Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled… I. BY WHAT MARKS MEN SHOULD TAKE KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHRISTIAN THAT HE HAS BEEN WITH JESUS. 1. By the exclusive dependence with which he regards Him as his Saviour. 2. By the simplicity with which he acknowledges Him as a Teacher. 3. By the fidelity with which he follows Him as his Example. II. TO WHAT END this manifestation is demanded of him. 1. It were a motive of irresistible urgency (if no other existed), to one who knows his obligations to redeeming goodness, that He who bought him from the condemnation of endless death, is hereby honoured in the estimation of men. 2. To this powerful impulse I would add the animating consideration, that the conduct resulting from a spiritual and saving communion with Jesus Christ by faith, may be advantageous to others; and induce them to glorify God in the day of their visitation.Lessons: 1. Remember, ye who profess to seek Jesus, that as the Jews took knowledge of the apostles that they had been with Him, so the world is taking knowledge of you. 2. If any here, like the chief priests and Sadducees, are taking knowledge of those who have been with Jesus, to blame the good part they have chosen — to cavil at the principles they profess, the joys they feel, the self-denial they practice, or the faith in which they delight — Let such ungenerous observers bear in mind Who hath said, "Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in Me." (R. P. Buddicom, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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