Acts 4:13 “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.”

Sometimes you can tell a lot about someone by observation. Place of origin and even education reveal themselves in interesting ways. Just by watching, listening, and even smelling, the observant person can surmise a lot. In fact, it’s even possible to ascertain when someone has a relationship with Jesus.

Recently our company held a real estate auction in a neighboring town. Upon arrival at the hosting facility, I made a judgment call the moment I entered the building. A certain odor hung over the building and after a few breaths, I knew. The previous event had something to do with pigs and the aftereffects of the earlier occupants lingered over the building.

When the opportunity arose, I asked the building manager about my theory and she confirmed my thoughts. The weekend before a swine show took place in the attached arena and the stench had permeated the building. Even now, a few days later, the evidence still lingered.

Just as I could easily pinpoint the previous occupants of our auction venue, all of Jesus’ followers should also be easy to spot. But instead of the typical stench of the world and its sinfulness, believers should radiate with the beautiful essence of their Lord. It’s not about where we are from or our status in life, but about with Whom we have associated that makes the difference.

Jesus’ original disciples were mostly ordinary men; quite a few were fishermen by trade. They did not have much schooling or religious training as the Pharisees would have had, but something changed after they spent time with Jesus.

For three years these laborers listened to Jesus’ teachings. They traveled with Him, observed His demeanor in numerous difficult circumstances. and developed a love and belief in His identity as the Son of God. They despaired when Jesus was tortured on a Roman cross but gained new courage and power when they encountered Him after the resurrection and received the Holy Spirit.

In response to their relationship with Jesus these men courageously preached the good news of salvation to all they met. When persecuted they boldly held fast to the truth. Even the disgruntled religious leaders, astounded by the men’s courage despite their lack of education, concluded that these men had been with Jesus.

What an incredible testimony! Although these ordinary men had little in terms of the world’s standards, they were recognized as Jesus’ disciples because of their confidence and courage to stand for truth.

That’s the way it is with people who spend time with the Lord. Slowly His qualities rub off as He changes us into the image of His Son. Everywhere we go we carry the fragrance of Christ. And when that’s the case, people will know.