Acts 4:13
Verse
Context
The Name Forbidden
12Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”13When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus.14And seeing the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in response.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The boldness of Peter and John - Την παρῥησιαν, The freedom and fluency with which they spoke; for they spoke now from the immediate influence of the Holy Ghost, and their word was with power. That they were unlearned and ignorant men - Αγραμματοι, Persons without literature, not brought up in nor given to literary pursuits - and ignorant, ιδιωται, persons in private life, brought up in its occupations alone. It does not mean ignorance in the common acceptation of the term; and our translation is very improper. In no sense of the word could any of the apostles be called ignorant men; for though their spiritual knowledge came all from heaven, yet in all other matters they seem to have been men of good, sound, strong, common sense. They took knowledge of them - Επεγινωσκον may imply that they got information, that they had been disciples of Christ, and probably they might have seen them in our Lord's company; for there can be little doubt that they had often seen our Lord teaching the multitudes, and these disciples attending him. That they had been with Jesus - Had they not had his teaching, the present company would soon have confounded them; but they spoke with so much power and authority that the whole sanhedrin was confounded. He who is taught in spiritual matters by Christ Jesus has a better gift than the tongue of the learned. He who is taught in the school of Christ will ever speak to the point, and intelligibly too; though his words may not have that polish with which they who prefer sound to sense are often carried away.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men--that is, uninstructed in the learning of the Jewish schools, and of the common sort; men in private life, untrained to teaching. took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus--recognized them as having been in His company; remembering possibly, that they had seen them with Him [MEYER, BLOOMFIELD, ALFORD]; but, more probably, perceiving in their whole bearing what identified them with Jesus: that is, "We thought we had got rid of Him; but lo! He reappears in these men, and all that troubled us in the Nazarene Himself has yet to be put down in these His disciples." What a testimony to these primitive witnesses! Would that the same could be said of their successors!
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John,.... With what courage and intrepidity they stood before them, the presence of mind they had, and the freedom of speech they used, as the word properly signifies: they observed their elocution, the justness of their diction, the propriety of their language, and the strength and nervousness of their reasoning; as well as their great resolution, constancy, and firmness of mind; not being afraid to profess the name of Christ, or to charge them with the murder of him; and that they seemed to be determined to abide by him, at all events; to assert him to be the true Messiah, though rejected by the Jewish builders; and that he was risen from the dead; and not only to ascribe unto him the miracle now wrought, but the salvation of men; and to declare, that there was none in any other but him: the Syriac version renders it, "when they heard the word of Simeon and John, which they spoke openly": and freely, without any reserve: they answered readily to the question, that it was by the name of Jesus of Nazareth that they had done this miracle; they dealt freely with the Jewish sanhedrim, and told them in so many words, that they were the crucifiers of Christ, and the rejecters of that stone, which God had made the head of the corner, and that there was no salvation for them in any other: it appears from hence, that John spoke as well as Peter, though his words are not recorded: and perceived that they were unlearned ignorant men; not by what they now said, but by what they heard and understood of them before: they were informed that they were "unlearned" men, or who did not understand letters; not but that they had learned their mother tongue, and could read the Scriptures; but they had not had a liberal education; they had not been brought up at the feet of any of the doctors, in any of the schools and universities of the Jews; they were not trained up in, and conversant with, the nice distinctions, subtle argumentations, and decisions of the learned doctors, in the interpretation of the law of Moses, and the traditions of the elders: and understood that they were also "ignorant" men, "idiots", or private men; for men might be unlearned, and yet not be such; it seems the high priests themselves were sometimes unlearned men: hence, on the day of atonement, "they used to read before him, in the order of the day, and say to him, Lord high priest, read thou with thine own mouth; perhaps thou hast forgot, or it may be, , "thou hast not learned" (c).'' The Jews have adopted the word here used into their language; and express by it, sometimes a man that is mean, abject, and contemptible: thus instead of "children of base men", or "without a name", the Targumist on Job 30:8 reads, , "the children of idiots", or "private men": and in the Targum on Sa1 18:23 it is used for one lightly esteemed, and comparable to a flea: it sometimes designs persons in a private life, though men of learning and knowledge, in distinction from those that are in office; so we read (d), that "three kings, and four "private" persons, have no part in the world to come; the three kings are Jeroboam, Ahab, and