How does Peter's boldness in Acts 4:8 inspire your own faith-sharing efforts? Peter’s Spirit-Filled Courage “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers and elders of the people!’” (Acts 4:8) • Luke reports a literal event: Peter truly stands before the Sanhedrin, empowered by the very Spirit Jesus promised (Acts 1:8). • His confidence is not natural bravado; it flows from the indwelling Spirit who “will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 12:12). • The same Spirit who filled Peter now dwells in every believer (Romans 8:11). Boldness Rooted in the Gospel • Just weeks earlier Peter denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62). Resurrection reality and Pentecost power transformed him. • Acts 4:10-12 shows he centers his defense on Jesus’ name, crucifixion, and resurrection—nothing else fuels true courage. • Boldness is therefore a by-product of clear gospel conviction, not a personality trait. Practical Encouragement for Your Witness • Expect the Spirit’s help. He “gave us a spirit not of fear but of power” (2 Timothy 1:7). • Speak even when feeling outnumbered. Peter faced Israel’s highest court; most of our situations are far less intimidating. • Keep the focus on Jesus, not on winning arguments. Peter swiftly moved from defense to proclamation (Acts 4:10-12). • Trust Scripture’s sufficiency. Peter quoted Psalm 118:22 (Acts 4:11); the written Word still carries divine authority today. Scripture Highlights of Courageous Speech • Acts 1:8—“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses.” • Ephesians 6:19-20—Paul asks prayer “that I may open my mouth boldly.” • 1 Peter 3:15—“Always be prepared to give a defense…yet with gentleness and respect.” • Proverbs 28:1—“The righteous are as bold as a lion.” Putting It into Practice Today 1. Begin each day surrendering to the Spirit’s control; His filling fuels fearlessness. 2. Rehearse the gospel’s core truths so they spill out naturally in conversation. 3. Remember past failures don’t disqualify you—Peter’s denial became a backdrop for greater testimony. 4. Engage respectfully with authorities, coworkers, or neighbors, confident that Christ’s authority outweighs human opposition. 5. Celebrate small steps of obedience; each act of Spirit-energized boldness strengthens the next. |
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