But I’m Not Smart Enough - No Empty Word

“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13, NLT)

“I want to write a Bible study someday.” I don’t exactly remember how old I was when I dared to let those words leave my lips. I think I was in college at the time. But I do remember who I told. I also remember her response. It was a woman I had looked up to. She had been to seminary, written books, and taught the Bible. I remember thinking she would be excited about my dream. Instead, she looked at me and said, “Who would listen to you?”

I was stunned. Crushed. Defeated. I told myself she was right. Who am I? I didn’t have a seminary degree. I just assumed I wasn’t smart enough to read my Bible. I thought I needed someone else to explain it to me: a pastor, a Bible study author, a seminary professor or graduate. It took years for me to finally realize I was wrong.

During the first century in Israel, Jewish boys all received a certain level of training and teaching of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). Only a privileged few were eligible and singled out to study deeper with a rabbi. Those who weren’t selected returned home and learned a trade, like carpentry or fishing.

In Matthew 4, Jesus calls some of His first disciples, including Peter and John. These young men were fishermen. They probably knew the law but weren’t the ones chosen by the rabbi. Little did they know at the time that they had been chosen by the Rabbi.

They spent three years walking with Jesus, witnessing His miracles, listening to His teachings. Peter and John were considered to be among Jesus’ closest disciples. After His resurrection, in Acts 1:8, Jesus said to them, “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And they were.

In Acts 3–4, Peter and John heal a beggar who had been lame since birth, and all the people are “filled with wonder and amazement” and were “utterly astounded” (Acts 3:10-11). A crowd gathered wanting to learn more. The Bible says the priests and religious leaders were “greatly annoyed” (Acts 4:2) and had them arrested. The next day, Peter and John were put on trial and asked, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” (Acts 4:7). Peter responded as you read in today’s Scripture.

Wow. These religious leaders were the most educated men in all of Israel. And Peter calls them out! But it’s what happened next that is most shocking to me.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13, ESV)

The priests realized that these were uneducated, common men. The Greek word for uneducated literally means “unlettered.” They were charged with being “illiterate” and “unacquainted with Rabbinic teachings.” The Greek word for common is idiótés. It’s where we get the word idiot. It means “an amateur, an unprofessional man, a layman; an ungifted person.” They hadn’t had further schooling. They didn’t know the law like the religious leaders did. They weren’t especially gifted. So, what made them so special?

They had been with Jesus.

The Greek word “with” is the most intense form of the word and “expresses association with” and carries the idea of being “identified with, joined close together in tight identification.” Peter and John hadn’t just been around Jesus. They had been with Jesus. It is our time with Jesus that qualifies us.

Take It a Step Further:

In John 14–16, as Jesus shares the Last Supper with the disciples, He tells them that a Helper, the Holy Spirit, is coming. Throughout those three chapters, Jesus tells the disciples how this will be for their benefit. The Holy Spirit will teach them, guide them, convict them, and more. I encourage you to read those passages and make a list of all the ways the Holy Spirit helps us. It is because of the Holy Spirit in us that we can read Scripture and understand it.

So, are you smart enough? No, you aren’t. But in spending time with Jesus and relying on the Holy Spirit, you can read and understand the Bible. I’m living proof.

Prayer:

God, as I read Scripture today, would you teach me about who You are. Give me understanding and help me remember all You have taught.