“13 When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in response. 15 After they had ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What should we do with these men? For an obvious sign, evident to all who live in Jerusalem, has been done through them, and we cannot deny it! 17 However, so this does not spread any further among the people, lets threaten them against speaking to anyone in this name again.” 18 So they called for them and ordered them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether its right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; 20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After threatening them further, they released them. They found no way to punish them, because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done; 22 for this sign of healing had been performed on a man over 40 years old.”

Acts 4:13-22

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We’ve been conditioned to believe that anyone who speaks this boldly must be some kind of oddball, that they must have something kind-of wrong with them. “People just don’t say those kinds of things,” we might hear. “To speak to the governing authorities in that way? You must want jail time, right? You are inviting ridicule. Are you some crazy street preacher, or what?” 

But what some forget is that this boldness defined the church, not just Peter, not just John or Philip…but the whole church. They were radical in their boldness. Theywere totally counter cultural, and it drew the eyes and hearts of thousands and then millions and eventually billions. Boldness is a trait we should all desire in ourselves. Jesus said that the meek would inherit the earth, but what He didn’t mean by that was for His bride, the church, to slink around like she was ashamed of Him.

Meekness comes because we understand that the power within us does not come from within ourselves. It’s not something we dredge up with much meditation and inward focus. No. This power comes from God. It is His Holy Spirit at work in us and this boldness then comes from His outpouring into us and through us. It is an act of God. 

Peter and John were able to stand in front of these 72 religious leaders and all their entourage, the guards and the onlookers because of the Spirit’s work in them. And surely, surely, the same Holy Spirit that emboldened them to stand in that circumstance can embolden us in our homes, offices and schools. Surely God has enough power to help us speak up to our neighbors and others that we encounter along life’s path. Surely the God who breathes stars into existence can manage this in us, right? 

So GoLove people, tell them the good news of the Gospel! Be bold & speak the truth in love. Pray that God moves mountains through your willingness to let Him move in you. It’s all about Him, all glory for Him.