The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 324 - The Name of Jesus (2025)
Date: October 20, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)
Episode Overview
Main Theme:
This episode focuses on Acts 3 (Peter’s healing of the lame beggar in Jesus’ name), Romans 4–5 (Paul’s teaching on justification by faith through Abraham’s example, and the work of Christ as the new Adam), and Proverbs 27:1–3. Fr. Mike reflects especially on the power and meaning of Jesus’ name, the continuity between Old and New Testaments, God’s gift of grace, and the incredible reality of salvation and God’s relentless love for us.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Acts 3: The Healing at the Temple and the Power of the Name of Jesus
- Peter and John go to the temple to pray:
Fr. Mike highlights that the apostles continued Jewish practices—not as rejection of their heritage but as its fulfillment in Christ."The Old Testament is still in effect. The New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Not abolished." (14:48)
- The healing of the lame beggar:
Peter and John encounter a man begging. Instead of giving alms, Peter proclaims:“I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.” (Acts 3:6, read at 03:25)
The healed man leaps and praises God—a model for using God’s gifts joyfully. - Miracles and proclamation:
Miracles are not just for physical benefit but to accompany proclamation of Jesus as Lord."Miracles exist... so that [God] can be known, so that here is the mighty work... so that he can then be proclaimed." (17:45)
- Spiritual healing is primary:
While physical miracles are powerful, the deeper aim is spiritual healing and conversion.
2. Romans 4: Abraham as the Example of Justification by Faith
- Faith before circumcision:
Paul points to Abraham, who was justified by faith before he was circumcised. This shows that justification is by faith, not by works or ritual (important for the Jewish/Gentile Christian context in Rome)."Paul is saying... Abraham had faith even prior to the circumcision. Hopefully that makes some sense." (23:25)
- Unity of believers:
This insight unites Jewish and Gentile Christians—“He’s [Abraham] the father of all who believe.”
3. Romans 5: The Gift of Salvation and the New Adam
- Peace through Jesus:
Paul teaches that, because we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through Christ.“There was a time when you and I were enemies of God… but we’re justified by faith, and we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (25:20)
- Suffering and hope:
Suffering is not meaningless—it produces endurance, character, and hope, because God uses everything we give him."We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." (26:30)
- God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice:
Fr. Mike’s favorite verse:"But God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, quoted at 27:35) He emphasizes God proved his love not for the righteous, but for us while we were still his enemies.
- The new Adam:
Adam’s sin brought death; Christ’s obedience brings life and justification.
All Old Testament longing and suffering are fulfilled in Christ.
4. Proverbs 27:1–3: Humility and Caution
- Fr. Mike reads the short proverb, noting its warnings about presumption (“Do not boast about tomorrow...”), self-praise, and the weight of folly.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the Power of the Name of Jesus:
“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I say to you, arise—and the man is able to walk. And I love his response… leaping up, he stood and walked.” (15:30)
- On Miracles and Mission:
"God has given all of us various gifts... We glorify him even further when we use the gift that he has given us." (16:45)
- On Abraham’s Faith:
"Paul is saying... Abraham had faith even prior to the circumcision." (23:25)
- On Our Relationship with God:
"Imagine this, because St. Paul will later go on to describe how actually there was a time when we were enemies of God. Let's pause on that for a second." (25:00)
- On God’s Relentless Love:
“Never believe the lie that you're not wanted. Never believe the lie that your life doesn't matter. You are loved, you're wanted. And he will never stop loving you, no matter what.” (30:45)
Major Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:10 | Acts 3 reading: Peter heals the lame beggar | | 03:25 | “In the name of Jesus Christ…”—Peter and the healed man’s reaction | | 14:48 | Fr. Mike reflects on OT/NT continuity, Judaism fulfilled in Christ | | 15:30 | Commentary on healing, miracles, and using God’s gifts | | 17:45 | Miracles accompany preaching—importance of proclamation | | 23:25 | Romans 4: Abraham’s faith and the context for Jewish/Gentile Christians | | 25:20 | Romans 5: Justified by faith, peace with God, and Christ’s reconciliation| | 26:30 | Suffering brings hope—God uses everything, nothing is wasted | | 27:35 | “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” | | 30:45 | Closing encouragement: God’s love and acceptance |
Tone and Style
Fr. Mike’s tone is energetic, warm, and deeply pastoral—full of enthusiastic, almost gushing praise for God’s love, awe at the message of salvation, and closeness to his listeners. He makes scripture approachable and urgently relevant, using repetition for emphasis (“This is insane. Oh, what a gift. Oh, okay. So anyways, I’m gushing.”).
Conclusion
Fr. Mike draws together Acts, Romans, and Proverbs to highlight the centrality of Jesus’ name, the gift of faith (modeled by Abraham), and the unimaginable love God has shown by dying for us while we were still sinners. He urges listeners to believe in God’s personal love and to use the gifts given to us for his glory, ending with warm encouragement and a heartfelt prayer.