Book of Acts - Chapter 4 - Verse 13
Meaning
When the people saw the boldness of Peter and John, and realized that they were ordinary men with no formal education, they were astonished. The reason for their amazement was that these two men had been companions of Jesus. This verse highlights the fact that the disciples of Jesus were not highly educated or influential individuals by worldly standards, yet they possessed a deep knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Jesus. Their boldness and courage in proclaiming the message of Jesus despite their lack of formal education demonstrated the power of their faith and the impact of their time spent with Jesus. It serves as a reminder that true wisdom and authority come from a personal relationship with Jesus rather than worldly credentials or status. The disciples' transformation from uneducated fishermen to bold preachers of the Gospel is a testimony to the transformative power of Jesus in the lives of his followers.
Theological Overview
This verse from Acts 4:13 highlights the impact that spending time with Jesus had on the lives of Peter and John. Despite being uneducated and ordinary men, their boldness and confidence when speaking about Jesus astonished those around them. The word "boldness" in this verse comes from the Greek word "parrhesia," which implies fearless confidence and openness in speech. The fact that Peter and John were unlearned and ignorant further emphasizes the idea that their knowledge and courage came directly from their time spent with Jesus. By observing their actions and hearing their words, people were able to recognize that Peter and John had been in the presence of Jesus. This passage serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or education, to proclaim His message with power and authority.