They [the rulers, elders and teachers of the law] had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people…know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” 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 4:6–10, 13, NIV 1984).
My Musings – “Unschooled, ordinary men” astonishing learned “rulers, elders and teachers of the law.” They must be questioned.
- By whose power? – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” (Acts 1:8, NIV 1984).
- In whose name? – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go…I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:18, NIV 1984).
- With whose courage? – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NIV 1984).
- Under whose influence? – “These men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13, NIV 1984).
My Advice – Lets go forth courageously by His power, in His name and under His influence. Those who would stand against us will be astonished. Because God uses the ordinary to do the extraordinary. He uses the unschooled to confound the learned.