Let’s Talk: Boldness in Christ
"And now, Lord, 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.” When they had prayed, the place where they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." — Acts 4:29-31
The Importance of Context
Understanding context is key to interpreting scripture. We can summarize this with three C’s: Context, Content, and Christ.
To grasp the significance of these key verses, let’s explore what’s happening in Acts 4.
Exploring Context
First, let’s highlight three pivotal events leading up to this moment:
1. The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus: Jesus not only resurrected from the dead but also ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11).
2. The Holy Spirit's Arrival: The promised Holy Spirit came upon those who believed in Christ to dwell and permanently make His home (Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4).
3. The Growth of the Church: The name of Jesus was spreading, with miracles performed in His name, such as the healing of a man crippled since birth (Acts 3:1-10).
With this background, we see Peter and John—disciples and apostles—boldly preaching about Jesus. Their actions, particularly the miraculous healing of the cripple man, alarmed the religious and political leaders who had conspired against Jesus.
Despite their efforts to undermine Jesus’ ministry: “But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of men came to about five thousand” (Acts 4:4). In fear they sought to silence Peter and John (Acts 4:18), yet, filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter and John continued to boldly declare that salvation comes only through Jesus.
How did they do this?
Look back at Acts 4:8; 19-20
Look forward to our key verses, Acts 4:29-31
Understanding Content
In response to the threats, the church gathered to pray. First, they recognized God’s sovereignty in their circumstances (Acts 4:23-28). Then, rather than asking for God to change their situation, they sought boldness to continue to proclaim His word in spite of it (Acts 4:29). They understood that true power comes from God stretching out His hand, not them (Acts 4:30).
As a result of their humble prayer, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to continue their ministry with renewed courage (Acts 4:31).
Applying in Christ
Do you lack boldness in your faith? Are you a Christian only in certain settings or when it’s convenient? This passage challenges us to fully live out our faith—through our words, actions, and in our community—especially in the face of persecution.
In Acts 4, the church exemplified a unified body, growing in one heart and soul (Acts 4:32) and living out the gospel in every aspect of life. Peter and John’s response to their accusers is not only powerful but one we must meditate on and live by: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).
A Prayer For Boldness
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being our Sovereign God. May Your Spirit fill us anew, empowering us to boldly proclaim our Savior Jesus, the only name by which we can be saved! In Jesus' name, Amen.
May we proclaim that ‘we cannot but speak or live of what we have seen and heard!' In other words, may everything we do proclaim that I cannot but speak of Christ and I cannot but live for Christ!
