How can Acts 4:7 inspire boldness in sharing our faith with others? Verse for Today “They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: ‘By what power or what name did you do this?’” (Acts 4:7) Setting the Scene • Peter and John have just healed the lame man (Acts 3). • The religious leaders—disturbed by the miracle and the preaching of Jesus’ resurrection—arrest the apostles overnight (Acts 4:1-3). • Now, in the morning, they drag them before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court, demanding an explanation. Why This Moment Matters • The Sanhedrin wields real power: they can imprison, flog, or even seek death sentences (cf. Acts 5:40; 7:57-60). • Peter and John stand where Jesus Himself stood only weeks earlier (Luke 22:66-71). • Their response will set the tone for the church’s public witness from Jerusalem “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). What We Learn About Boldness 1. Boldness begins with a settled conviction about Jesus’ authority. ‑ Peter answers, “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead” (Acts 4:10). ‑ Knowing Jesus is risen and reigning removes fear of earthly courts (Matthew 28:18; Hebrews 13:6). 2. Boldness flows from the filling of the Holy Spirit. ‑ Verse 8: “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” ‑ The same Spirit indwelling believers today empowers our witness (Ephesians 5:18; 2 Timothy 1:7-8). 3. Boldness is expressed through clarity, not aggression. ‑ Peter gives a straightforward, respectful answer (Acts 4:9-12). ‑ We speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), seasoning words “with salt” (Colossians 4:6). 4. Boldness depends on Scripture’s unchanging truth. ‑ Peter quotes Psalm 118:22 (Acts 4:11), grounding his defense in God’s Word. ‑ Confidence grows when our message rests on what God has plainly revealed (Isaiah 55:11). 5. Boldness expects opposition but trusts God with the outcome. ‑ The council threatens them, yet they reply, “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). ‑ Jesus promised such resistance and promised His presence in it (John 15:18-20; Matthew 10:19-20). Practical Takeaways for Everyday Witness • Start each day reminding yourself whose name you bear—Jesus’ name carries all authority. • Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you before conversations arise. • Keep a clear, simple explanation of the gospel ready, anchored in Scripture. • Remember that respectful dialogue can still be firm and uncompromising. • Leave results in God’s hands; your call is faithfulness, not outcomes. Encouraging Cross-References • Acts 1:8—power to be witnesses. • Romans 1:16—the gospel “is the power of God for salvation.” • 1 Peter 3:15—“always be prepared to give an answer… yet with gentleness and respect.” • Joshua 1:9—“Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you.” Acts 4:7 reminds us that when questioned about our faith, we stand in the same long line of witnesses who trusted the risen Christ, spoke the truth plainly, and watched God move. That reality can turn intimidation into holy courage today. |
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