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.

ACTS 4:13KJV
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Acts 4:13 (KJV)

What does Acts 4:13 mean?

Acts 4:13 describes how the religious leaders were surprised by the confidence of Peter and John, recognizing that these two men were not formally educated or trained, yet spoke boldly. The leaders realized that Peter and John had been closely associated with Jesus, which explained their courage and understanding.

This verse takes place after Peter and John have been arrested and brought before the Jewish council for preaching about Jesus. The council members, who were used to dealing with scholars and trained teachers, are astonished that ordinary men like Peter and John could speak so powerfully. The key realization for the council is that the time Peter and John spent with Jesus has transformed them in a noticeable way.

The Greek behind Acts 4:13

  • παρρησία (parrēsia, G3954): This word is translated as "boldness" and carries the idea of open, fearless speech. The council is struck by how freely and confidently Peter and John speak, despite their lack of formal training.
  • ἀγράμματοι (agrammatoi, G62): Translated as "unlearned," this word means lacking formal education, especially in the Scriptures or religious law. The council did not expect such understanding from those without official schooling.
  • ἰδιῶται (idiōtai, G2399): Rendered as "ignorant," this term refers to someone who is an ordinary person, not a professional or expert. It highlights that Peter and John were seen as common men.
  • ἐπεγίνωσκόν (epeginōskon, G1921): This word means "recognized" or "took knowledge of." The council comes to a realization about Peter and John, connecting their boldness to their relationship with Jesus.

Why Acts 4:13 matters

  • Acts 4:13 clears up the idea that only those with formal religious education can speak with authority about spiritual matters; the verse emphasizes the impact of being with Jesus over academic credentials.
  • The verse highlights a key theme in Acts: ordinary people, empowered by their relationship with Jesus, can have a profound effect on others.
  • This moment sets the stage for the ongoing conflict between the early followers of Jesus and the religious authorities, showing that the source of the apostles' boldness is their time with Jesus, not their own qualifications.

Where else these words appear

“ignorant” Greek G2399 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
  • 1 Corinthians 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
  • 1 Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

“perceived” Greek G2638 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
  • John 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

“boldness” Greek G3954 · used in 31 verses

  • Mark 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
  • Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
  • 1 Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

“knowledge” Greek G1921 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
  • Acts 27:39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.