"They took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus". (Acts 4.12)

Jesus, the very thought of thee

With sweetness fills my breast

But sweeter far thy face to see

And in thy presence rest.

Education and social position make men proud. They feel they have special privileges to teach and preach, denied to those in humbler stations of life who have never learned their lessons inside those temples of learning which award degrees and scholastic honours to their students. The bold, clear oratory of Jesus aroused the envy of the scribes and priests. Where had this man learned wisdom and knowledge and the art of a preacher? Was not this the carpenter's son? When Peter and John held forth before them with the same confidence and fluency they were astonished. These working men had the same manner as their Master! They had not perceived, as many since have not done, that mere knowledge does not make a man either great or clever. Schools, degrees, books and ability to quote the Bible, do not make a Christian. The apostles had received power from on high as Jesus had before them. The spirit of God had given them illumination, courage, confidence and poise. Where once they had been timid, ignorant and without polish, they now stood boldly before the High Priests telling them plainly a few facts which quelled them into silence. They had Jesus put to death but they dare not touch his preachers. So Peter and John were free to teach and preach, to shed their influence upon the lives of others as Jesus had influenced them. Influence is a wonderful and powerful alchemy in life. Everyone is exerting an influence on someone else, for better or worse. The stronger the personality the stronger the influence. These men had lived with Jesus for three years. During that time it is evident they had become changed needing only the energising power of the Spirit at Pentecost to kindle a flame in them which could not be put out. The base metal of their nature was by this means transformed into the gold of indestructible character.

Brave men influence other men to bravery. Good people make the not so good conscious that they could do better. Clever people, successful people, creators of beauty, give a needed urge to the indolent to get something done. The influence of evil is all too evident in the disorders of society, but the Christian has a responsibility to as long as he is in the world, not only to let his light shine but to be as salt where the weakness of human nature is easily corrupted.

The influence of blameless, bold, truthful men and women who have been with Jesus is always felt. It makes an impact on people hungering for hope and life. The actions we do today, the wise words we spoke yesterday may be the influence that someone needs to shape their tomorrow.