King James Version

What Does Acts 4:13 Mean?

Acts 4:13 in the King James Version says “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelle... — study this verse from Acts chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 4:13 · KJV


Context

11

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

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.

14

And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Greek word for 'boldness' (parrēsia) denotes confident, fearless speech - remarkable for fishermen facing the Jewish ruling council. The Sanhedrin recognized these men as 'agrammatos kai idiōtai' (unlearned and ordinary), yet their transformation was undeniable. The phrase 'they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus' reveals the true source of apostolic authority: intimate companionship with Christ, not formal rabbinic training. This demonstrates how the Holy Spirit equips the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary, echoing Paul's teaching that God chooses the weak to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin circa AD 30-33, shortly after healing the lame man at the Temple gate (Acts 3). The council included chief priests, Sadducees, and scribes - the same body that condemned Jesus. These religious leaders possessed extensive training in Torah and tradition, making the apostles' effective testimony even more striking.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage teach about the relationship between formal education and spiritual effectiveness?
  2. How might spending time with Jesus produce a boldness in your witness that overcomes fear of human authority?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Θεωροῦντες1 of 25

when they saw

G2334

to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))

δὲ2 of 25

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

τὴν3 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τοῦ4 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Πέτρου5 of 25

of Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

παῤῥησίαν6 of 25

the boldness

G3954

all out-spokenness, i.e., frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance

καὶ7 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἰωάννου8 of 25

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

καὶ9 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

καταλαβόμενοι10 of 25

perceived

G2638

to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)

ὅτι11 of 25

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἄνθρωποι12 of 25

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἀγράμματοί13 of 25

unlearned

G62

unlettered, i.e., illiterate

εἰσιν14 of 25

they were

G1526

they are

καὶ15 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδιῶται16 of 25

ignorant

G2399

a private person, i.e., (by implication) an ignoramus (compare "idiot")

ἐθαύμαζον17 of 25

they marvelled

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

ἐπεγίνωσκόν18 of 25

they took knowledge

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

τε19 of 25

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

αὐτοὺς20 of 25

of them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι21 of 25

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

σὺν22 of 25

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τῷ23 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦ24 of 25

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἦσαν25 of 25

they had been

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 4:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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