Manasseh; the four "idiots", or private men, are Balaam, Doeg, Ahithophel, and Gehazi.'' And so a bench of idiots, or private men, is distinguished from a bench of authorized and approved judges (e); and sometimes the word is used of such, as are distinguished from doctors, or wise men; so when it is said (f), "the command of plucking off the shoe, is done before three judges, and though the three are "idiots";'' the note of Maimonides upon it is, "not wise men, but that know how to read the language,'' the Hebrew language: and such were the disciples, in every sense of the word; they were mean and abject, poor fishermen, men of no name and figure, that were in no office, and exalted station of life, nor versed in Jewish learning, but common private men: so that they marvelled; the sanheddrim were astonished to hear them talk with so much fluency and pertinence: and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus; looking wistly upon them, they knew them again, and remembered that; they were persons that were the disciples of Jesus, and whom they had seen in company with him; not in the high priest's palace, when Jesus was arraigned, examined, and condemned there; though Peter, and some think John was there at that time, yet not to be observed and taken notice of by the sanhedrim; but in the temple where Jesus taught, and where the chief priests, Scribes, and elders came, and disputed with him about his authority, and cavilled at him, Mat 21:15. (c) Misn. Yoma, c. 1. sect. 3. (d) Misn. Sanhedrin, c. 11. sect. 2. (e) T. Bab. Bava Metzia, fol. 32. 11. (f) Misn. Yebamot, c. 12. sect. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:13 ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures: That is, they were not scholars or ordained teachers—they were working men without higher education. The educated members of the Jewish high council were treated as authorities on the Scriptures and matters of religion, so it amazed them to see uneducated men speaking with such boldness about such matters.
Acts 4:13
The Name Forbidden
12Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”13When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus.14And seeing the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in response.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Israel) Preaching Christ With Authority
By David Wilkerson18K50:53AuthorityISA 58:12JER 23:28MAT 28:18ACT 4:131CO 2:42CO 10:42TI 4:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with spiritual authority. He shares a personal experience of a young man who came seeking wisdom but criticized the preacher for not truly listening. The speaker reflects on his own preaching journey and recalls moments when he felt a powerful spiritual authority in his messages. He then discusses the need to preach Christ with authority and highlights the example of a humble leader who took the lowest seat in the house despite being a respected bishop in six nations.
And They Crucified Him
By Art Katz17K00:00ISA 6:5MAT 16:24ACT 4:131CO 1:181CO 2:22CO 4:10GAL 2:20PHP 3:10HEB 12:2JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace the suffering and humility exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. It challenges believers to confront the avoidance of pain, self-indulgence, compromise of truth, and the lack of correction within the church. The speaker calls for a return to the centrality of the cross and the power of the resurrection, urging a transformation from a comfortable religiosity to a radical, sacrificial faith that stands out in the world.
Purity and Fire - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill7.7K30:43PurityMAT 6:33LUK 3:10JHN 1:12JHN 3:3ACT 2:37ACT 3:1ACT 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching repentance. He criticizes the popular approach of avoiding the topic of sin and repentance in favor of a painless message. He highlights the example of John the Baptist, who preached repentance and called people to bring forth fruit as evidence of their repentance. The speaker challenges the current state of preaching and calls for a return to the biblical message of repentance and the need for a genuine transformation in the lives of believers.
A Mighty Minority
By K.P. Yohannan7.2K47:37Christian LivingGEN 17:5MAL 3:10MAT 6:1ACT 2:41ACT 3:1ACT 4:13ACT 5:1In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences of preaching the word of God and witnessing powerful transformations. He encourages believers not to be afraid of rejection or persecution, reminding them that Jesus will never leave or forsake them. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a concern for others who do not know Jesus and the need to pray for them. He then references Acts chapter 2, highlighting the unity and power of the early believers who preached the gospel and saw 3,000 people come to faith. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of unity in the body of Christ and the power of prayer.
These Men Have Been With Jesus
By David Wilkerson4.4K1:08:41ACT 4:1ACT 4:13In this sermon, the preacher recounts a horrifying story of a parent who brutally murdered their own daughter. Despite the shock and disbelief, the Holy Spirit brought peace to the church community. The preacher emphasizes that the church members, who had a strong relationship with Jesus and were prayer warriors, were able to withstand this tragedy. The sermon also highlights the power of the name of Jesus and the resurrection of Christ, emphasizing that it is through Him that miracles and transformation occur. The preacher encourages believers to prioritize their personal relationship with Jesus and find satisfaction and joy in their secret closet, rather than seeking external sources for revival.
