What is the meaning of Acts 4:13? When they saw the boldness of Peter and John Peter and John stand before the same council that condemned Jesus only weeks earlier (Acts 4:5–7). Their fearless words and steady demeanor turn the courtroom into a pulpit. • Acts 4:29–31 shows the disciples praying “to speak Your word with complete boldness,” and the Spirit grants exactly that. • Earlier, Jesus promised, “I will give you words and wisdom” (Luke 21:15), and here the promise is fulfilled. • Paul later says, “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold” (2 Corinthians 3:12), reminding us that gospel confidence comes from certainty in Christ, not from human credentials. and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men The leaders measure Peter and John against rabbinic standards and find no formal training—yet their grasp of Scripture and authority exceed the experts. • God delights to use what the world calls weak: “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27–29). • Jesus’ hometown listeners once asked, “Where did this Man get these things? … Is not this the carpenter?” (Mark 6:2–3). The same surprise now surrounds His followers. • Their “ordinary” background underscores that ministry competence flows from divine calling and Spirit empowerment, not academic pedigree. they marveled The council’s astonishment exposes the limitations of human assessment. Intellectual categories cannot explain Spirit-filled power. • In John 7:15, the Jews “marveled, saying, ‘How does this man know letters, having never studied?’” The reaction repeats itself with His disciples, proving the Master’s influence. • Luke 4:22 records a similar response to Jesus: “All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His mouth.” The disciples now mirror their Teacher. • Wonder is the honest response when God acts beyond natural explanation. and took note that these men had been with Jesus The undeniable link between character and companionship is on display. Time spent in close fellowship with Christ has permanently shaped Peter and John. • Acts 1:21–22 required an apostle to be someone “who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,” highlighting the formative power of that relationship. • Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). The likeness is now visible. • John 15:27 records Jesus’ words: “And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.” Their testimony now stands before the highest earthly court in Jerusalem. summary The Sanhedrin’s reaction captures the transforming effect of Christ’s presence and the Spirit’s power. Boldness, wisdom, and effectiveness in witness are not the fruit of human schooling but of abiding with Jesus. Ordinary believers, surrendered to Him, become extraordinary instruments for the gospel. |
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