BIBLE READING Acts: 4:1-31 MY NOTES MIDWEEK READINGS Believers Share Possessions - Acts 4:32-37 Lying to the Holy Spirit – Acts 5:1-11 Apostles Heal – Acts 5:12-16 Apostles Persecuted – Acts 5:17-42 Seven Chosen to Serve – Acts 6:1-7 5-Day Devotional – Acts 4:1–31 5-Day Devotional: Recognized as Companions of Jesus Day 1: Boldness in the Face of Fear Bible Verse: Acts 4:13 – “When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus.” Peter and John stood boldly before powerful religious leaders—not because of education or status, but because they had been with Jesus. Their courage came from relationship, not résumé. When we spend time with Jesus, His Spirit fills us with boldness to speak and live out the Gospel, even under pressure. “The boldness came from knowing Jesus.” What does boldness look like in your faith right now? How can you be more intentionally “with Jesus” this week? Day 2: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” The disciples weren’t impressive by worldly standards. Yet God used them to change the world. What matters isn’t how qualified we feel, but whether we’re willing to be used. Obedience opens the door to impact. God still uses ordinary people—like us—to do extraordinary things. “The disciples did not receive formal education… But they had been with Jesus.” In what ways have you seen God work through your “ordinariness”? Where is God calling you to trust Jesus with bold obedience? Day 3: Courage That Confounds Bible Verse: Acts 4:20 – “For we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” The religious leaders threatened Peter and John to silence them. But the disciples couldn’t hold back the truth—they had encountered the Risen Christ. When we truly experience God’s grace and power, it overflows from our lives. Courage rooted in Christ confounds the world. “They simply told the truth… and that’s bold, that’s powerful, that’s courage.” What truth about Jesus are you being called to share? Where in your life is God inviting you to live with more courage? Day 4: A Changed Life is a Powerful Witness Bible Verse: Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Peter had once denied Jesus. Now he boldly proclaims Him. The difference? Resurrection power. A transformed life is often our loudest sermon. People may not always listen to our words, but they will notice our integrity, joy, and love. “When Christ changes your life, the change will be evident to all.” How has Jesus changed your life recently? What do you hope others see in your life that reflects Jesus? Day 5: With Jesus—Always Bible Verse: John 15:5 – “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit.” It wasn’t proximity to religion or knowledge that gave the disciples power—it was abiding with Jesus. Daily relationship. Continual presence. This is where boldness begins and where fruitfulness flows. We are invited to be known as companions of Christ—because we truly are with Him. “May the whole world know by the way we live that we have been with Jesus.” What habits help you stay close to Jesus? How can you reorder your life this week to prioritize being “with Jesus”?