When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and knew that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13 HCSB)
Peter and John found themselves before the Jewish leadership following the healing of the crippled man at the temple gate just the day before. Their appearance before the Sanhedrin was to be a matter of discipline. The question they were asked to respond to was, “By what power or in what name have you done this?” Their response was a confident proclamation that the power that healed this man was the name, Jesus. They continued to proclaim, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, HCSB)
Luke records for us the response of the Jewish leaders to Peter and John in Acts 4:13. First, they observed their boldness. This boldness is not to be confused with a “cocky” arrogance, but rather a confident conviction that they shared with a passionate heart. One thing is for certain, the world can tell the difference in prideful arrogance and a passionate expression of one’s conviction.
The second thing we notice is that the Jewish leaders recognized them as being uneducated and untrained men. This realization led to the third response of the council. The third and final observation the council of leaders made was their amazement. The source of their being amazed was the evidence that these men had been with Jesus. This observation speaks volumes to me. When we spend time with Jesus, it will be evident to those around us.
I see three things in this passage that encourage me in my witness each day: First, I must share with confidence the gospel of Jesus Christ. My confidence should be a result of my conviction. Secondly, I realize that I don’t know everything there is to know. I must continue to be a student of the Word of God and allow His Spirit to instruct me in righteousness. Lastly, I must spend time with Jesus. How can I testify of His love if I am not spending time with Him daily?
May we, the people of God, be found faithfully proclaiming the name of Jesus and the Power that is in His name daily so that the world will know that salvation is in no other name but the name JESUS!
In Christ,
Brother Tim