"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" (Acts 4:13).

It was beyond doubt that these unsophisticated and common men were friends of Jesus. Their words and acts proved it. What was it that finally convinced the authorities that these men they scorned now were so bold because they had been with Jesus?

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27). Peter, impulsive and assertive, who just recently cursed and disowned his Lord, is transformed from sinking sand into bedrock firmness; John, ambitious, sensitive, longing for love and companionship, becomes valiant.

What was it that could make this personality and character change? Basically they remained simple of heart and mind. This is what Jesus wanted--and wants--in His disciples. It was their courage and determination that changed. Peter and John became portraits of Christ, shining through with His character. It was the power of the Holy Spirit that wrought the change, and not the power of money or intellect or social urgings. These men were poor and unlettered, clothed with the armor of God.

If we don't know the Person, then we can't have a true change of personality. Peter and John knew Jesus intimately. Indeed, John rested on Jesus' breast at the Last Supper (John 13:25). We, too, must lay on the bosom of Jesus and share our intimate secrets with Him. Then others will note that we have been with the lovely Jesus.