Acts 4:13–21 | Psalm 118:14–18

Are Jesus’ followers ordinary or holy?

Yes.
Both.

The early apostles were not recognized for credentials, eloquence, or institutional standing. They were identified by something far more decisive:

They had been with Jesus.

That was the difference.

Their boldness did not come from education.
Their authority did not come from status.
Their impact did not come from strategy.

It came from proximity.

They had walked with Him.
Learned from Him.
Watched Him suffer, die, and rise.
And now, filled with His Spirit, they could not remain silent.

“We cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

Holiness is not the removal of ordinariness.
It is the dedication of ordinary lives to an extraordinary God.

God takes what is common and sets it apart.

Peter and John were still themselves—but no longer insignificant.

And so are we.

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Thought Questions

• What does it mean, in practical terms, to be “recognized as someone who has been with Jesus”?
• Where do you tend to rely more on your own ability than on your relationship with Christ?
• How does God use “ordinary” people differently than the world expects?

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Discussion Questions (Group / Fellowship of Joy)

1. Why do you think the religious leaders focused on the apostles being “uneducated and ordinary”?
2. What evidence convinced them that something extraordinary was happening?
3. How would you define holiness based on this passage?
4. What does boldness look like today in your context (family, work, ministry)?
5. How can a small group help one another “be with Jesus” more intentionally?

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Today’s Assignment

• Spend 10–15 minutes intentionally “being with Jesus” (Scripture, prayer, silence).
• Ask: Where are you sending me today?
• Look for one opportunity to speak or act in His name—simply, naturally, faithfully.
• Do not aim to be impressive.
  Aim to be available.

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Closing Prayer (Psalm 118)

The Lord is my strength and my song,
and He has become my salvation…
I shall not die, but live,
and declare the works of the Lord.

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Go Deeper

👉 https://medium.com/@tomsims/holiness-of-the-ordinary-51896166099b?sk=884ae7bbe163feed7ddeea3d4c2c1b56