When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

They carried him to the same place day after day, the temple gate called Beautiful. Unable to stand, he sat to beg from those entering the temple courts. One day, he locked eyes with Peter and John. He asked for money. “Silver or gold I do not have,” Peter said, “but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6). The man jumped to his feet and walked with Peter and John into the temple courts.

He jumped and praised God, and those who had always known him to be the lame beggar at the Beautiful Gate gathered. Peter preached the Good News of Jesus. Then, “the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people” (Acts 4:1). This group, of elders - the Sanhedrin - locked away Peter and John because it was too late in the day for questioning. The next morning they demanded: “by what power or what name did you do this?” (Acts 4:7).

It was the Sanhedrin who handed Jesus his death sentence. What would happen to Peter and John? As Peter opened his mouth to speak, he was “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:8). Together, Peter and John stood courageously, crediting Jesus with their act of kindness toward the lame beggar - the same Jesus Christ of Nazareth “whom you crucified,” (Acts 4:10) Peter told the Sanhedrin. Did these leaders react in outrage? No, they were astonished by these two “unschooled, ordinary men” (Acts 4:13).

Unschooled. Ordinary. How often do you feel unqualified? How often do you feel talentless? Who am I to boldly speak the name of Jesus, to share the Good News, to show the kindness of Christ to those in need of a savior?  By the power of the same Holy Spirit who empowered Peter, we can be confident. Through the Holy Spirit we are qualified. Because of him we have gifts to share. He sets us apart; we are anything but ordinary. Like fear, insecurity is an illusion. Don’t let it render you speechless and immobile. Go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit, our courage and confidence! He’ll show up for you, always on time and on point.

Holy Father, you are worthy and good, and I confess I have cowered in the shadows of my fear and insecurity. Against you they are powerless. I surrender them to you and ask you to empower me by your Holy Spirit to do your will. Even when I face real threats on behalf of Jesus and feel my spirit tremble, Holy Spirit wash over me and give me the courage to speak. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.