Name’s sake

“for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Acts 9:16

Name’s sake – It’s hard to understand what this means.  We don’t use the expression “name’s sake” very often, so it leaves us with a sort of puzzled confusion.  But if we see the literal Greek, we get a much better idea.  “on behalf of the name of Me”.  The idea is an official representation.  Jesus tells Ananias that Paul will become His official ambassador.  Paul is about to embark on a life of representing Jesus to the world.  Imagine going to the Army recruiter.  The recruiter is just a man but he has the official approval of the Army to represent what the Army offers and accepts.  He operates in the Army’s name.

This expression would have been shockingly clear to first Century Jews.  Why?  Because they lived in a world where officials commonly operated “in the name” of a higher authority.  In fact, “in the name of Caesar” was an ordinary expression for claiming Caesar as the only supreme authority over your life.  When followers of The Way said, “In the name of Jesus”, they were officially proclaiming allegiance to another king.  And that proclamation was punishable by death.  “In the name of Jesus” was not a theological phrase to end a prayer.  It is a living (and dying) testimony to my King.

Now look at this verse again.  Can you imagine your King telling you that for the rest of your life you will learn how much suffering you must endure in order to serve Him?  Do you think you would jump for joy when you heard that?  Or would you think, “Why me, Lord?  Why have you chosen me to suffer as your official representative?”  Did you think that this verse only applied to Paul?

“My beloved friends, don’t think that it’s strange when you encounter fiery ordeals and trials.  Don’t imagine that this is an unusual thing.  But rejoice because you are partakers in the same suffering that Jesus endured.”  1 Peter 4:12-13

Paul was counted worthy to share in the suffering of Jesus.  That journey made him into what he became, the greatest spokesman for the Christ who ever lived.  Are you willing to become Jesus’ official representative?  The world will hate you.  Jesus promised that.  You can’t be friends with the world and serve the King.  But there is joy and peace that comes from another place, a place where His Name means everything.