Jesus I Know and Paul I Know But Who Are You
Today we will talk about “Jesus I know and Paul I know but who are you?” This phrase comes from the book of Acts, where a group of exorcists attempted to invoke the name of Jesus to cast out evil spirits. This powerful statement raises essential questions about identity, authority, and the essence of faith. In this passage, we see how the demons recognize the authority of Jesus and the power of Paul but are unaware of the identity of the exorcists. Hence, this discussion will help us reflect on our relationship with Christ and how it defines our existence and actions. Prepare your heart and mind as we seize the opportunity to meditate on God’s Word.
Understanding the Phrase
The phrase “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” is found in Acts 19:15. In this chapter, Paul was performing extraordinary miracles, and some itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to use the name of Jesus to cast out demons. When they tried to invoke Jesus’ name without having a personal relationship with Him, a demon replied, describing their lack of true identity and authority. This moment captures a vivid picture of authenticity in one’s relationship with Christ. The Hebrew word for “know” is “yadah,” which implies a deep, intimate knowledge, not just surface-level awareness (Genesis 4:1). In Greek, the term “ginosko” signifies experiential knowledge, further underlining the depth of familiar connection with Jesus and His power (Philippians 3:10).
Historically, this passage underscores the early church’s challenges. False teachers were emerging, and the power of the Gospel had to be defended. The exorcists thought they could capitalize on the fame of Jesus and Paul without understanding their authentic faith. This episode illustrates the difference between knowing about someone and having a genuine relationship with them. The unclean spirit’s question, “Who are you?” reveals a contrast between superficial belief and real authority derived from a life steeped in faith in Christ.
The Authority of Jesus as the Foundation
In our journey to answer the question “Who are you?” it is crucial to first reflect on the authority of Jesus. Jesus’ identity and authority come from being the Son of God. The Gospel of John begins with declaring His divine nature, stating, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). With authority, He healed the sick, calmed storms, and even raised the dead (Mark 4:39, Matthew 11:5). Jesus, as the cornerstone of our faith, illustrated how true power comes from complete submission to God the Father (John 5:19).
Understanding and acknowledging the authority of Jesus leads us to discover our own spiritual identity. When we accept Christ, we become part of His family. As believers, we are called to represent His kingdom (1 Peter 2:9). However, this representation is only possible through relationship. We must know Him, as Paul described in Philippians 3:10, where he expresses his desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. This knowing is essential; it is more than knowledge—it’s the recognition of Christ’s authority and its application in our lives.
Moreover, the importance of Jesus’ authority is reinforced in scriptures such as Matthew 28:18, where He asserts, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This is fundamental when we think about what it means for us to be “like Paul.” The next logical step is understanding how Paul illustrates this relationship with Jesus through his service and obedient faith.
The Example of Paul
Paul’s life and ministry provide a powerful example of someone who recognized and embraced his identity in Jesus. He transitioned from Saul, a persecutor of the church, to Paul, a devoted apostle. This transformation reflects the essence of knowing Christ personally. In Philippians 3:7-8, Paul describes how everything he once valued pales in comparison to knowing Christ. His entire mission was rooted in his relationship with Jesus. Acts 9 recounts his dramatic encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, a moment that changed not only his life but also the course of Christian history.
The authority Paul operated under was a direct result of his relationship with Jesus. He often emphasized that it was not by his own strength or wisdom that he preached the Gospel, but through the power of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Paul saw himself as a servant of the Lord, primarily motivated by love and gratitude for what Christ had done in his life. His letters consistently reflect this theme, urging believers to develop a similar relationship with Christ (Philippians 4:13). Just as Jesus was known by the demons, Paul represented the authority that came from his intimate, experiential knowledge of Jesus.
In examining Paul’s life, we also witness the authenticity of his faith. He faced persecution, doubts, and trials, yet through it all, he remained steadfast (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). His assurance stemmed not from his circumstances, but from his unwavering connection with Jesus. This serves as a reminder that authority in the spiritual realm does not come from our status or talent; it comes from our standing before God. We are reminded of II Timothy 1:7, where he encourages believers to embrace the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Understanding Paul’s journey can invoke a sense of accountability in how we live our lives daily, reflecting whether we embody the unity and authority found in Christ.
Understanding Our Identity in Christ
So, who are we? It’s vital to establish our identities in light of our relationship with Jesus. When we accept Christ, we gain an identity that is not influenced by past failures or societal labels. Galatians 3:26 reminds us that in Christ, we are “children of God.” This new identity is powerful and liberating. Just as Paul recognized who he was in Christ, we also can embrace our worth in God’s eyes.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that simply accepting Christ is not the end—it’s just the beginning. The question “Who are you?” serves as a vital prompt for us to examine how we live out our Christian life. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), actively showing His love and grace to the world around us. This signifies taking our relationship with Jesus beyond a superficial understanding into an authentic testimony that showcases the change He has made in our lives.
We must also consider the imperative of putting our identity into action. Ephesians 2:10 states that we are “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” Knowing who we are in Christ carries responsibilities as much as it comes with privileges. It means displaying His love and light in our actions and words.
The biblical teaching on identity is centered around humility. As seen in James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Embracing humility opens avenues to grow closer to Christ while allowing others to see Him reflected through us. Our identity is not an exclusive possession; it ultimately points back to Him. We should ask ourselves how well we mirror Christ and if we reflect the authority you possess as His child.
The Spiritual Battle
In light of this topic, we must consider the reality of spiritual warfare. The exorcists mentioned in Acts were attempting to confront a spiritual reality without the authentic relationship needed to engage in that battle. Ephesians 6 instructs believers to put on the full armor of God, indicating that the struggle is indeed real (Ephesians 6:12). Strengthening our identity in Christ is fundamental as we navigate the challenges that spiritual warfare brings. Knowledge of our authority through Christ becomes our weapon against the enemy.
Psalm 144:1 illustrates the spiritual readiness believers are called to—“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” Training in the Word of God, prayer, and worship equips us to withstand not just physical battles but also spiritual ones.
As we affirm our identity in Christ and build our faith, we also need to adapt our practices. Fasting, praying, studying the Word, and participating in fellowship are all ways we deepen our relationship with Jesus, drastically increasing our strength against spiritual attacks (Matthew 17:21).
Here, we see a correlation between knowing Jesus and understanding our identity. It’s not enough to know the name of Christ; we must know Him as our Savior and Lord. The exorcists were merely using His name without the recognition of His authority in their lives. We must ensure that when we approach situations of spiritual significance, we do so grounded in the reality of who we are in Christ and His power.
Final Thoughts
In closing, the phrase “Jesus I know and Paul I know, but who are you?” serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of genuinely knowing and being known by Jesus. Our identity built on a solid relationship with Him defines how we engage the world around us. Just like Paul, we are called to not only recognize the authority of Christ in our lives, but to actively reflect that authority in our actions.
Understanding the relationship that Jesus offers empowers us to fight spiritual battles and take part in His mission. We are more than labels and backgrounds; we are children of the Most High God. This revelation invites us to rise to our full identity as ambassadors of Christ, demonstrating His love and grace to others.
As we move forward, let us reflect on our relationship with Jesus. Are we living out our identity authentically? Are we equipped and ready to face the spiritual battles that lie ahead, grounded in who we are as followers of Christ? The journey continues, and as believers, we are never alone in this quest for knowledge and affirmation. May we carry our identity in Christ boldly into the world!
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4