And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter emphatically states that "salvation" here refers to the ultimate, Messianic deliverance from sin and death, not just temporary healing, highlighting the singular and absolute necessity of Jesus for eternal redemption. The wording emphasizes that this saving power isn't something humans can discover or create; it's a divine gift, exclusively revealed and entrusted to Jesus.
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter and John, having just healed a lame man in Jesus' name, are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious council. After questioning them about the miracle, the council dismisses them, but Peter and John return to their community and pray for boldness to continue proclaiming Jesus. The context builds to this moment as Peter directly confronts the very leaders who had condemned Jesus, declaring that their religious and political authority offers no true salvation.
Peter starts by talking about a man being healed, but quickly pivots to something much bigger. What is this profound 'salvation' he's talking about?
The word 'salvation' here (Greek: soteria) isn't just about being rescued from physical danger or illness, though that's part of it. Peter is highlighting the ultimate deliverance that Jesus offers – salvation from sin and its eternal consequences.
A Greater Deliverance
Peter makes an incredibly bold statement: salvation is found in no one else. Why such an absolute claim?
Peter's declaration is unwavering: Jesus Christ is the only name by which we can be saved. This isn't a matter of preference or a 'one of many' option.
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The Uniqueness of Jesus
Peter doesn't just say salvation is available through Jesus; he states it's something 'we must be saved' by. What does this reveal about humanity?
The phrase 'whereby we must be saved' carries a profound sense of necessity and obligation, rooted in humanity's condition.
The Human Predicament
Understand the original words
sōtēria · Greek Noun
The act of being rescued from the power, penalty, and eventual presence of sin, available exclusively through faith in Jesus Christ as the mediator between God and humanity.
onoma · Greek Noun
In biblical thought, a name represents the person's identity, authority, character, and power. To be saved by a 'name' is to be saved by the person and authority of Jesus Himself.
This declaration by Peter comes at a pivotal moment, directly following a miracle and an interrogation by the highest religious council. It's not an abstract theological statement but a powerful, context-specific assertion of Jesus' unique salvific authority in the face of religious and political opposition.
c. AD 30— this verse
Healing of the Lame Man
Peter and John heal a man lame from birth in Jesus' name, causing a stir among the crowds and religious leaders.
c. AD 30
Arrest and Trial of Apostles
Peter and John are arrested by the temple authorities for healing the man and preaching about Jesus' resurrection.
c. AD 30
Apostles Before the Sanhedrin
Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court, and are questioned about their actions and authority.
c. AD 30
Peter's Bold Declaration
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaims that the healing was done in the name of Jesus Christ, whom the leaders had crucified but God had raised.
c. AD 30
Sanhedrin's Command and Warning
Amazed by the apostles' boldness and recognizing the undeniable miracle, the Sanhedrin commands them not to speak or teach in Jesus' name, but lets them go.
c. AD 30
Apostles Continue Preaching
Peter and John, released, return to their fellow believers and, undeterred, continue to preach and teach boldly in the name of Jesus.
Jesus declares Himself to be 'the way, and the truth, and the life,' directly paralleling Peter's assertion that salvation is found only through Him.
Isaiah 43:11This Old Testament prophecy proclaims that 'besides me there is no savior,' which is echoed in Peter's definitive statement about Jesus being the sole source of salvation.
1 Timothy 2:5Paul reinforces Peter's point by stating there is 'one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,' underscoring the exclusivity of Christ's role.
Matthew 1:21The angel's announcement to Joseph that Mary would give birth to a son named Jesus, 'because he will save his people from their sins,' directly connects Jesus' name with the concept of salvation that Peter is proclaiming.
barnesActs 4:12: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Neither is there salvation - The word "salvation" properly denotes any "preservation," or keeping anything in a "safe" state; a preserving from harm. It I signifies, also, deliverance from any evil of body or mind; from pain, sickness, danger, etc., Acts 7:25 . But it is in the New Testament applied particularly to the work which the Messiah came to do, "to…
vincentActs 4:12: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Salvation (ἡ σωτηρία)Note the article: the salvation; the Messianic deliverance.
Peter emphatically states that "salvation" here refers to the ultimate, Messianic deliverance from sin and death, not just temporary healing, highlighting the singular and absolute necessity of Jesus for eternal redemption. The wording emphasizes that this saving power isn't something humans can discover or create; it's a divine gift, exclusively revealed and entrusted to Jesus.
Peter and John, having just healed a lame man in Jesus' name, are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious council. After questioning them about the miracle, the council dismisses them, but Peter and John return to their community and pray for boldness to continue proclaiming Jesus. The context builds to this moment as Peter directly confronts the very leaders who had condemned Jesus, declaring that their religious and political authority offers no true salvation.
Peter and John, having just healed a lame man in Jesus' name, are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious council. After questioning them about the miracle, the council dismisses them, but Peter and John return to their community and pray for boldness to continue proclaiming Jesus. The context builds to this moment as Peter directly confronts the very leaders who had condemned Jesus, declaring that their religious and political authority offers no true salvation.
"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”" — Peter emphatically states that "salvation" here refers to the ultimate, Messianic deliverance from sin and death, not just temporary healing, highlighting the singular and absolute necessity of Jesus…
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Last reviewed October 2026