Using the Name of Jesus for Authority and Power
The use of Jesus' name for authority and power is rooted in biblical teachings and has been a significant aspect of Christian practice throughout history. In the New Testament, Jesus' name is associated with divine authority and power, as seen in the Gospel accounts of his ministry and the Acts of the Apostles.
The name "Jesus" itself means "the Lord saves" or "Yahweh saves," signifying his role as the Messiah and Savior [1]. The title "Christ" or "Messiah" further emphasizes his anointed status as Prophet, Priest, and King [3]. In the context of Jesus' earthly ministry, his name was used to perform miracles and exorcisms, demonstrating his divine authority (Acts 3:6, 16; 4:10).
After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, his disciples continued to use his name as a source of authority and power in their ministry. The book of Acts records instances where the apostles healed the sick, cast out demons, and preached the gospel in Jesus' name (Acts 3:6; 4:10; 9:29; 19:13-16) [2]. The use of Jesus' name in this context was not merely a magical formula but a declaration of faith in his divine authority and power.
The early Christian church understood the significance of Jesus' name and its association with divine power. According to Adam Clarke, the name of Jesus was "that alone which was used" in exorcisms and other miraculous acts [6]. The power of Jesus' name was seen as a manifestation of God's presence and authority, and its use was often accompanied by reverence and awe.
The biblical basis for using Jesus' name for authority and power is closely tied to the concept of his exaltation and lordship. In Philippians 2:9-11, Paul writes that God has given Jesus "the name above all names" and that "every knee should bow" to him [7]. This passage underscores Jesus' supreme authority and power, which is exercised through his name.
The significance of Jesus' name is also reflected in the writings of the early church fathers. Augustine, for example, notes that the name of Jesus is not just a label but a declaration of his divine nature and authority [4]. The use of Jesus' name in worship, prayer, and ministry is thus a recognition of his lordship and a demonstration of faith in his power to save and transform.
In Christian tradition, the use of Jesus' name has been understood in various ways. Some have seen it as a means of invoking divine power and authority in times of need or crisis. Others have emphasized the importance of using Jesus' name with reverence and humility, recognizing its association with divine power and authority.
one commentary tradition on 1 John 3:8 highlights the contrast between those who commit sin and those who are "of God." In this context, the use of Jesus' name is seen as a declaration of allegiance to God and a rejection of the devil's influence [4]. Similarly, the Baptist/Reformed commentary on Revelation 13:6 notes that blasphemy against God's name is a serious offense, emphasizing the importance of reverencing Jesus' name [5].
The practice of using Jesus' name for authority and power continues to be an important aspect of Christian worship and ministry today. Whether in prayer, preaching, or acts of healing and deliverance, the name of Jesus is invoked as a source of divine authority and power. As the Methodist/Wesleyan commentary on Acts 19:17 notes, the name of Jesus is "magnified" when it is used with faith and reverence, demonstrating its sovereign power over evil spirits and human circumstances [6].
The biblical and historical significance of Jesus' name underscores its continued importance in Christian practice. As a symbol of divine authority and power, the name of Jesus remains a powerful reminder of God's presence and activity in the world.
Sources
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Ucal — power, prevalency”
- Acts “preaching boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him. -- Acts 9:29”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Christ — Anointed, the Greek translation of the Hebrew word rendered "Messiah" (q.v.), the official title of our Lord, occurring five hundred and fourteen times in the New Testament. It denotes that he was anointed or consecrated to his great redemptive work as Prophet, Priest, and King of his people. He is Jesus the Christ (Acts 17:3; 18:5; Matt. 22:42), the Anointed One. He is thus spoken of by Isaiah (61:1), and by Daniel (9:24-26), who styles him "Messiah the Prince." The Messiah is the same person as "the seed of the woman" (Gen. 3:15), "the seed of Abraham" (Ge”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 13:6: And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God,.... By sitting as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God; by suffering himself to be called by the name of God, God on earth, Lord God the pope, and to be worshipped as God; and by assuming infallibility, giving out that he cannot err, which only belongs to the God of truth; and by his idolatrous practices commanded by him, as the worshipping of idols of gold, silver, wood, and stone, which is in Scripture called blaspheming God, Isa 65:7; see Dan 11:36. To blaspheme his name; his authority, by ”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 19:17: The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified - They saw that there was a sovereign power in the name of Jesus, which could not be imitated by these lying exorcists: they therefore reverenced this name, and despised those pretenders. Exorcisms or adjurations of evil spirits were very frequent in the primitive Church: the name of Jesus was that alone which was used. The primitive fathers speak strong and decisive words concerning the power of this name; and how demons were tormented and expelled by it, not only from individuals, but from the temples themselves. Exorcists f”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 2:9: 2:9 As a result of Christ’s humble obedience, God elevated him to the place of highest honor; see Acts 1:9-10; cp. Acts 2:32-33; 7:55-56. • the name above all other names: Jesus has supreme authority and power (Phil 2:10-11; cp. Matt 28:18; John 17:5; Acts 2:33-36; Heb 2:9; 12:2).”