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 4:13
Confidence is never isolated; it always has an anchor. When you see someone who is confident, the first thing you want to understand is the source of that confidence. For some, it could come from their material wealth while for others it is the wealth of their experience.
When the disciples were brought before the religious leaders, they were confident. Despite the intimidating presence of these religious authorities, Peter and John display remarkable boldness and courage as they fearlessly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The council wouldn’t have been so surprised if they were dealing with educated men. After all, such people typically draw their confidence from their learning, but the disciples were described as “unschooled, ordinary men.” They lacked the formal education and training that would typically produce such confidence and eloquence. Yet, their speech and demeanour astonished the council, who recognized that these men had been with Jesus.
As believers, we often face circumstances and challenges that can cause fear and anxiety. Whether it’s uncertainty about the future, financial struggles, or personal insecurities, the world presents countless reasons for us to be afraid. However, when we abide in Christ and cultivate a deep relationship with Him, we are infused with a supernatural courage that transcends our circumstances.
Just as Peter and John derived their boldness from their close fellowship with Jesus, we too can experience a spirit-enabled courage when we spend time in His presence through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. As we draw near to Him, He fills us with His peace and strength, enabling us to face any trial or adversity with confidence and assurance.
This courage is not of our own making but is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s work within us. It empowers us to stand firm in the face of opposition, to speak truth with conviction, and to live boldly for the sake of the gospel. When others see us, they should recognize that our courage stems from our intimate relationship with Christ.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of Peter and John, who displayed extraordinary courage because of their close fellowship with Jesus. As I face the challenges and uncertainties of life, fill me with your Holy Spirit and grant me the courage to stand firm in my faith. Help me to abide in your presence daily, that I may be empowered to live boldly for your kingdom and glorify your name in all that I do. Amen.
