After the chief priest and all that were with him had questioned Peter and John, “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)
Peter and John were fishermen. They were not “learned men,” educated men. Yet they were bold in the things of the Lord. Because of this, the chief priest and the others knew that they had been with Jesus. Being with Jesus produces boldness. During His earthly ministry, Jesus had promised Peter, “Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” (See Luke 5:10) James and John were also with Peter at that time. Now John and Peter with filled with boldness and courage to stand up for Jesus. They had spent three years training with Jesus, and Jesus taught them not to fear but to speak for Him.
Jesus also gave the disciples another promise of what He would do for them when they were brought before rulers for His name’s sake. He said, “I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” (Luke 21:15) John and Peter were bold because they knew they had the authority of Jesus to back them up.
This is a good lesson. We want to be bold for Christ, but often we are afraid. How do we gain boldness? Spend time with Jesus. Be with Him. Learn of Him. Be confident that we have His authority to back us up.
There is no other way.