Acts 4 - 1.2.23
Scripture
Acts 4:13 NLT
“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.”
Observation-What does it say?
Peter and John were called in by the Council. All the rulers, elders, high priests, and teachers of religious law met with them. They questioned Peter and John and asked them, “by what power or by whose name were you using that enabled you to heal that man who has been crippled since birth?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, responded in a way that amazed them all. For they knew that these two were just ordinary, uneducated men. How could they speak with such authority? How can they speak with such boldness and eloquence? Then they realized that these men have been with Jesus.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Spending time with Jesus changes you.
You ever hear that saying, “they’re beginning to look alike because they are spending so much time together”? It usually refers to couples. Sometimes I even hear it referenced to pets and their owners 😆. But there is some truth behind it. It basically means when someone spends so much time with another person, they begin to pick up some of their mannerisms. They dress alike. They talk alike. They walk alike. And yes, they eventually can even look alike.
At the end of verse 13, the Council were amazed with the boldness and confidence that Peter and John spoke. I love how the verse states that the Council then realized that Peter and John spent time with Jesus. You see, when you spend time with Jesus, it changes you. Peter and John were Jesus’ disciples. They listened and hung on to every word he spoke. They served alongside Jesus during his time in ministry. They basically did life together. And you know what? It changed them. Spending time with Jesus transformed these two ordinary, uneducated fishermen, into men who spoke with such eloquence and authority. It caused others around them to see the presence of Jesus in their lives.
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.”-Ephesians 5:1-2a
Life Application
Can people see Jesus in me by the way I speak and act?
Carry on the characteristics of Jesus by spending time with Him daily. Read His Word, do what it says, communicate with Him through prayer, and serve alongside Him by carrying on His ministry of helping others. Allow the Holy Spirit to transform you from the inside out. It’s the best way to point others to Jesus and help them experience Him through the way we live our lives and shine His light on them. ❤️
-Moses Gaddi