‘Uneducated and Untrained’

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13

God uses humble tools to accomplish great things.  As Peter and John preached and did miracles in the days following Pentecost, they attracted the attention of the religious establishment.  Because they were doing such wondrous works, and having such an effect upon the common folk, the leaders began to consider them carefully.  Hence, our text declares that they, ‘perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men.’  They were tradesmen, used to hard manual labor and outdoor living.  This would have been a stark contrast to the religious leaders who were the academics of the rabbinical schools, or the priests, who were all about religion as a business.  While God chooses to use whom He wills to accomplish His purposes, lack of education does not hinder Him.  Both Moses and Paul were well-educated men, and God used them to advance the cause of Christ.  Peter and John were ‘uneducated and untrained men,’ and God used them to advance the cause of Christ, as well.  It was ‘that they had been with Jesus’ that made them useful.  This is very encouraging for us if we feel that we may never be of much use to advance the kingdom of Christ.  As we spend time with Him, contemplate Him and sit at His feet to learn of Him, He works in us according to His Own good pleasure to mold us into what will be the most useful tool for Him to use to glorify Him.

Our most Gracious Savior,
we rejoice that You have made us who and what we are
in order that You may use us
to glorify You in the advancement of Your Kingdom.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning