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
REFERENCE
Acts 4:5-14
If a copy will mimic an original in content and outlook, then, there should be a striking resemblance between a Christian and Jesus.
Peter and John did not need to announce their credentials or titles to anybody. The facts spoke for themselves that they were transformed men. They lived life on a plane beyond the ordinary – beyond their training or learning; and without any prompting from them; the Jewish elders could see that they were just like Jesus. They therefore concluded that, “THEY HAD BEEN WITH JESUS!”
In his letter to the Galatians Paul gave this account, “But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God in me” (Galatians 1:23-24). Paul here was talking about the believers in Judea who had not seen him but had heard about his faith and his deeds. There was such a night and day difference between Saul and Paul; his conversion was so evident that these believers gave thanks to God on his behalf. And several others would have been strengthened in faith because of the changes that took place in his life.
What do people who knew you before now hear about you? Is there a difference between the unsaved you and the saved you? Whatever you do as a believer should portray Christ because God called you to share the likeness of his son – to be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29). Therefore, your attitude, speech, deeds, should be patterned after Him; the more submitted you are to Him, the more like Him you become. Furthermore, you should be bold in the authority you have in Christ, just like Peter and John; so, it will be evident to all that just as Christ is, so are you in this world.
I pray that Jesus be seen in you; that every power or opposition that withstands you will see that you are not ordinary, but are capable of doing extraordinary things.
SCRIPTURE PHOTO
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Acts 11:19-26, I John 4:17, & II Peter 3:8
CONFESSION
I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. Therefore, my behavior, my speech, and my deeds are evidence of this newness. Everywhere and every day, Jesus is seen in me as I do extraordinary things through Him, in Jesus name, Amen
