November 17

“Uneducated and Untrained Men”

After being arrested, Peter and John found themselves before the Jewish Council. This group included the priests, rulers, elders, and scribes (Acts 4:5-6). Among this group was Annas the high priest and Caiaphas, two who were instrumental in bringing about the death of Jesus; and Gamaliel, a well-respected teacher of the Law (Acts 5:34).

For many, this would have been an intimidating audience to have to address. Yet Peter and John boldly defended the cause of Christ. The members of the Council were surprised at their boldness.

“Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply” (Acts 4:13-14).

However, Peter and John were not “uneducated and untrained” as the Council members supposed. They had been taught by the Master Teacher. They had been trained by the Son of God. But they did not have a “formal” education and training under a mere human teacher.

Many people, like the members of this Council, place a great deal of importance on “formal” education and training — particularly for those who desire to proclaim the gospel. Yet the only education and training that one really needs to be able to preach the gospel is to be “with Jesus.” Obviously, we cannot converse with Jesus directly today as Peter and John were able to do; but we can devote ourselves to the study of His word and be trained that way (2 Timothy 2:15). If we learn the Scriptures, we can teach them with full confidence (Titus 2:15).

It might be possible that a formal education will help one in preparing for the work of preaching the gospel. But there is no substitute for an intimate knowledge of the word of God. Those in the world (and even some in the church) may view some of us as “uneducated and untrained”; but we can still confidently speak the truth, just as Peter and John did before the Council.

Daily Notes & Observations contains 365 articles like the one above – one article per day that will take you through the Bible in a year. Be prepared to start your study on January 1st – order your copy today!