Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: ‘Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
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.’
Acts 4:8-13
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In Acts 4, Peter and John had just performed a miracle that shocked everyone. Through God’s power, they healed a man crippled from birth—a man who was now standing beside them, whole and restored.
The crowds couldn’t believe what they were seeing. This powerful act of healing and their preaching drew the attention of the religious leaders, who brought Peter and John before them to question how such a thing was possible.
In front of these authorities, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them it was by the name of Jesus Christ that the man was healed. Peter shared the gospel, even when standing before those who had the power to punish him. His courage, along with John’s, was undeniable.
In the midst of this amazing story, one short phrase there stands out that holds incredible potential for us today. The authorities took note that “these men had been with Jesus.”
The religious leaders could tell. There was something about Peter and John—unschooled, ordinary men—that set them apart. And it wasn’t their education, their background, or their social status. It was the fact that they had spent time with Jesus. Their boldness, their confidence, their power, and even their love was special—different from others.
It is true that spending time with Jesus changes us. It was evident in Peter and John, and it can be evident in us, too.
While you may never have to stand before the government to defend your faith or explain a miraculous healing, the time you spend with Jesus will still become noticeable in other ways to those around you.
When you walk closely with Jesus, it affects how you live—always. It may become evident in when you:
Refuse to partake in dishonest gain at work.
Act as a peacemaker during an argument (online or in-person).
Love your neighbor who acts unkindly.
Quietly care for the young single mother down the street.
Volunteer in your community to serve others.
Choose not to embrace the entertainment put out by the world.
All of these are examples of how “being with Jesus” can show up in our day-to-day interactions. While we may never heal a man in front of a crowd, people will still be able to notice something different about us. People will see something different in us—because time with Jesus transforms us.
But remember, the foundation of all this: Peter and John had been with Jesus. If we want others to see the evidence of Jesus in our lives, it must begin with spending time with Him.
So today, focus on being with Jesus. Let Him shape your heart and your actions. And then, go out into the world with confidence, knowing that others will see Him through you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus. Help me to spend more time with Him each day, learning from His example and growing in faith. May the time I spend with Jesus transform my heart and actions so that others may see Him through me. Amen.