• Introduction
    • Many people today speak things to Christians that are purposely offensive in the name of free speech, art, or literature.
    • People have been legally punished in the United States for using the name of Jesus.
  • Why is the name of Jesus so offensive to unbelievers?
    • Let us consider Acts 3-5 to find the answers.
  • A story about Jesus’ name
    • Acts 3:6 – “in the name of Jesus”
    • Acts 3:16 – “on the basis of faith in His name …”
    • Acts 4:7 – “in what name have you done this?”
    • Acts 4:8-12 – “by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene … this man stands before you in good health.”
    • Acts 4:17-18 – “speak no longer to any man in this name”
    • Acts 4:29-30 – “through the name of Your holy servant Jesus”
    • Acts 5:28 – “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in His name …”
    • Acts 5:40-41 – “they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus”
  • What does this episode teach us concerning those who are opposed to Jesus and offended at His name?
    • The power that is associated with the name of Jesus is evident to them.
    • They cannot deny the power of Jesus’ name, so they seek to oppress it by intimidation and manipulation.
    • They are offended because the name of Jesus calls on them to be accountable for their own deeds.
      • Acts 17:31
    • Their attempts to silence Christians fail, so they often turn to punitive measures to enforce their will against Christians.
  • Final thoughts
    • Acts 5:11
    • Acts 4:12