"When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realised that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognised that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:5-22 CSB
What a wonderful testimony that the people could see that Peter and John had been with Jesus. May that be our goal, all the time.
For a moment, let us look back to where this had all started. The Holy Spirit had come upon them all with tongues of fire, at Pentecost (Acts 2). Then Peter the rock, full of the power of God had preached to the crowd and around 3000 people were converted to Jesus. Then in Acts 3, we see Peter and John going up to the temple for the hour of prayer. As they did, they passed a lame man begging for money. Peter told him they had no funds but what they did have was the power of Jesus. The man was healed and the crowd were stirred up. Around a further 2000 were saved that morning and, the leaders of the temple became agitated.
Following Peter and John's arrest, they appeared in court but, despite the warning of the leaders, Peter would not back down and even gave them the gospel. This made a great impact on the leaders and they are impressed because they were uneducated and untrained men and yet it was obvious that they had been with Jesus. The proof was there.
It is important to have a grounding in the Word of God but, that doesn't mean that everyone who is called should attend bible college. It is great to do this if, God is indicating that one should do so. However, it must be said, there are many thriving church ministries throughout the world which men and women have started without this formal training. There are many routes to studying for ministry and this includes, distant learning and personal bible study. God will show what he wants an individual to do.
Peter and John were threatened. They were strictly warned not to speak or teach about Jesus. Peter told them straight, 'Whether it's right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide, 20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard' v19-20.
If God has called you, go for it and never allow anyone to stop you from doing God's work or speaking about Him. We saw yesterday, that we are all susceptible to persecution and it will only get worse as time goes on. Look around at what is happening today; the world needs Jesus. In your part of our world, you have the ability to share His Word and love. Don't let people stop you. Let them see Jesus!
Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.
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