they rejected is the Saviour they need.
That is our greatest need too. We pray for physical healing, believing that God can heal. We also pray that people would be forgiven of their sin and restored to a relationship with him.
Jesus died in our place for our sin and rose again. Everyone who turns to him can receive forgiveness. The healing at the temple gate also gives us a glimpse of what is coming: Jesus will return and complete the restoration God has promised (Acts 3:20-21).
The Good News is…
The risen Jesus has power to heal bodies, forgive sin and refresh weary hearts. Our hope rests in him. As we bring our needs to Jesus, we can trust the Saviour who died and rose for us, knowing that his restoring work will one day be complete.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Further reading: Acts 3:1-26
Reflection
As you pray for someone who needs physical healing, ask God also to help them know the forgiveness and hope Jesus offers.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited