They Had Been With Jesus

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.  

Acts 4:13 

Communion with Christ changes us. As the Jewish religious leaders observed Peter and John they realized that they were not theologically trained academics. They were ‘uneducated and untrained,’ as our text puts it. What was also apparent was that they had healed a lame man who had never walked in his life. Also, they were using the attention raised by that healing to preach Christ. Their preaching of Christ was bold and convicting. Thousands were turning to Christ as the promised Messiah. This was intolerable to those in power. How could they deal successfully with these upstart preachers? It became apparent to the leaders that these men had been with Jesus and heavily influenced by Him. These leaders had been the prime movers behind His execution. A popular movement which promoted Him would jeopardize their authority and control. For Peter and John’s part, they were carrying out the Great Commission Christ had given them. They were eyewitnesses of His words and works. They had seen Him alive from the dead. They had a mission in life. Christ had equipped them for that mission and He was their message. That has not changed in the intervening years. Christ is still enabling His people to make much of Him. He is still the message. Communion with Him changes us to become His emissaries.   

Our Holy and Wise God, 
we rejoice that You know best what will advance Your plan. 
We praise You that in every age 
You do what is necessary to make Christ known. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning