Scripture

When they saw the courage of Peter and John, and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Observation

When the members of the Council see the courage of Peter and John, they are amazed. The formerly lame man is now with them as evidence of the miracle that had been done in Jesus’ name.

The Council orders Peter and John to stop speaking in the name of Jesus. Peter replies, “Judge for yourselves whether we should obey you or obey God.”

The Council is thrown into confusion, and they let them go.

Application

The strength of Peter and John’s testimony lay in the fact that they had been with Jesus.

The men and women who change the world are not always the most educated or the so-called elite.

In this case, it was two men who were unschooled. They did not use big words, and probably pronounced words wrong. They were from Galilee, out in the sticks.

They were ordinary men; self-employed fishermen. They were hardly influential, and yet here they were healing people and preaching a message about God’s kingdom.

The Council members noted that Peter and John had been with Jesus. This is the key to their power and their effectiveness.

They had been with Jesus and had learned the ways of God’s Kingdom. They knew that the name of Jesus could bring great miracles in the world and had expressed faith enough to see a lame man healed.

An ordinary person, with no training or high connections, can become a world changer through being with Jesus.

We spend time learning from Him, praying, seeking His presence. Then, in the power of our being in Him and He in us, things happen. People are healed, relationships are restored, power is shifted.

Time in the presence of Jesus can give us insight into His plans for us, our mission and purpose. That might be a big thing that shakes world history, or a more limited thing that changes one person’s story. Regardless, we find our purpose and meaning in Jesus.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to know you more. May I become a person whose reputation is “this person has been with Jesus.” Amen.