Ordinary Heroes of the Faith - Pt 1

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13 ESV). This is a wonderful verse for us to begin looking at some of the “ordinary” men and women of the faith over the next few days. First, there is a little word study necessary. The word translated “common” in our reading is “idiots.” Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance says the word represents “a private person as opposed to a magistrate, ruler, king a common soldier, as opposed to a military officer a writer of prose as opposed to a poet; and, in the New Testament is should be seen as an unlearned, illiterate, man as opposed to the learned and educated: one who is unskilled in any art.” The emphasis in this context is that the people were listening to men speak whom they knew to be very “ordinary” men. They were not the educated, privileged, or elite of society. They were common fishermen. Yet, when they heard them speak, they were astonished. They were recognized as having been with Jesus. I suppose it would be easy to say that education is a hindrance to the work of the Holy Spirit. Or, as others, we might come to the conclusion that serious study is unnecessary. Neither would be correct. The Scripture is clear that we are to be well trained, “workmen worthy of their hire” (cf. 1 Timothy 5:18). However, it is a very important indicator that it is not our effort at being extraordinary that God uses; it is our ordinary, common means that are fused with the extraordinary means of the Holy Spirit that makes every work astonishing. I find it altogether disappointing that the modern emphasis in the evangelical church is toward some special work or ministry done by the laity that validates the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. Unless the lame walk or the blind see, then the common belief is God was not present! How tragic. The truth remains that only God is the focus of our lives. Additionally, when we fall into the error of emphasizing the spectacular, we deny the truth of the workings of the body of Christ and the purposeful gifting within it. Some years ago I worked in the flooring department of Home Depot. I had no management or supervisory capacity. I was an ordinary employee of the store. However, my gifts went with me. There were opportunities each day to reflect the character and person of Christ. This was not necessarily done through any overt action on my part. Sometimes it was merely doing my job to the best of my ability; to quietly and orderly submit to the authority God had put me under. I can assure you, it was often not amazing or spectacular; however, it was always an honor to Christ. In the next few days I want to spotlight some of these “ordinary heroes of the faith” by sharing their stories. Perhaps it will inspire and encourage you in your walk.