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BOLDNESS OBSERVED BY COUNCIL

Act 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.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned
and ignorant men, they marveled (wondered); and they took knowledge of (remembered)
them, that they had been with Jesus.

Boldness is a manifestation of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Peter and John are not intimidated
or fearful of being before these leaders. The Council discerned Peter and John had no formal
education, yet were speaking things which could only come by revelation. By remembering
Peter and John had been with Jesus in His earthly ministry, they begin to comprehend that the
same miracle working power and anointing that had been on Jesus was now on his followers.
The Council were the very ones who put Jesus on the cross, and now they were being
confronted by a multitude of “little Jesuses” -- Christians.
Act 4:14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing
against it.

It is difficult to argue with a miracle, especially when the miracle is widely known and standing
before the accusers. Peter, who was speechless at the crucifixion, even denying the Lord, now
render these men speechless.
THE COUNCIL CONFERS

Act 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred
among themselves,

The Council weighed the evidence in secret.

Act 4:16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been
done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

Religion is contradictory. It does not care about people, yet it appeases them. The real desire
of the council is to get rid of Peter and John, but they fear the reaction of the multitudes. The
religious leaders recognize it is the people who provide money and power to them, but they
care nothing about the people. They do not want to offend the people, yet they realize their
religious empire is at stake.

THE COUNCIL’S COMMAND

Act 4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they
speak henceforth to no man in this name.