Understanding the name of Jesus

Understanding the Name of Jesus:

Many don’t realize that the name of Jesus is more tangible—more real—than we often think.

In Acts 3, Peter and John had an encounter with a beggar who was expecting to receive money from them. But instead of giving him silver or gold, they met his true need: healing. Isn’t that amazing? Through the Holy Spirit, they were able to go beyond a surface-level solution and provide deep restoration.

More importantly, Peter and John understood the power and authority that is in the name of Jesus. They weren’t fearful or hesitant—they acted with boldness and faith.

Acts 3:6–10 (NIV)
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.
He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

This miraculous healing only happened because Peter and John truly understood the name of Jesus. If they didn’t, the man would not have been healed. Jesus is the only name by which we receive salvation—a truth Peter boldly proclaimed when the Sanhedrin elders came to accuse them.

Acts 4:7–12
“By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame… then know this: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed… Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Once again, Peter doesn’t flinch. He declares with confidence that in Jesus' name, there is healing and salvation.

Why Some Believers Struggle to Understand the Name:

Not everyone truly understands the power of Jesus’ name—not even believers who’ve been in church for decades. Why is that? Because many lack true intimacy with God.

Remember what the Bible says: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Yet most believers try to live life apart from God—until a crisis hits. That’s when they come running.

Think of it this way: imagine being married to someone who never talks to you or listens to you unless they’re struggling. There would be no connection—just distance, frustration, and conflict. It’s the same with our relationship with Jesus. We can’t expect to walk in His power if we’re not walking in daily intimacy with Him.

Sometimes all it takes is setting aside just a few quiet moments each day. No sermon. No prayer. No music. Just stillness—listening for His voice, which always echoes through His Word.

Lack of relationship with Christ :

In Acts 19:14–16, the seven sons of Sceva tried to use Jesus’ name to cast out demons. But because they had no personal relationship with Him, they were overpowered and humiliated.

The evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and beat them until they fled from the house naked and wounded.

This isn’t proof that the name of Jesus lacks power—it proves that misusing His name without intimacy leads to poor demonstration of the name . You can’t fake spiritual authority. Even demons can tell who truly walks with God.

If the sons of Sceva had discerned the voice of Jesus—if they had been led by His Word—they might have realized they weren’t ready for that level of spiritual confrontation. Deliverance is not about showing off; it’s about submitting to the authority of Christ.

Understanding the name of Jesus