¹²”And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

Some verses in Scripture lend themselves to the discipleship program of all believers, and this is one of them. It is concise in its brevity, precise in its wording, comprehensive in its scope, and exclusive in its application. There is one and only one way to be saved, and that is by the name of Jesus Christ. Every Christian would do well to memorize this verse.

Several questions arise that need to be answered. First, what salvation is talked about here? Peter has been speaking to the Jewish nation, and the sense seems to be salvation from God’s judgment on the nation. In the healing of the lame, the word that Luke the author uses to refer to his healing in verse 9 is the same word that is used for salvation in verse 12 (Greek: sotzo). In the Jewish mindset, physical infirmity was an indication of God’s judgment on a person, so the sense of healing was seen as a relief or salvation from His judgment on whatever sins caused the person’s illness or difficulty. Thus, the healing was the illustration of salvation, that is, for the nation to be “healed” of their sin, to bring relief or salvation from God’s judgment, they must embrace Jesus Christ.

Another question arising is this: to what extent does this verse apply? Peter’s statement goes farther than for just Israel’s restoration to God; the phrases “no other name under heaven” and the generic “among men” rather than among Israelites, can only imply a universal application of the message. Jesus, by name, is the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant that God would bless the world through Abraham’s descendants. This statement applies to all. To be saved from God’s judgment individually, God provided Jesus Christ crucified and risen.

Does this exclude other means of salvation? Peter speaks unambiguously and unflinchingly: there is salvation in or by no one else, no other individual. Yes, this is exclusive; the truth is always exclusive. It excludes error and falsity. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). He taught, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13–14). Yes, the Christian message is exclusive. There is only one way to salvation with God, and that is through Jesus Christ, who was crucified and raised from the dead.

Lord, I believe in the One You sent, the Lord Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.