13 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.
The one thing that set Peter and John apart from the multitude of unschooled and untrained people was that they had been with Jesus. They had nothing special in themselves. They had no talent or ability that set them apart. They didn’t have a degree that would give them status in society. They didn’t come from the right family line. They had not been posted to the right diplomatic position. The media had not chosen them as their darling. They had no group of spin doctors working on their behalf. They threw no elaborate parties for the selected elite of the town. They had nothing in the normal sense of the word that would give them standing in their world. And yet, here they stood before the most influential group of men in their culture. They had been thrown in jail the night before for healing a man born with crippled feet. What a crime! The authorities didn’t know what to do. If this continued to happen, they would lose all their power. The very things they were teaching was at stake. Everything they had worked for and believed in could crumble. I can understand why they were so worried. It sounds like the political parties of today, doesn’t it! They really don’t care about us; they just want to stay in power. And they will do just about anything to accomplish that task. The promises get made. The winners promised that there would be no new taxes on the middle class, but of course the losers said the winners would raise taxes. But of course the losers don’t get a voice. And of course they were right. Taxes are going to be raised! They will do anything to retain and increase their power. Peter and John had no power. All they had was the fact that they had spent time with Jesus. And the rulers know that. The one thing that sets them apart is their connection to Jesus. And that puzzles the rulers. They killed him a few weeks ago. How could knowing Jesus make this much difference in these men’s lives? How could knowing Jesus make so much difference in our lives? It can! Get to know Him more today. Spend some time in the Word and listening to His voice. Call out and don’t be surprised when you hear Him answer.