Alabaster Box of Ointment
By Charles Anderson2.5K48:18Alabaster BoxMAT 6:33MAT 26:8MRK 14:9JHN 12:3JHN 12:7ACT 1:8ACT 4:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man named Casey who was distributing leaflets about the blood of Jesus. Casey encountered a drunk man and explained to him how the blood of Jesus can cleanse his heart. This encounter deeply impacted Casey, leading him to seek the Lord and eventually become a missionary. The speaker then shares another story about a man named Mike who fell ill while working on a water supply project. Despite initially ignoring the signs, Mike's wife prayed for help and miraculously, two doctors arrived at their door. The sermon emphasizes the power of the blood of Jesus and the importance of trusting in God's guidance.
Effectual Prayer
By Alan Martin2.3K00:00Effectual PrayerACT 4:13ROM 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being serious and alert in our relationship with God. He warns that Satan will not bother with someone he is not threatened by, so we must be diligent in our pursuit of God. The speaker also highlights the significance of being transformed by the renewing of our minds and studying the words of Christ. He encourages consistency in our walk with God and warns against hypocrisy and double standards. The sermon references Acts chapter 4, where Peter and John's boldness and association with Jesus were evident to others.
Biblical Model for Evangelism
By Danny Bond2.3K45:41EvangelismMAT 28:19JHN 10:27ACT 2:42ACT 4:13ACT 5:18ACT 5:41ACT 12:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the biblical pattern for evangelism. He highlights eight key elements: purity, power, persecution, provision, proclamation, protection, pain, and perseverance. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not watering down the word of God, even in the face of trouble and imprisonment. He points out the irony of the Sadducees, who deny the existence of angels, being delivered by an angel. The sermon also mentions the supernatural happenings and the unity of the believers in prayer.
God's Glory
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K1:05:00EXO 34:29JHN 15:11JHN 16:33ACT 4:132CO 3:18HEB 12:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of beholding the glory and majesty of God, reflecting His character in our lives. It highlights the transformation that occurs when we spend time in His presence, absorbing His peace, joy, and holiness. The speaker encourages a deep intimacy with God, seeking His glory above all else, and living a life that reflects the beauty of Christ to the world.
The Horizon of Christ - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K44:09ChristGEN 22:2MAT 5:39ACT 4:13ROM 12:191CO 1:272CO 12:9PHP 2:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the transformation that occurred in the early members of the church when the power of God came down from heaven. The idea of weakness and being put to death was initially resented by these men, but when they witnessed the boldness of Peter and John after receiving the power of God, they were completely defeated in their attempts to explain and understand. The speaker emphasizes that this power came from heaven and completely changed the standard of values and ideas about power for these men. The sermon also highlights the importance of not attributing any glory to man, but rather giving all glory to God.
From Simon to Peter #25 - the Holy Spirit and Peter's Personality
By J. Glyn Owen1.5K46:37Simon to PeterMAT 14:22MAT 16:18JHN 1:42ACT 1:14ACT 2:14ACT 4:13ACT 12:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Peter and his journey from fear to boldness. The speaker highlights Peter's native timidity and fear, which was evident in his life. However, the speaker emphasizes that Peter's fear was short-lived when the Holy Spirit came upon him and his fellow believers at Pentecost. With the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter was able to overcome his fear and move forward towards his appointed destiny. The speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their own fears and challenges them to step out in faith, trusting in God's calling for their lives.
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) in Cana of Galilee Again
By Willie Mullan1.3K1:09:42Footsteps Of ChristLUK 4:16JHN 4:39JHN 4:46ACT 4:13In this sermon on John's gospel chapter 4, the preacher reflects on the events that took place in Samaria, where Jesus spoke to the woman at the well. The Samaritans in the city believed in Jesus because of the woman's testimony. The sermon then focuses on the contrast between two individuals: a nobleman with a dying son and a centurion with a suffering servant. The centurion demonstrates great faith by telling Jesus that he doesn't need to come to his house, but can simply speak the word for his servant to be healed. The sermon concludes by highlighting the significance of this being the second miracle Jesus performed in Galilee.
