4. Too Uneducated, They Recognized That They Had Been With Jesus
Who Are We Preventing Leading – Series
Acts 4:13
Peter and John did not have the credentials the religious leaders respected.
They had not studied in the recognized schools. They did not possess impressive titles or formal theological degrees. To the religious establishment, they were simply “uneducated and ignorant men.”
But they could not be dismissed.
Peter and John stood before powerful leaders and spoke about Jesus with extraordinary courage. Their understanding, conviction, and boldness demanded an explanation.
Then the leaders recognized the difference:
“They recognized that they had been with Jesus.”, Acts 4:13 WEB
Their greatest qualification was not where they had studied, but whom they had followed.
They had listened to Jesus.
They had watched Jesus.
They had obeyed Jesus.
They had been corrected by Jesus, restored by Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Education is valuable. Training can sharpen our understanding and prepare us to serve well. But education must never become a barrier that prevents faithful believers from participating in the mission of Jesus.
The early church did not spread primarily through professional religious leaders. It multiplied through ordinary believers who knew Jesus, obeyed His commands, and shared what they had received with others.
If we require everyone to obtain advanced theological credentials before they can make disciples, lead a Discovery Bible Study, share their testimony, or train someone else to obey Jesus, we may unintentionally stop the very multiplication Jesus intended.
A new believer does not need to know everything before sharing what Jesus has done.
They simply need to know enough to obey, and enough to help someone else obey.
The question is not only:
“Where were you educated?”
The more important questions are:
“Have you been with Jesus?”
“Are you obeying what He taught you?”
“Are you helping others follow Him?”
The Great Commission will not be completed by educated leaders alone. It will require millions of ordinary believers who are convinced that Jesus can use them.
Do not mistake a lack of credentials for a lack of calling.
Do not silence someone whom Jesus is teaching to speak.
Do not require academic qualifications where Jesus is looking for faithful obedience.
The world does not merely need more people who know information about Jesus.
It needs ordinary disciples whose courage, obedience, and lives make it unmistakable that they have been with Him.
—
**Watch on YouTube:** https://www.youtube.com/@FinishTheGreatCommission2033
**Join Zúme with Terry:** https://zume.training/join-a-training
**Training page:** https://internationalafricanmobilization.com/training/terrys-zume-teaching-series/
**Next Steps:** https://airtable.com/appUh4Y3McdFcQ8Xg/pagCyMWEWZbPNlyH5/form
**Daily email list:** https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/1aaf77c8f5174f7c9a077873c1da0bc8/join
**LinkedIn newsletter:** https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7469016169262305280