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. -- Acts 4:13 (KJV)
The healed man is standing. In a room full of men weighing Peter and John's words, Luke asks us to notice him too. The council can question the apostles' standing. They cannot account for the man beside them by dismissing the men who preached.
Whom They Recognized
The rulers regard Peter and John as "unlearned and ignorant men." That is their assessment of these men, not God's instruction to avoid learning. Nothing here praises a neglected Bible or makes preparation an enemy of faith. The surprise is that men without the standing the council expects speak so boldly before it.
Then the rulers recognize an association: "they had been with Jesus." These are His followers. The council is hearing them speak and remembering whom they followed.
Being with Jesus had included listening, asking, and receiving correction. Peter had needed plenty of it. Now he stands before the council with John, speaking about the Lord whose company the rulers recognize. Following Jesus has brought them into this hearing; they do not conceal the connection to get out of it.
Standing Beside Them
Verse 14 adds, "they could say nothing against it." The healed man stands with the apostles. Luke records no speech from him in these verses. His presence gives the rulers something they must face alongside the preaching.
You may dread a conversation because the other person knows more, holds the position, or can make you feel small. You do not need to imitate someone else's force of personality. Learn the Scriptures, stay near the Lord in prayer, and speak honestly about Him. A measured voice can tell the truth without surrendering it.
Before that conversation, consider one part of your conduct that needs His correction. Will you receive it as readily as you want His help with your words? Someone who knows you may notice how you listen, how you answer, or whether you admit a fault.
Peter and John have a healed man beside them and the name of Jesus to speak. They remain His followers when the room is hostile.