(Genesis) Genesis 37:12-39:10
By Joe Focht1.1K1:10:45GenesisGEN 6:9GEN 12:1GEN 37:5JHN 1:12ACT 4:13HEB 11:102PE 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding Joseph's perspective in the story. He highlights Joseph's refusal to engage in wickedness, even though it may not be considered as such in society. The speaker encourages the audience to read ahead in the Bible to learn more about Joseph's story. The sermon also includes an invitation for those who do not know Jesus to accept him as their Lord and Savior.
The Law Established - Part 1
By John Metcalfe1.0K1:14:58PSA 119:105MAT 5:17JHN 1:17ACT 4:13ROM 3:312TI 1:13HEB 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of the law in relation to the gospel. He explains that Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law of Moses in his human nature and took upon himself the curse of sin. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus satisfied the requirements of the law and justified believers. The preacher warns against distorting the law and adding human merit or works to the gospel, emphasizing that salvation is a result of God's grace alone.
Getting Back to Basics: Survival of the Revival
By Robert Wurtz II97738:08MAT 6:33ACT 4:131CO 1:19HEB 5:121PE 2:2REV 3:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of revival and how many people experience temporary awakenings but eventually fall back into their old spiritual condition. He emphasizes the importance of not becoming lazy or seeking alternative entertainment for our spiritual walk with God, as this can lead to trouble. The speaker also mentions the significance of exercising our senses and not allowing sin to delete our knowledge of God. He warns that when God calls His people to repent and they refuse, judgment will escalate until it reaches its apex, just like in the story of Pharaoh and the children of Israel.
The Anointing of Saul
By Chuck Smith95825:04Saul1SA 10:17MAT 6:33ACT 4:13In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. The people of Jabish were under threat from their enemies and sought help from the Israelites. Saul, who was chosen by God, became angry upon hearing this and took action. He cut up a yoke of oxen and sent the pieces throughout Israel, declaring that anyone who did not come to fight with him and Samuel would have the same fate as the oxen. As a result, the fear of the Lord fell upon the people and they rallied behind Saul, with 300,000 men from Israel and 30,000 men from Judah joining him.
The Holy Spirit
By Friedel Stegen79100:00Holy SpiritLUK 3:16JHN 20:21ACT 2:4ACT 4:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having compassion for others, just as Jesus did. He urges listeners to have a desire to draw closer to Jesus and be conformed into his image. The preacher also highlights the need for Christians, especially preachers, to experience the power of God in their everyday lives and to be united in spreading the gospel. He expresses a longing for leaders, including President Obama, to turn to Christ and for a global revival where Christians can stand together against the enemy.
Send the Message - Session 5
By K.P. Yohannan77948:10MissionsMAT 6:33JHN 20:31ACT 1:1ACT 2:42ACT 4:13ACT 4:23ACT 8:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God for salvation. He encourages listeners to pray for and share the gospel with those in need, as Jesus has the power to transform lives. The speaker also highlights the fact that the early disciples were ordinary, unschooled men, yet they were chosen by God to spread the message of Jesus. He warns against being knowledgeable and hardworking but lacking a personal relationship with Jesus. The speaker urges parents to prioritize their own prayer life and personal connection with God as a means of influencing their children's faith. He also encourages listeners to support and connect with missionaries who face battles and discouragement in their work. The speaker concludes by reminding believers that God is at work in their lives and calls them to live a life that goes beyond being average Christians.
Growth of the Church
By Steve Gallagher74851:33MAT 10:19ACT 3:6ACT 4:13ACT 4:29ACT 4:31This sermon delves into Acts 3 and 4, highlighting the growth of the early church, the boldness and courage of Peter and John in the face of opposition from the religious leaders, and the power of the Holy Spirit at work. It emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth fearlessly, seeking God's authority, and praying for boldness to preach the Word despite threats and challenges.
Apostolic Foundations (7 of 12)
By Art Katz73158:45ApostolicMAT 10:28ACT 4:13ACT 4:291CO 2:7EPH 3:8REV 11:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ and making known the hidden truths of God. He highlights the need for grace to fulfill this task and discusses the eternal purpose of God. The speaker then shares a personal experience of receiving a list of points of application from the Lord. He challenges the church to confront the lies and deception in society, particularly referencing the mafia in Italy. The sermon concludes with a call for the church to move beyond comfortable praise and embrace a deeper level of worship, even in the midst of affliction and persecution.
Send the Fire!
