Bible Strands
Acts 4:13
When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Sanhedrin council observes Peter and John during a formal inquiry, noting their unscripted defiance immediately after a public healing.
The words — παρρησίαν (parrēsian) denotes unreserved boldness or open speech. Θεωροῦντες (Theōrountes) describes the council’s active observation of this courage.
The thread — This pattern of divine empowerment overriding human unqualification runs through John 7:15 and 1 Cor 1:27, where unexpected strength and wisdom appear through the untrained and socially low.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that authority and boldness originate from association with Jesus, not from formal education or social status.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
- John 7:15 The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man attain such learning without having studied?”
- Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
- Acts 2:7 Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
- Matthew 26:73 After a little while, those standing nearby came up to Peter. “Surely you are one of them,” they said, “for your accent gives you away.”
- Matthew 4:18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
- Matthew 26:71 When Peter had gone out to the gateway, another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
- John 7:49 But this crowd that does not know the law—they are under a curse.”
- John 18:16 But Peter stood outside at the door. Then the disciple who was known to the high priest went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in.
- Matthew 26:57 Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders had gathered.