Acts 4

Peter and John had been preaching and teaching about Jesus and the resurrection, and had healed a cripple. The Jewish leaders wanted to know under what authority or name they were doing this. After Peter and John were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and surprised the group with his answer. They were surprised because Peter and John weren’t educated but recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4: 13 - Now when these men saw how boldly Peter and John spoke, and perceived that they were uneducated and [even] ignorant men, they were quite surprised; then they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Having been with Jesus for 3 years, Peter and John reflected His character. They might not have gone to the official Rabbi school, but they had been living with and learning from the greatest Rabbi of all. When it seemed Peter’s back was against the wall, he was filled with the Holy Spirit to answer the Sanhedrin with confidence and boldness. When we live and learn Jesus, we will reflect His character too. And others will recognize that we have been with Him. And when we are called to give an answer for our faith, we can call upon the Holy Spirit to speak boldly. 

- Eileen Guthrie