“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13 NLT).
Something extraordinary happens to ordinary people when they spend time with Jesus. When the former fisherman Peter stood to speak to the illustrious gathering of Jewish priests and rabbis they were shocked at his bold eloquence. So much so, that they asked Peter and John to leave the room while they conferred.
What gave Peter and John such authority? They didn’t have influential fathers or letters after their names. They didn’t study under the famous rabbis, Gamaliel or Hillel. They had spent most of their lives as simple fisherman. Yet the last three years they had devoted to following Jesus and that had changed their lives forever. Their time with Jesus had left an indelible mark on them.
Can people tell whether you’ve been with Jesus?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we want others to always notice that we’ve been with Jesus. Fill us afresh this day with the Spirit of Christ. Strengthen us with holy boldness to declare Your gospel. In Jesus’ name, amen.