How can we emulate Peter's boldness in proclaiming Jesus in Acts 3:13? Setting the Scene Acts 3 opens with Peter and John heading to the temple at the hour of prayer. After the Spirit-empowered healing of the lame man, a crowd gathers, and Peter seizes the moment: “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus. You handed Him over and disowned Him before Pilate, though he had decided to release Him.” (Acts 3:13) What Boldness Looked Like for Peter • Spoke publicly in the very courtyard where Jesus had recently been condemned • Identified Jesus unambiguously as God’s glorified Servant • Confronted the crowd with their sin—“You handed Him over” • Magnified God’s saving action over human failure Roots of Peter’s Courage • Filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; 4:8) • Anchored in fulfilled prophecy (Acts 3:18, 24) • Convinced Jesus is alive and glorified (Acts 3:15) • Obedient to Christ’s commission—“You will be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8) Ways to Emulate Peter’s Boldness Today 1. Lean on the Spirit’s Power – Pray for fresh filling (Ephesians 5:18) – Trust the promise: “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power” (2 Timothy 1:7) 2. Keep Jesus Central – Declare who He is: Servant, Holy One, Author of Life (Acts 3:13–15) – Elevate His work above personal stories and opinions 3. Speak the Truth in Love – Name sin honestly yet offer repentance and refreshing (Acts 3:19) – Refuse to soften the gospel to avoid discomfort (Romans 1:16) 4. Ground Your Words in Scripture – Peter quotes Moses, Samuel, and the prophets (Acts 3:22–24) – Memorize key passages that exalt Christ (Isaiah 53; Psalm 2) 5. Live Consistently – A healed life authenticated Peter’s message; let transformed conduct back up your words (1 Peter 2:12) 6. Expect Pushback, Press On – Opposition arrived immediately (Acts 4:1–3) – Pray for continued boldness, not escape (Acts 4:29–31) 7. Encourage One Another – Peter stood with John; boldness multiplies in fellowship (Hebrews 10:24–25) Living It Out • Start conversations that naturally point to Christ’s glory. • Share a concise testimony of what He has done for you this week. • Offer Scripture, not merely sentiment, when addressing needs. • Remember: the same God who empowered Peter indwells every believer; His mission has not changed. |
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