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)

The apostles, Peter and John, were put in custody because they had filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ. The number of disciples grew rapidly during the early days of the church. (Acts 5:4). Thus, the rulers of Judaism questioned the apostles: “By what power or by what name have you done this?” (Acts 4:7) The answer of Peter and John rang loud and clear: “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead.” (Acts 4:10)

The courage and resolve of Peter and John gets the attention of the enemy. There was something very different about these two. It was not their remarkable intellect that got their attention. It was the boldness of the apostles that was worthy of note. It was Peter and John standing fearless before the Sanhedrin. There was nothing apologetic about their demeanor. They stood fast as those courageously speaking for God.

Their witness for Christ demonstrates a great change had taken place in their lives. Fishermen, Jews, once filled with fear, now boldly and eloquently proclaiming a doctrine the enemy hates. They were passionately devoted to proclaiming the kingdom of God that men might be saved from sin. Even the enemy was impressed with their character. If we are attaining to heights in our spiritual growth, our daily behavior will manifest the spirit of Christ.

Their witness testified of the new and guiding principle in their lives. This is the principle of love- love for God and love for lost souls. Peters words ring loud and clear: “We ought to obey God rather than men”. (Acts 5:29) Their passion for souls is recorded in Acts 5:42: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:42)

We should always keep in mind that we are being watched, some times by friends, and some times by the enemy. Others will “take note” of us. If we easily fit into the world, something is wrong with our conduct. Let us be faithful at our post; speaking boldly for him. Let others observe and say: “they have been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13) by George Slover