By Ian Brown72532:07LUK 24:32ACT 4:13ACT 7:51ACT 7:55ROM 8:14GAL 5:181PE 1:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who came to their house in a state of agitation and concern. The man sought counseling from an evangelist and, after being counseled about a sin, he threw his packet of cigarettes into the fire, symbolizing his desire to get rid of his sinful habits. The speaker then discusses the importance of applying the Word of God to our lives and how it can lead to a burning of the heart and a transformation. The sermon also mentions the significance of prayerfulness and reading the Bible on one's knees, as exemplified by the great evangelist George Whitefield.
They Had Been With Jesus
By Curtis Barbery7241:16:39Jesus ChristMAT 10:32MAT 16:24ACT 4:13ROM 12:21CO 1:26EPH 5:181TH 5:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spreading revival and the love and power of God. He references the miracle of healing performed by Peter and John on a cripple man and the resulting revival that spread throughout Jerusalem. The speaker encourages the audience to recognize the spark of God's love and power within them and to let it burn brightly, spreading to others. He emphasizes the need to talk about Jesus and commune with Him, drawing from the example of Mary sitting at His feet.
Giving True Praise to God
By Basilea Schlink69004:35Radio ShowPSA 56:3PSA 95:1ISA 41:10ACT 4:13ACT 4:311CO 10:131PE 5:7In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the Bible reading from Acts 4, where the Apostle Peter and John stood fearlessly before the high priest. The reason for their courage was their unwavering faith in God, knowing that He was on their side. The speaker emphasizes that God will only allow us to face trials and suffering that we can bear, and that we are always in His hands, not in the hands of our adversaries. The sermon also highlights the importance of praising God, especially in times of fear and difficulty, as it reminds us of His power and strengthens our faith.
The New Testament Church
By Stan Ford67243:01MAT 6:33LUK 8:11ACT 4:131CO 14:15EPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the sower from the eighth chapter of Luke. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for a Savior and how God has provided Jesus Christ as that Savior. The preacher then focuses on the four different outcomes of the seed in the parable: stolen seed, starved seed, seed among thorns, and seed on good soil. He explains how these outcomes represent different responses to the Word of God and challenges the listeners to bring forth fruit with patience. The sermon concludes with the reminder that the seed in the parable represents the Word of God, and the preacher encourages the audience to embrace the challenge of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Providence Mission Conference 99 Session 2
By George Verwer62150:12ISA 6:1EZK 3:18MAT 6:33ACT 4:13ACT 20:31In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to consider committing to missions for at least two years. He emphasizes the abundance of resources available for those who are willing to go and shares his own experience of learning how to raise money for the kingdom of God. The speaker also addresses the challenges of cross-cultural missions and the importance of obeying God's call. He concludes by reminding the audience that they have been given much and therefore much is expected of them, urging them to take advantage of the missionary opportunities and literature available to them.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The boldness of Peter and John - Την παρῥησιαν, The freedom and fluency with which they spoke; for they spoke now from the immediate influence of the Holy Ghost, and their word was with power. That they were unlearned and ignorant men - Αγραμματοι, Persons without literature, not brought up in nor given to literary pursuits - and ignorant, ιδιωται, persons in private life, brought up in its occupations alone. It does not mean ignorance in the common acceptation of the term; and our translation is very improper. In no sense of the word could any of the apostles be called ignorant men; for though their spiritual knowledge came all from heaven, yet in all other matters they seem to have been men of good, sound, strong, common sense. They took knowledge of them - Επεγινωσκον may imply that they got information, that they had been disciples of Christ, and probably they might have seen them in our Lord's company; for there can be little doubt that they had often seen our Lord teaching the multitudes, and these disciples attending him. That they had been with Jesus - Had they not had his teaching, the present company would soon have confounded them; but they spoke with so much power and authority that the whole sanhedrin was confounded. He who is taught in spiritual matters by Christ Jesus has a better gift than the tongue of the learned. He who is taught in the school of Christ will ever speak to the point, and intelligibly too; though his words may not have that polish with which they who prefer sound to sense are often carried away.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men--that is, uninstructed in the learning of the Jewish schools, and of the common sort; men in private life, untrained to teaching. took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus--recognized them as having been in His company; remembering possibly, that they had seen them with Him [MEYER, BLOOMFIELD, ALFORD]; but, more probably, perceiving in their whole bearing what identified them with Jesus: that is, "We thought we had got rid of Him; but lo! He reappears in these men, and all that troubled us in the Nazarene Himself has yet to be put down in these His disciples." What a testimony to these primitive witnesses! Would that the same could be said of their successors!
