What Boldness Begets

“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…

‘We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.’ And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened… 

“When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, ‘Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,.. look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold  and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” Acts 4:13,20,-21,23-24,29-35

Holy Spirit boldness had taken Jesus’s disciples by storm, and spread with contagion to all who believed. Brave preaching and standing up to authorities begat boisterous praise and confident prayer. The power and glory of Jesus infected word and deed with magnanimous results. Mouths opened with the gospel, hearts with compassion and love. Fists unclenched to give generously, selfish restraint dissolved into open, grace-filled fellowship. None could deny the bold living instigated at Pentecost.

Consistent time with Jesus and being filled with His Spirit do much to form the inner man and outward expression of faith. The deeper we go with Him, the more surrendered we are to His Spirit, the bolder we will be in passion and practice. The Spirit of God makes remarkable the unremarkable, strong the weak, and courageous the timid. Works done under His sway have great sway with those who observe and marvel, and the gospel can spread.

In what areas am I shy or reluctant to act for my Lord? Where and with whom do I feel threatened and unsettled? Will I choose instead to consider what God can do, and ask Him to minister particular power so I can boldly speak to those who don’t understand, stand firm against questioning or opposition, and trust Him enough to risk giving of myself in lavish ways?

For whom might my boldness be an example that would compel faith and faithful living? How can the Spirit’s fire in me ignite praise and grace in another? What significant changes can bold faith make today?

Lord, fill me with praise and passion to live boldly for Your gospel and glory.