Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 4:13. It's a really important part of understanding how the early church started to understand and appreciate those who were following Jesus. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, they recognized that Peter and John weren’t very smart or knowledgeable. Let’s unpack that a little: “Now when…” : This sets up a scene – it's happening at this point in the story. “…they saw the boldness of Peter and John…” : "Boldness" means being courageous, confident, and not afraid to speak out. Peter and John were speaking and teaching about Jesus, which was a big deal at the time. “…and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men…” : This is the key part. They realized that these two people weren't deeply familiar with the teachings of Jesus or the Bible. They didn’t have a strong grasp of religious concepts. So, what's the takeaway? The verse acknowledges that these individuals were not experts in Christianity. It’s a gentle way of saying they weren't fully understanding or familiar with the core beliefs and teachings of Jesus. Why is this important? This observation is significant because it shows that early believers understood that their faith wasn’t just about blind obedience, but also about a desire to understand what God was teaching. It’s a reminder that genuine faith often involves learning and growing in our beliefs. Does that make sense? Do you want me to explain anything further, or would you like me to give you an example of how this kind of observation is used in the Bible?