Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. Acts 4:13–14
What was the source of Peter and John’s confidence, or more accurately boldness. Why would these uneducated and untrained men not be intimidated by these powerful leaders? Was it simply the miraculous healing of the lame beggar, or was there more to it?
First, the miracle certainly would be reason enough, but this act only confirmed their belief that God was the Creator of all things. This is the foundation of faith and the bedrock of our confidence that he can do all things.
“O Lord, it is You who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them.” Acts 4:24
They also understood the pervasiveness of God’s spirit and how his Spirit powerfully communicates through men and does his bidding.
“Who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said…” Acts 4:25
They also saw what was happening to them in the context of the age-old folly of men, the error of attempting to devise schemes against the power of God.
“Why did the Gentiles rage,
And the peoples devise futile things?
The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ. Acts 4:25-26 (Psalm 2)
They knew and believed that he is in control of all things, that he can and will do whatever he wants, but not arbitrarily. He has a purpose and plan.
“For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. Acts 4:27-28
Knowing and believing these things, these lowly fishermen stood confidently before them, and so too can we!
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Roman’s 8:28
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