What other scriptures emphasize boldness in proclaiming the Gospel? Starting with Thessalonica “ But after we had previously suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Paul and Silas refused to let persecution silence them. Scripture repeatedly echoes that same call to fearless proclamation. Boldness on Display in Acts • Acts 4:13 — “When they saw the boldness of Peter and John…they marveled and took note that they had been with Jesus.” • Acts 4:29-31 — The church prays, “enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,” and the Holy Spirit answers by shaking the place and filling them to speak “the word of God boldly.” • Acts 13:46 — Paul and Barnabas “answered them boldly,” refusing to back down when the message was opposed. • Acts 14:3 — “So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord,” and God confirmed their words with signs and wonders. Boldness Urged in Paul’s Letters • 2 Corinthians 3:12 — “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” • Ephesians 6:19-20 — Paul asks prayer “that I may proclaim it boldly, as I ought to.” • Philippians 1:12-14 — Paul’s chains inspire others to “dare much more to speak the word without fear.” • Philippians 1:20 — “I…hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness.” • Colossians 4:3-4 — Pray “that I may declare it clearly, as I should.” • 2 Timothy 1:7-8 — “God has not given us a spirit of fear…So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.” • Romans 1:16 — “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation.” Supporting Voices • Hebrews 10:19-23 — “Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place…let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering.” • Hebrews 4:16 — Confidence before God fuels confidence before people: “Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence.” • Proverbs 28:1 — “The righteous are as bold as a lion.” Foundations for Courage • The Holy Spirit empowers (Acts 4:31). • The gospel itself is God’s power (Romans 1:16). • Eternal hope removes fear of temporal loss (2 Corinthians 3:12; Philippians 1:20). • Prayer unlocks fresh boldness (Acts 4:29; Ephesians 6:19). • Shared testimony encourages others (Philippians 1:14). Practical Steps to Walk in Boldness • Spend time with Jesus—intimacy produces courage (Acts 4:13). • Ask specifically for bold speech, and invite others to pray the same (Ephesians 6:19). • Remember persecutions are opportunities, not obstacles (1 Thessalonians 2:2; Philippians 1:12). • Lean on the Spirit, not personality or skill (2 Timothy 1:7). • Keep the power of the gospel front-and-center; it accomplishes what we cannot (Romans 1:16). |
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