They had been with Jesus
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. ~ Acts 4:13
This passage is one of the most encouraging in all of Scripture, especially for anyone who has ever felt unqualified, overlooked, or underprepared to contribute to God’s plans and kingdom progress. Maybe you haven’t had the opportunity for a college education, formal ministry training, or a Bible school degree, and because of that, you’ve questioned whether God truly has a significant role in this life for you. If so, don’t be discouraged because you’re in great company.
In today’s scripture passage, Peter and John, bold and confident in front of religious leaders, were not speaking from years of scholarly training or polished credentials. Instead, what stood out about them and what astonished the people, was that it was obvious they had been with Jesus.
That’s the real qualification and the only thing you need to be a leader in His mission and purpose.
The reason this passage inspires me so deeply is because I, too, haven’t had much formal training beyond high school, aside from courses required for certain jobs. I never went to Bible college or earned a degree in theology. Most of what I’ve learned and now write has come through spending time in God’s presence by reading His Word, listening for His voice in my heart, and letting the Holy Spirit shape me day by day.
It’s in those quiet moments with Jesus that I receive the encouragement, wisdom, and revelation I need. That’s what fuels my writing. That’s what strengthens me to lead others. My hope and prayer is that, just like Peter and John, people would look at my life and recognize: she’s been with Jesus.
There are still moments I feel unqualified for the things God has called me to. But I’ve learned not to focus on what I think I lack, like education, credentials, experience. Instead, I determine to keep my focus on Who I belong to. Every day, I choose to walk the path with the assignments He places in front of me.
What about you? Have you ever disqualified yourself from being a vessel of God because you didn’t feel smart enough, trained enough, or confident enough? If so, be encouraged: what qualifies you isn’t your résumé, it’s your relationship with Jesus.
You don’t have to be a scholar to share the hope of the Gospel. You don’t need to have all the answers to start making an impact. What you do need is time with Him. Spend time in His Word. Talk with Him in prayer. Let His truth shape your thinking and His love transform your heart.
When you follow close to the plan, you will need to be aware that the enemy will always try to steal your joy and contentment. He’ll whisper lies that you’re not good enough or ready enough. He’ll point to your past or your lack of credentials and try to disqualify you before you even begin. But don’t let him. Combat those lies with the truth of Scripture. Remember what happened with Peter and John, who were untrained and unqualified in the world’s eyes, but empowered and unstoppable in God’s.
Here are some things you can do to get started:
- Make time daily for Jesus. Read a chapter of Scripture. Talk to Him like a friend. Ask Him to teach and lead you.
- Write down what you hear or learn. Keep a journal of your conversations with God.
- Say yes to small assignments. Be faithful with what He places in your hands today, and He will open more doors tomorrow.
- Surround yourself with encouragement. Listen to Bible-based podcasts or teachings that fuel your faith.
- Speak truth over yourself. Remind yourself: I have been with Jesus. I am equipped. I am called.
Today, be encouraged: you don’t have to “arrive” before God can use you. Just keep showing up in His presence, and watch how He fills your life with boldness, clarity, and purpose.
Before long, others will look at you, not because of your degrees or achievements, but because of your love, your peace, and your strength. That’s when they’ll say the same thing: “They’ve been with Jesus.”
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 4:13-22
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.
17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.
22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
The Daily Dose 