No, the disciples and Paul did not refer to Him by the name Jesus alone because that name emphasizes His humiliation as the sin-bearer, whereas after His resurrection, fuller titles like Lord Jesus Christ are more appropriate.
Les Feldick teaches that the name 'Jesus' was His name of humiliation, tied to His earthly ministry and role as the sin-bearer going to the cross (Clip 1). After His resurrection, He is the glorified Lord, so He is properly called Lord Jesus, Jesus Christ, or Lord Jesus Christ (Clip 1, Clip 2). The disciples, even in the Gospels, never referred to Him by just 'Jesus' but used titles that acknowledged His office and messianic identity (Clip 2, Clip 3, Clip 4).
Matthew 16:16 — Peter's confession refers to Jesus as 'the Christ, the Son of the living God,' not merely 'Jesus,' showing the importance of titles.
The Gospel accounts record that people often addressed Jesus with titles such as 'Master' or 'Lord,' and when Peter confessed Him, he said, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God' (Matthew 16:16). The Bible does not explicitly state why they used titles, but it shows a consistent pattern of acknowledging His identity and office beyond just the human name 'Jesus.' In Acts, Peter emphasized believing in 'His Name,' which implied who He was—the Christ, the Messiah (Acts 3:16, Acts 4:10).
Les Feldick teaches that the name 'Jesus' was a name of humiliation, associated with His earthly ministry and His role as the sin-bearer going to the cross (Clip 1). After His resurrection, He is the Lord of glory, so it is no longer appropriate to refer to Him by just 'Jesus' (Clip 1). Instead, we should use titles like 'Lord Jesus' or 'Lord Jesus Christ' to acknowledge His divinity, messianic role, and resurrection power (Clip 1, Clip 2). Les notes that even the twelve apostles never referred to Him by just 'Jesus,' and Paul used the name 'Jesus' alone only once or twice in all his epistles, preferring titles like 'Lord Jesus Christ' (Clip 2, Clip 4). This practice is tied to the truth that our salvation is not based on Jesus' earthly ministry but on His death, burial, and resurrection (Clip 6).
In the early chapters of Acts, Peter and the apostles emphasized believing in 'the Name' of Jesus Christ (Clip 3). Les explains that the 'Name' implied who He was—His office and position (Clip 3, Clip 5). Just as mentioning the name of a president brings to mind the White House and the presidency, mentioning the name of Jesus Christ was meant to conjure up His identity as the Messiah, the King, and the Savior of Israel (Clip 7). Peter did not mention His death, burial, or resurrection in those early messages, but the name itself pointed to who He was (Clip 4, Clip 5).
Les teaches that it is not appropriate to refer to Him only as 'Jesus' even today; we should include the word 'Lord' or use the full title 'Lord Jesus Christ' (Clip 2). This is because the name 'Jesus' was His name of humiliation, and after the resurrection, He is the glorified Lord of glory (Clip 1). Also, our salvation is based not on His earthly ministry but on His death, burial, and resurrection—as summarized in titles like 'Christ Crucified' and 'Risen' (Clip 6).
Why Was Jesus Baptized? The Answer Most People Miss
Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. Now here comes the basis then of our doctrine of the virgin birth. Now there are a lot of people that can't buy it, but if they can't, they're doomed, because that's part of our salvation.
The Name of Jesus Was His Name of Humiliation
Les explains that the name 'Jesus' was tied to His earthly humiliation and role as the sin-bearer, and after resurrection, fuller titles like 'Lord Jesus' are appropriate.
Using the Full Title 'Lord Jesus Christ'
Les notes that even the twelve never referred to Jesus only by His name, and we should include 'Lord' or use 'Lord Jesus Christ' to be all-inclusive.
The Name Implied Who He Was
In early Acts, belief was in the 'Name' which implied His identity as the Christ, not just a human name.
The Name Jesus Christ Implied the Christ
Peter's healing in Acts 3 refers to 'His Name' which implied He was the Christ, without mention of His death or resurrection.
The Name Associates With His Position
Les uses the analogy of presidential names to show that 'Jesus Christ' implies His office as Messiah and Savior.
Salvation Not Based on His Earthly Ministry
Les emphasizes that we cannot be saved by the gospel of Jesus' earthly ministry; salvation is through His death, burial, and resurrection.
The Name Associated With His Office
Les reiterates that mentioning 'Jesus of Nazareth' or 'Jesus the Christ' was meant to bring to mind His office as Messiah, King, and Savior, not just His human name.
Matthew 16:16: And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Peter's confession shows that the disciples identified Jesus with titles, not just His human name, pointing to His divine identity.
Acts 3:16: And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Peter attributes healing to faith in the name of Jesus Christ, which implied His office as the Messiah.
Acts 4:10: Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
The fuller title 'Jesus Christ of Nazareth' is used, pointing to His identity and resurrection.
According to Les Feldick, the twelve never referred to Jesus only by His name 'Jesus' (Clip 2). They used titles like Master, Lord, or Jesus Christ, acknowledging His office and identity.
Les teaches that the name 'Jesus' was His name of humiliation, and after His resurrection, it is more appropriate to use fuller titles like 'Lord Jesus' or 'Lord Jesus Christ' to recognize His lordship and glory (Clip 1, Clip 2).
The name 'Jesus Christ' implied His position as the Messiah, the Savior, and the King of Israel (Clip 5, Clip 7). It pointed to who He was, not just a human name.
Watch the Teaching: Why Was Jesus Baptized? The Answer Most People Miss