WE ARE IN GOOD COMPANY
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
Most people do not understand what it really means to be a Believer and to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Peter and John were men who were disciples of Jesus and just months before the events in today’s Bible verses. Peter had denied any association with Jesus, and all of the disciples had been in hiding for their lives.
“Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”” (John 20:19)
The church members had prayed for Peter and John to have boldness and to share all that they had experienced with others. Then one day, Peter and John went to the temple to pray, and while they were entering the temple, they healed a man, in the name of Jesus, who had been lame since birth.
“Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:1-8)
These uneducated fishermen stood confidently and spoke truth to the religious, political, and intellectual elite of their day. This dramatic turnaround was noted by those who listened.
In what seems to be a total disregard for their personal safety, Peter and John begin to boldly speak the name of Jesus and confront those who ordered Jesus’ crucifixion.
“Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.” (Acts 4:1-3)
They were arrested and questioned, and Peter and John explained their teaching to the religious leaders who had told them to stop speaking about Jesus.
“However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.” (Acts 4:4)
This created a boldness in Peter and John that had not been seen since Jesus. Peter and John preached with such boldness that over 5,000 people believed in one day.
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)
When Peter and John were being questioned, the religious leaders who were questioning them, even though they were nonbelievers, could hear the voice of Jesus speaking through Peter and John.
They could see Jesus in their eyes. They could tell that these men were followers of Jesus. In fact, even their enemies could see that Jesus had made an impact on these men.
Could a statement like that be said about you? Could people say that you have a relationship with Jesus?
If you are feeling underqualified, underprepared, or in over your head, this devotion gives you hope today. God will always do more through you than expected. It is not education, wealth, position, or political influence that makes us competent or qualified to do great things for God. Instead, it is time spent with Jesus that makes us ready for His purposes.
Start today by spending time with Jesus every day instead of worrying about what is going to happen or how people will react. God will make you ready for all He wants to do through you as long as you seek God.
How can you be bold with your friends, family, and co-workers?
Heavenly Father, I realize only in my quiet time with You will my relationship grow. I come into Your presence without all the distractions that will interrupt my time with You. I will not only read Your Word in Your presence, but I will listen to what You are saying to me. I need to hear the still small voice as Your Holy Spirit guides me through my day. When this happens, I know my relationship with You will grow, and my life will be able to impact others. I want the character of my life to reflect You in every way. The world is hurting, and they need You. Thank You, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DO YOU NEED PRAYER?
WE ARE HERE
TO PRAY WITH YOU
What verse brings you the most encouragement and comfort? Share yours on our Facebook page.
Start Today By Spending Time With Jesus Every Day Instead Of Worrying About What Is Going To Happen Or How People Will React. God Will Make You Ready For All He Wants To Do Through You As Long As You Seek God.
Do you like our devotions? We reach over 80,000 people a day with our devotions.
HELP US
REACH THE NEXT PERSON WITH THE GRACE AND TRUTH OF THE BIBLE.
Even the smallest donation helps reach people around the world with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible.
E-PRAYER REQUESTS
WE'RE LISTENING
We believe in the power of prayer and the difference that it can make in your life.