How can we apply Paul's courage in Acts 9:28 to our daily lives? The Scene in Acts 9:28 “So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.” (Acts 9:28) Key Observations • Paul’s courage is expressed by “moving about freely”—he refuses to hide. • He “speaks boldly”—his words line up with his new life in Christ. • His courage flows from recent conversion (Acts 9:3-22) and filling with the Spirit (Acts 9:17). • He acts in fellowship; the Jerusalem believers have welcomed him (Acts 9:26-28). Principles for Today 1. Boldness is normal Christian living. The gospel re-creates timid sinners into courageous witnesses (2 Timothy 1:7). 2. Freedom comes from forgiven identity. Paul’s past persecution no longer defines him; neither must our past define us (2 Corinthians 5:17). 3. Spirit-empowered speech advances God’s purposes, not self-promotion (Ephesians 6:19-20). 4. Courage often requires community support—note the believers who vouch for Paul (Acts 9:27). 5. Risk is assumed; safety is not the highest good when Christ’s name is at stake (Acts 20:24). Putting It into Practice • Start the day remembering whose you are—“Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). • Pray specifically for boldness before conversations, meetings, or classes. • Speak the gospel naturally: reference Scripture, share testimony, offer prayer in public settings. • Identify one fear-zone (workplace, neighborhood, social media) and purposefully “move about freely” there for Christ this week. • Replace self-conscious thoughts with God-conscious promises like Joshua 1:9 and Hebrews 13:6. • Link arms with believing friends; debrief successes and failures, then encourage one another to keep going. • Celebrate small acts of obedience—courage grows through use. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) • “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) • “Pray also for me, that…the mystery of the gospel… I may proclaim it boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:19-20) • “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6) Checklist for Daily Courage ☐ Am I convinced of the truth and authority of Scripture today? ☐ Have I asked the Spirit for boldness? ☐ Do I know my audience and plan to mention Jesus? ☐ Is my fellowship circle praying for me? ☐ Will I accept risk rather than silence the gospel? Adopt Paul’s pattern: stay with the saints, move about freely, and speak boldly in the name of the Lord. |
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