Have you been with Jesus?

I love this passage in Acts, commonly referred to as the first persecution. Peter and John are preaching the gospel. The Holy Spirit is moving and doing a mighty work. Miracles are being done before the people; including the Sanhedrin, a council of political/religious members.

Peter and John were brought before them in a trail, and they murmured with each other asking what they could do to shut up these two Apostles. I think its great that they could not bring accusations, they could not deny the power of God and the miracles that were taking place. People were being saved!

I am convinced that the verse below answers the question WHY.

Acts 4:13 “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.”

Even though Peter and John were a threat to the religious and political leaders; they took knowledge of ONE THING, THEY HAD BEEN WITH JESUS!

Peter and John were released, and went back to the multitudes and we see in verse 31 “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

If we desire to see revival in our hearts, in our churches, and in our country; this is where it starts! When others look at your life, do they take knowledge that YOU have been with Jesus? Do we PRAY with fervency? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit of God to work with liberty in our lives? And are we effectively preaching and proclaiming the Word of God with BOLDNESS?

HAVE YOU BEEN WITH JESUS?!

Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24