Unstoppable! 'They'd Been with Jesus' — Acts 4:13

Friday, February 28, 2025

The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.
— Acts 4:13 NLT

Key Thought

Whoa! Peter and John's critics and opponents on the Jewish ruling council were impressed with the forthright clarity with which they spoke. While the council members didn't like the apostles' message and knew that these disciples were not highly educated, they also noticed their open and bold proclamation of Jesus. These opponents of the apostles knew that these ordinary Jewish men from Galilee were little more than unlearned fishermen. Where did these commoners get the boldness, wisdom, passion, and clarity with which they spoke? Ah, they had been with Jesus! Jesus was their passion, and Jesus was their certainty. Which leads me to ask: When people are around me, can they tell I have been with Jesus?

Today's Prayer

O Father, help me see, know, and listen to Jesus more in my daily life. I ask for the Spirit to help me in this commitment and quest. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:2-11
  • Galatians 4:19; Colossians 1:28-29

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 4:13 NLT — The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

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About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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