Acts 4:13
What does Acts 4:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 4:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 4:13 means
The Sanhedrin, observing the remarkable boldness and confidence displayed by Peter and John, were astonished. They recognized that these men lacked formal rabbinical training or education, confirming their status as 'unlearned and ignorant.' Yet, they spoke with such authority and conviction that the council could not explain it. Their only conclusion was that Peter and John had been companions of Jesus, recognizing a familiar spirit and power in them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now when they saw that Peter and John were without fear, though they were men of no education or learning, they were greatly surprised; and they took note of them that they had been with Jesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And beholding the openness of Peter and John, and having perceived that they are men unlettered and plebeian, they were wondering--they were taking knowledge also of them that with Jesus they had been--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now seeing the constancy of Peter and of John, understanding that they were illiterate and ignorant men, they wondered: and they knew them that they had been with Jesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But seeing the boldness of Peter and John, and perceiving that they were unlettered and uninstructed men, they wondered; and they recognised them that they were with Jesus.
Context
This verse describes the Sanhedrin's reaction to Peter and John's testimony, focusing on their surprise at the apostles' boldness and lack of formal education. It directly reflects on the impact of Peter's speech and acts as a bridge before the council's private deliberation. This observation by the Sanhedrin underscores the supernatural nature of the apostles' ministry, testifying to the transformative power of being with Jesus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 26:71
And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and saith unto them that were there, This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.
- Matthew 4:18
And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27
but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;
- John 18:16
but Peter was standing at the door without. So the other disciple, who was known unto the high priest, went out and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
- Matthew 26:73
And after a little while they that stood by came and said to Peter, Of a truth thou also art one of them; for thy speech maketh thee known.
- John 7:15
The Jews therefore marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
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