To how many of us might the description unschooled and ordinary apply? Although we secretly aspire to influencer status with millions of followers, most of us are actually pretty ordinary. I know I’m special (in my own way) and I embrace self-esteem etc., etc., but I admit to a level of ordinary-ness that keeps rearing its plain-looking head.

I have gone to a lot of school. So I have that going for me—which is nice.

The ruling council in Jerusalem called Peter and John to the carpet for preaching about Jesus. Filled with the Holy Spirit, their response stunned the council members: 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.

I find it easy to underestimate unschooled, ordinary people. It’s mostly pride, I suppose, but also the lack of markings I find compelling. Degrees, position, status and money are a few of the guideposts I refer to when sizing up someone I meet. I keep it more subtle than the members of the Sanhedrin, but it’s ever present.

Peter and John possessed a short resume: They fished, and they were with Jesus. Spending years with Jesus—and being filled with the Holy Spirit—turned men good with nets into apostles who turned the world upside down. How many authors throughout history have been read more than John and Peter? Maybe only Moses.

I try to keep all this in mind. Ordinary is ok, and unschooled is no shame. But take ordinary and unschooled, then add Jesus and the Holy Spirit. That combo lifts even the plainest to undreamed heights.

Acts 4 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Timon Studler