Acts 4:13, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”
What a great verse. It is FULL of encouragements and truths that we can apply to our own lives.
We see here a group of religious leaders observing the lives of Peter and John. These men saw the boldness with which the apostles were speaking. Peter and John were not intimidated by those around them. They were not hedging or apologizing for their message. It was clear and to the point. (Acts 3:19a, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”)
These elite and educated leaders of the people perceived that Peter and John were uneducated and unlearned and yet they spoke with authority and assurance. (Isn’t it wonderful who God chooses to do His work. Don’t ever feel that God cannot use you. It really is a heart thing – not a brain thing. If your heart is open to serving God and you obey His leading, you can do great and mighty things for Him – no matter what your background or education. It’s great to know that God has a place for each one of us. Our part is to be willing to let Him use us!)
Finally, these learned men marvelled because of the testimony of Peter and John. They saw strength and power in their lives and they KNEW (took knowledge) that they had been with Jesus.
What a great example and testimony for all of us who live in this day and age. We to, need to get the message of salvation out to those around us. We should not be intimidated by their position or education (or lack of). We need to be bold – holding forth the truth in the power of the Holy Spirit. We should live in such a way that others will see our lives and come to the conclusion that we had been with Jesus!
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