When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:13
Acts 4:13 is one of those verses that can capture a believer’s heart. It is a reminder that devoted believers are simply reflections of Christ Jesus. He is what makes ordinary, special.
The verse contains two key phrases that stand out: “…were ordinary men…”; and “…had been with Jesus.
As Acts chapter 4 opens, the wicked Sadducees are very angry that Peter and John have been teaching the people about Jesus and the resurrection.
The Sadducees were the Hebrew religious authority that did not believe in the resurrection of Jesus, nor the afterlife. Actually, they were really godless. They used religion to wield their own political and legal authority over the Hebrew people.
When Peter and John began teaching the people about the resurrection of Jesus and the Gospel, the Sadducees had them arrested.
But look what happened-
But many who heard the message believed; so, the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.
Acts 4:4
So, remember the key phrases from verse 13. The people knew that Peter and John had been with Jesus. They Holy Spirit moved upon John and Peter in such a way that their testimony was gripping. The people were encouraged and God’s power over the Sadducees was evident.
That is what happens when God works through faithful, ordinary men and women. The Gospel of Christ just explodes. The more the darkness falls, the more the Church grows. That is how it has always been.
Do people know that you walk with Jesus?
You see, the fact that we are ordinary, is no impediment to God’s divine plan. Our ordinary offering of service enhances our lives, and the sovereign power of our God is fully on display.
I hope you will take a moment to read this inspirational story. Pray that God will fill your own heart with a deep desire to serve Him fearlessly. God’s power can help you have courage and wisdom no matter what task you are called to complete.
Here is a link to the extraordinary story in Acts 4.
For we are God’s handiwork,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Statement of Faith
