After the persecution of the first church, Peter boldly declared the gospel to his persecutors. Their godly boldness and unapologetic declaration that salvation is in Christ alone, facing, perhaps, their own demise had an effect on the enemies of the cross. They knew that Peter and John had been with Jesus.
Some think that the recognized them traveling with Jesus, which it could have been, but I don't think these proud self righteous men would have paid much attention to the disciples, especially after calling them unlearned and ignorant men. I am of the opinion that their characteristics made it evident they had been with Jesus.
What are some of the marks of Peter and John's actions that made it evident that they had been with Jesus? What was is that they were doing that reminded the enemies of Christ, of Christ?
1. Evidence, the effectual power of their preaching.
2. Conviction.
3. Boldness.
4. Doctrinal truth, though they were 'ignorant and unlearned' their doctrine was flawless. They knew they had been with Jesus by the soundness of their doctrine.
5. They were filled with the Holy Spirit.
6. Their spiritual power.
7. Liberty. cf. Ephesians 6:18-20
8. Fear of God.
9. No fear of Man.
I am still praying about this, and working on this list (add to the list if you wish) and I pray God will help me to live a life where people can say of me "He has been with Jesus."
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