David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 4:13-22

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. ¹⁴ But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. ¹⁵ But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, ¹⁶ saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” ¹⁸ So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, ²⁰ for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” ²¹ And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. ²² For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

I mentioned recently that I’ve been watching a television series about New York City lawyers and all their slick moves, strategic posturing, and legal maneuvers. I’ve noticed some things about these characters. They wear very expensive suits, eat in high dollar restaurants, work in glass-walled offices with elegant fine furniture. They are high powered, high wage earners, and physically attractive. They’re smart and very successful.

This reminds me of what Paul writes to the church in Corinth:

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. ²⁷ Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. ²⁸ God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. ²⁹ As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. – 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 [NLT]

So the observation of the Jewish leaders and high priests that Peter and the others were common, ordinary and uneducated men is right on. And this truth should leap off the page: God has given his incredibly extraordinary mission to common ordinary men and women. God has given his extraordinarily important mission into the hands of common and ordinary men and women.

Don’t get me wrong. This is no excuse to be schlocky in our work or witness. We need not try to prove how inept we are in declaring the truth about Jesus. We must do all we can to be faithful, credible, prepared, and dedicated witnesses to Jesus’ work and word. We are called to give God the firstfruits – not the leftovers of our reason and senses. We must fully apply ourselves to reflecting Jesus’ love, truth, grace, and mercy. But the power is not in our intellect, reasoning ability, or efforts. The power is God’s Holy Spirit working in and through us.

Paul says the result of God’s using ordinary people for his extraordinary purposes is so that we do not boast. It’s also so that people will not rely on just one person, or believe that their favorite pastor, teacher, or mentor is the only one through whom God can work.

What distinguished these men was the impact that Jesus had on them. They had been with Jesus and it showed. Want to be extraordinary? Spend time with Jesus and he will do extraordinary things through you. That’s what he does. The extraordinary mission of God is carried out by ordinary people who have spent time with Jesus.