Empowered to be Bold

May 19, 2025 7:42 PM
Empowered to be Bold
In Acts chapter 4, we witness the aftermath of Peter and John’s healing of a crippled man at the temple gate (Acts 3). Their miraculous act and subsequent teaching about Jesus Christ drew the attention—and ire—of the religious authorities. Despite being ordered to stop preaching in Jesus’ name, Peter and John responded not with fear but with boldness. This episode invites us to explore the source of such courage and consider how we, too, might stand firm under pressure.

Boldness Rooted in Relationship (Acts 4:13–14)

“When the Jewish leaders saw the boldness of Peter and John, and they realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and recognized them as companions of Jesus. And because of their confidence, they spoke with boldness.” (NLT)

1. Evidence of Transformation  

The Sanhedrin expected uneducated Galilean fishermen to shrink from confrontation. Instead, Peter and John demonstrated a confidence that could only come from intimate fellowship with Jesus. Their words carried weight not because of formal training but because their lives bore witness to the risen Christ.  

2. Our Call to Bold Witness  

  • Personal Connection: Just as Peter and John spent time with Jesus—learning, serving, and observing—we deepen our own relationship through prayer, Scripture reading, and obedient living.  
  • Empowered Speech: When our identity is anchored in Christ, we can speak truth to power without reliance on human credentials.

3. Reflection Questions  

  • What challenges have you faced that tested your faith?  
  • Have you had opportunities to share your faith boldly? How did you respond?  
  • In what ways can you seek a deeper relationship with Jesus to strengthen your faith?  
  • Pray now for courage to be open about your faith in difficult situations.  
  • Ask God to help you recognize opportunities for boldness today.  

Prayer for Boldness (Acts 4:29–30)

“Now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (NLT)

1. Prayer Amid Persecution  Notice that the early believers did not ask God to remove opposition. Instead, they requested greater boldness and the continuation of signs that would authenticate their message. This prayer reveals two key convictions: God’s sovereignty over circumstances, and the paramount importance of advancing the gospel.  

2. Expecting God’s Response  
  • Strength over Simplicity: Boldness may not remove trials; rather, it equips us to face them.  
  • Dependence on the Spirit: It is the Holy Spirit who emboldens us. As we pray, “Fill me,” we invite God’s power to transform our fear into faith-driven action.  
3. Reflection Questions  
  • How do you typically respond when faced with opposition or difficulty?  
  • What does your prayer life look like when times get tough?  
  • Can you recall a moment when God empowered you to act boldly?  
  • Ask God now to fill you with the Holy Spirit and give you boldness today.  
  • Reflect on areas in your life where you can declare God’s truth despite opposition.  

Living with Courage in Uncertain Times

The story of Acts 4 challenges us to examine the source of our courage. Are we relying on our abilities, or on Christ’s presence within us? When we invest in our relationship with Jesus and regularly seek the Spirit’s filling through prayer, we equip ourselves to stand firm under scrutiny, to speak with authority, and to act in love—no matter the circumstances.  

As Mosaic Church members, let us encourage one another to pursue these practices. In small groups, Bible studies, or casual conversations, may our lives echo the boldness of the early church. And when opposition arises—whether in the workplace, among friends, or within our own hearts—let us pray not for easier paths, but for the courage to walk the one God has set before us.  

Closing Prayer  
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of the early church. Grant us the same boldness to proclaim Your name and live according to Your will. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may overcome fear and embrace every opportunity to share the hope we have in Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.