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John,.... With what courage and intrepidity they stood before them, the presence of mind they had, and the freedom of speech they used, as the word properly signifies: they observed their elocution, the justness of their diction, the propriety of their language, and the strength and nervousness of their reasoning; as well as their great resolution, constancy, and firmness of mind; not being afraid to profess the name of Christ, or to charge them with the murder of him; and that they seemed to be determined to abide by him, at all events; to assert him to be the true Messiah, though rejected by the Jewish builders; and that he was risen from the dead; and not only to ascribe unto him the miracle now wrought, but the salvation of men; and to declare, that there was none in any other but him: the Syriac version renders it, "when they heard the word of Simeon and John, which they spoke openly": and freely, without any reserve: they answered readily to the question, that it was by the name of Jesus of Nazareth that they had done this miracle; they dealt freely with the Jewish sanhedrim, and told them in so many words, that they were the crucifiers of Christ, and the rejecters of that stone, which God had made the head of the corner, and that there was no salvation for them in any other: it appears from hence, that John spoke as well as Peter, though his words are not recorded: and perceived that they were unlearned ignorant men; not by what they now said, but by what they heard and understood of them before: they were informed that they were "unlearned" men, or who did not understand letters; not but that they had learned their mother tongue, and could read the Scriptures; but they had not had a liberal education; they had not been brought up at the feet of any of the doctors, in any of the schools and universities of the Jews; they were not trained up in, and conversant with, the nice distinctions, subtle argumentations, and decisions of the learned doctors, in the interpretation of the law of Moses, and the traditions of the elders: and understood that they were also "ignorant" men, "idiots", or private men; for men might be unlearned, and yet not be such; it seems the high priests themselves were sometimes unlearned men: hence, on the day of atonement, "they used to read before him, in the order of the day, and say to him, Lord high priest, read thou with thine own mouth; perhaps thou hast forgot, or it may be, , "thou hast not learned" (c).'' The Jews have adopted the word here used into their language; and express by it, sometimes a man that is mean, abject, and contemptible: thus instead of "children of base men", or "without a name", the Targumist on Job 30:8 reads, , "the children of idiots", or "private men": and in the Targum on Sa1 18:23 it is used for one lightly esteemed, and comparable to a flea: it sometimes designs persons in a private life, though men of learning and knowledge, in distinction from those that are in office; so we read (d), that "three kings, and four "private" persons, have no part in the world to come; the three kings are Jeroboam, Ahab, and Manasseh; the four "idiots", or private men, are Balaam, Doeg, Ahithophel, and Gehazi.'' And so a bench of idiots, or private men, is distinguished from a bench of authorized and approved judges (e); and sometimes the word is used of such, as are distinguished from doctors, or wise men; so when it is said (f), "the command of plucking off the shoe, is done before three judges, and though the three are "idiots";'' the note of Maimonides upon it is, "not wise men, but that know how to read the language,'' the Hebrew language: and such were the disciples, in every sense of the word; they were mean and abject, poor fishermen, men of no name and figure, that were in no office, and exalted station of life, nor versed in Jewish learning, but common private men: so that they marvelled; the sanheddrim were astonished to hear them talk with so much fluency and pertinence: and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus; looking wistly upon them, they knew them again, and remembered that; they were persons that were the disciples of Jesus, and whom they had seen in company with him; not in the high priest's palace, when Jesus was arraigned, examined, and condemned there; though Peter, and some think John was there at that time, yet not to be observed and taken notice of by the sanhedrim; but in the temple where Jesus taught, and where the chief priests, Scribes, and elders came, and disputed with him about his authority, and cavilled at him, Mat 21:15. (c) Misn. Yoma, c. 1. sect. 3. (d) Misn. Sanhedrin, c. 11. sect. 2. (e) T. Bab. Bava Metzia, fol. 32. 11. (f) Misn. Yebamot, c. 12. sect. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:13 ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures: That is, they were not scholars or ordained teachers—they were working men without higher education. The educated members of the Jewish high council were treated as authorities on the Scriptures and matters of religion, so it amazed them to see uneducated men speaking with such boldness about such matters.