Read

Acts 4:13 “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.”

Think

There’s a moment in every superhero origin story when something shifts. A realization dawns. The person who once blended into the background discovers that something powerful has been awakened inside of them. They still look ordinary on the outside, but suddenly, they’re walking in something bigger.

That’s the scene we walk into in Acts 4. Peter and John—two fishermen turned Jesus-followers—are standing before a council of powerful religious leaders, boldly proclaiming that Jesus is alive. What’s wild is that just a few chapters earlier, Peter was cowering in fear, denying even knowing Jesus. John had gone mostly quiet in the shadows.

And now? They’re unstoppable.

So, what changed?

Not their education. Not their charisma. Not a carefully rehearsed speech.

They had been filled with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2 tells us the Spirit fell like fire and filled the room. Tongues of flame. Rushing wind. But the greater miracle wasn’t just the spectacle—it was the transformation. The timid became tenacious. The afraid became fearless. And people noticed.

Acts 4:13 says the religious leaders were “astonished.” The Greek word here (thaumazo) means shocked, amazed, caught off guard. Why? Because these were “unschooled, ordinary men.” The term used for “ordinary” in the original language is idiotai—where we get our word “idiot.” Not exactly flattering.

But then comes the line that changes everything: “They took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

That was the key. It wasn’t their eloquence. It wasn’t their resume. It was their relationship.

When you spend time with Jesus—really sit in his presence, listen to his words, allow his Spirit to move in you—something changes. You may not even notice it at first. But others will. There’s a courage that grows in the quiet place. A holy fire that flickers to life in the hidden hours of prayer, worship, and Scripture.

That’s how ordinary people become bold witnesses. Not through hype. Not through self-confidence. But through Spirit-confidence.

You may not feel courageous. That’s okay. Boldness isn’t the absence of fear—it’s faith in the middle of it. You may think you’re too young, too old, too shy, too broken, too fill-in-the-blank. But God has a habit of filling ordinary vessels with extraordinary power. You don’t have to be impressive. You just have to be available.

Let that sink in: The same Spirit who filled Peter and John fills you. Not a diluted version. Not a knockoff. The exact same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is alive and active in you (Romans 8:11).

Which means—you already have more boldness than you think. You don’t need to muster it up. You just need to walk in it.

That risky conversation you’ve been avoiding? The neighbor you’ve felt nudged to encourage? The ministry opportunity you feel underqualified for? You were never meant to do it alone.

The Holy Spirit gives you words, wisdom, courage, and clarity—not because you’re perfect, but because Jesus is present.

Go ahead. Step out. You’ve been with Jesus—and that’s more than enough.

Apply

What’s one situation in your life right now that’s asking for courage? Take a moment to sit with God and invite the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh. Write down one bold action you can take today—a conversation, a text, an offer to serve, a moment of truth-telling. Then take the step. Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Boldness grows in the follow-through.

Pray

Jesus, thank you for choosing people like Peter, like John—like me. I don’t always feel courageous. I don’t always feel ready. But you’ve given me your Spirit, and that changes everything. Fill me again today. Make me bold, not because I’m fearless, but because I’m filled. Let others see—not my strength—but that I’ve been with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.