By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. Acts 3:16
“Peter’s lack of silver reinforces the picture of serving the Lord sacrificially… The heart of the account, as demonstrated by the dialogues that follow is that healing occurs in Jesus’ name, which offers salvation and wholeness. That is, Jesus remains active and works through those agents He has chosen and commissioned…
While believer prayed together daily in the temple, and this man was brought daily, it is only on this occasion when the man requests alms from the apostles, that they address him… Their lack of silver and gold fits Luke’s distinctive emphasis, including Jesus instructions to His followers (Luke 9:2-6; 10:4, 9; 12:41-42)…
The man is healed because of faith in Jesus’ name (3:16). Peter expresses faith by commanding the healing and lifting the man up; apparently the healed man also expresses faith by recognizing what has happened and acting accordingly (3:8)… Nevertheless, these commands are effective only because Jesus’ agents act within His purposes…
Acting by means of Jesus’ name here means acting on His authorization. Analogously, “in God’s name” could signify a representative acting on God’s behalf, according to His command, by His help, or using His name in a miraculous act. Invoking Jesus’ name may also implicitly call on Jesus… Essentially Jesus continues to act through those who bear His name; thus the credit belongs to Him not His agents.”
Craig S. Keener in Acts (NCBC; Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2020) 182-184.
Notice the source of power for generous service. It flows from the name of Jesus! When His followers serve as agents of faith and obey His command not to trust money to make ministry happen, He shows up for them. He works in mighty ways.
We must not lose this perspective in modern times. It was the name of Jesus that made people strong back then and it holds the same power today. If you want to minister generously, don’t depend on money. Serve, instead, as an agent of faith.
I want to honor my mother today, Patsy Hoag, as it is Mother’s Day, and my wife, Jenni Hoag, too. They are two amazing women, and their strength in the name of Jesus, flows from their deep relationship with Him.