Fan the Flame - A Journey Through ActsSample

Day 8 - Peter & John Before the Sanhedrin

Have you ever met someone who is a jack of all trades? Frustrating people aren’t they! They seem to be able to do anything that they attempt to do and do it well – or at least to an acceptable standard. I used to play a lot of volleyball, training multiple times a week for many years, and the most frustrating thing was seeing someone who had never played before come onto the court and just do it well!

Peter and John were certainly two ordinary and unschooled men – maybe similar to our jack of all trades friends we love to despise. Yet despite this, they were seeing thousands of salvations, multiple healings, and were boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus in the face of persecution and threats. How could this be?

The authorities were astonished because these men, Peter and John, were “unschooled, ordinary men” (Acts 4:13). Despite their lack of formal education or rabbinic training, they spoke with such boldness and authority that the council could not deny the power behind their words and actions. The difference wasn’t their background or status—it was that they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

The transformation in Peter and John is remarkable. Earlier, Peter had denied Jesus three times out of fear. But now, filled with the Holy Spirit, he boldly proclaims Christ’s resurrection even before the very people who could imprison or execute him. It wasn’t their natural ability that empowered Peter and John; it was the Holy Spirit working through them.

God does not require us to be exceptional by the world’s standards to do extraordinary things. God often uses ordinary people to demonstrate His power. Peter and John’s boldness was not born from self-confidence, but from the assurance that they were standing on the truth of the gospel and filled with the Spirit of the living God, so much so that they could not help but share the good news.

Like Peter and John, we might feel unschooled, ordinary, or inadequate for the tasks God calls us to. Whether it’s sharing our faith, leading a group, chatting to a mate who asks difficult questions, or standing up for truth in our workplaces, we can easily fall into the trap of thinking we aren’t "qualified." Yet, God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The same Spirit who empowered Peter and John is available to us. When we rely on Him, He equips us to do things we never thought possible. Whether you’re in the workplace, the home, or facing a challenging conversation, the Holy Spirit gives you boldness and wisdom beyond your capabilities. Trust that God will work through you, not because of your abilities, but because of His Spirit in you.

Let’s pray: Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Help us to remember that it’s not by our might or power, but by Your Spirit that we can boldly proclaim Your truth. Give us the courage to step out in faith, even when we feel inadequate or fearful. Fill us with Your Spirit afresh today, and use our ordinary lives for Your extraordinary purposes.

Written by Ashley Hicks