When we think of the early church, one of the first things that stands out is how boldly they proclaimed the gospel, even when it wasn’t safe. They didn’t shy away from sharing their faith, even when it could (and often did) land them in serious trouble. The source of their boldness wasn’t their own strength—it was the Holy Spirit. Today, we’ll look at how the early believers relied on the Spirit to give them the courage they needed, and what that means for us when we face challenges in living out our faith.
Standing Strong in the Face of Opposition
In Acts 3, we see Peter and John heal a man who had been lame from birth. It’s a miracle that draws a crowd, and Peter takes the opportunity to preach about Jesus. But not everyone was thrilled with what was happening. In Acts 4:1-3, the religious leaders—the same ones who had condemned Jesus—arrest Peter and John. They want to shut them down, just like they tried to do with Jesus.
Here’s the remarkable thing: Peter and John don’t back down. When they’re asked to explain by what power or name they performed the miracle, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaims, "It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead" (Acts 4:10). He doesn’t hold back, even knowing it could cost him.
This wasn’t the same Peter who denied Jesus out of fear (Luke 22:54-62). This was Peter filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking with courage and conviction. That’s what the Spirit does—He takes our fears and insecurities and replaces them with boldness to speak the truth.
The Source of Boldness: The Holy Spirit
The key to Peter and John’s boldness is found in Acts 4:8: “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them...” Their courage didn’t come from their own ability or confidence; it came from the Holy Spirit working through them. Jesus had promised this kind of power before He left: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8).
That same promise applies to us. When we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, we’re empowered to stand firm in our faith, even when it’s uncomfortable or risky. The Spirit gives us the words to say and the courage to say them, just as He did with Peter and John.
Praying for Boldness
After Peter and John are released, they go back to the other believers and report what happened. Instead of praying for safety or protection, they pray for more boldness! Acts 4:29-31 says: "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." And what happens next? "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."
They knew that the answer to persecution wasn’t to back down—it was to lean into the Holy Spirit for more boldness. When we face challenges in our own lives—whether it’s sharing our faith, standing up for what we believe, or living out our convictions—we can pray for the same boldness they did, trusting that the Holy Spirit will give us what we need.
Why Boldness Matters Today
It might feel like persecution isn’t something we face in the same way the early church did, but the need for boldness is still real. Whether it’s the fear of being judged, losing opportunities, or simply feeling uncomfortable, we often find ourselves hesitating to speak up about our faith. But just like the early believers, we’re not called to live in fear.
Paul reminds Timothy of this when he says, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7). The Holy Spirit living inside us gives us the strength to stand firm in the face of opposition and to live out our faith courageously. We’re not alone in this—God equips us for every situation we face.
Taking Bold Steps in Faith
The early church didn’t just pray for boldness—they acted on it. They kept preaching, kept healing, and kept living out the gospel, no matter what came their way. We’re called to do the same. Maybe for you, that means having a conversation about your faith with a coworker or family member. Maybe it means standing firm in your beliefs when the pressure is on to compromise. Whatever it is, know that the Holy Spirit is with you, just like He was with Peter, John, and the rest of the early church.
Reflection:
In what areas of your life do you need more boldness?
How can you lean on the Holy Spirit when you feel hesitant or afraid?
Scriptures for Further Reading:
Acts 4:1-31 – The boldness of Peter and John in the face of opposition.
Acts 1:8 – Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit will give us power to be His witnesses.
2 Timothy 1:7 – The Spirit doesn’t make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.
Ephesians 6:19-20 – Paul’s request for prayer that he would speak the gospel fearlessly.
We may not face the same kind of persecution as the early church, but the need for boldness is still real. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with courage and help us live out our faith without hesitation, no matter what comes our way.
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