Acts 4 13

Acts 4:13 kjv

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13 nkjv

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 niv

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.

Acts 4:13 esv

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13 nlt

The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

Acts 4 verses

Acts 4 13 Meaning

Acts 4:13 reveals the Sanhedrin's profound astonishment at Peter and John's extraordinary courage and articulacy. They recognized that these apostles, despite their lack of formal religious education or advanced training, displayed an undeniable authority and boldness. This paradoxical situation led them to the pivotal realization that the apostles' power and changed demeanor stemmed directly from their prior association and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Acts 4 13 Context

Acts 4:13 takes place directly after Peter's Spirit-filled defense before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish ruling council. In the preceding chapter (Acts 3), Peter and John miraculously healed a man lame from birth at the temple gate, an undeniable public miracle. Peter then used this as an opportunity to preach, boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, risen from the dead, and the only source of salvation. This message, especially the emphasis on Jesus' resurrection, angered the Sadducees, who did not believe in a resurrection, and led to Peter and John's arrest (Acts 4:1-7). Now, standing before the very leaders who condemned Jesus, Peter and John speak with extraordinary authority. This verse captures the Sanhedrin's reaction to their fearless and wise testimony, revealing their surprise that these 'common men' could articulate such profound truth and challenge their authority with such resolve. The historical context shows the conflict between the new Christian movement, empowered by the Holy Spirit and Christ's resurrection, and the established Jewish religious elite.

Acts 4 13 Word analysis

• Now (Δὲ - De): A conjunction indicating a transition or a slight pause before presenting the observation or consequence of the preceding actions (Peter's bold speech).
• when they saw (θεωροῦντες - theōrountes): Present participle, meaning "as they were observing" or "while carefully examining." This suggests a thoughtful, attentive perception rather than a mere glance. It implies their astonishment grew as they scrutinized the apostles.
• the boldness (τὴν παρρησίαν - tēn parrēsian): From parrhesia, meaning "freedom of speech," "outspokenness," "courage," or "confidence" in speaking. It implies unreserved and open address, especially to superiors or in challenging circumstances, without fear of reprisal. This boldness was a hallmark of the early disciples.
• of Peter and John: These specific apostles, formerly simple Galilean fishermen, were widely recognized, intensifying the Sanhedrin's bewilderment.
• and perceived (καταλαβόμενοι - katalabomenoi): From katalambano, meaning "to grasp fully," "to understand," "to ascertain." This suggests they didn't just notice their background, but they understood and concluded what their status was regarding formal education.
• that they were uneducated (ὅτι ἀγράμματοί - hoti agrammatoi): Agrammatoi literally means "without letters." It implies they lacked formal rabbinic training, schooling in the Mosaic Law and oral traditions prevalent in the Jewish educational system of the time. They were not scribes or highly trained theologians.
• and untrained (καὶ ἰδιῶται - kai idiōtai): Idiōtai refers to private individuals, laypersons, commoners, or amateurs. It signifies a lack of professional skill, rhetorical expertise, or specialized knowledge typically expected of religious teachers or debaters in their society.
• they marveled (ἐθαύμαζον - ethaumazon): Imperfect tense of thaumazō, indicating continuous or repeated astonishment and wonder. Their surprise was deep and persistent.
• And they recognized (ἐπεγίνωσκον - epeginōskon): From epiginoskō, meaning "to know accurately," "to recognize fully" or "to come to a complete knowledge." This is a stronger form of knowing than simple ginoskō. It denotes a dawning realization or a coming to a conclusive understanding of their past association.
• that they had been with Jesus (ὅτι σὺν τῷ Ἰησοῦ ἦσαν - hoti syn tō Iēsou ēsan): The definitive explanation for their extraordinary behavior. Syn emphasizes close association, companionship, and shared experience. It points to a direct personal relationship and discipleship, not merely casual encounters.

Word-groups Analysis:

• "When they saw the boldness... and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled": This phrase sets up the central paradox. The observation of "boldness" and the perception of "uneducated and untrained" creates cognitive dissonance for the Sanhedrin, leading to their profound "marvel." Their external observation conflicted with their internal expectation based on social hierarchy and traditional education.
• "And they recognized that they had been with Jesus": This is the key, the epiphany. The seemingly inexplicable attributes of Peter and John (boldness, wisdom) were logically explained by their close association with Jesus. This connection suggests a transformation that transcended mere human schooling, implying a divine source of their abilities directly linked to Christ's influence.

Acts 4 13 Bonus section

• The Sanhedrin's recognition that Peter and John "had been with Jesus" is a significant moment of unwitting testimony to Christ's impact. Their grudging acknowledgement underscores the palpable change wrought in the apostles by their discipleship.
• This verse stands as an indirect polemic against the intellectual and religious elitism prevalent in society then and now. It asserts that divine truth and power are not exclusive to those with advanced degrees or esteemed titles but are accessible through a transformative relationship with the Son of God.
• The courage shown by Peter and John despite facing potential severe punishment reflects Jesus' promise to His disciples that the Holy Spirit would provide them with what to say in times of persecution (Lk 12:11-12; Matt 10:19-20).

Acts 4 13 Commentary

Acts 4:13 serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The Sanhedrin, representatives of the religious and intellectual elite of their day, found themselves utterly bewildered by the compelling confidence and wisdom exhibited by Peter and John. These apostles were, in their view, mere 'common men'—lacking formal rabbinic training, unversed in the intricate interpretations of the Law that defined scholarly discourse. Their education came not from renowned human teachers but from walking, living, and being personally discipled by Jesus.

The Sanhedrin's astonishment highlights their underlying presumption: that authority and eloquence necessarily stemmed from formal education, social standing, or oratorical skill. Yet, here stood two fishermen speaking with a divine authority that cut through their legalistic traditions. Their "boldness" (parrhesia), often associated with prophetic proclamation and freedom in speaking truth, defied the societal norms that expected deference from commoners to religious superiors.

The realization that "they had been with Jesus" became the critical interpretative key. It wasn't formal training, but the living presence of Christ in their lives that fundamentally altered them. Their time with Jesus had instilled in them a unique understanding, an unwavering conviction, and an unparalleled source of power—the very Spirit of God who empowered Christ Himself. This demonstrates a core biblical truth: true spiritual power and wisdom originate from intimacy with God through Jesus, often manifest most clearly through humble instruments, serving as a profound challenge to human pride and worldly systems of value. It emphasizes that divine enabling surpasses all human qualification.