Bold Words (#308 of 365+)

“Now, Lord… enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness” (Acts 4:29)

A group of believers in the first church prayed these words with Peter and
John after the two apostles were imprisoned, interrogated, and then finally released by the Sanhedrin. All they had done was heal a crippled man and teach about the resurrection of the dead! But the powerful governing body of Jewish officials was prejudiced against Christ and his followers, so they exercised their legal and investigative authority as a way to intimidate and silence the message of uneducated men.

However, the court hearing didn’t go exactly according to their plans. Peter, a fisherman with a reputation of putting his foot in his mouth, was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke quite eloquently in their defense. It surprised everyone, even Peter and John (I imagine), but Jesus had predicted these events would happen.

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:11-12)

“For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict” (Luke 21:15)

Peter spoke both from scripture and from personal experience (Acts 4:8-12). None of the 70+ high-ranking Jewish officials in attendance could come up with a decent argument. So they resorted to threats and warnings. They tried to use fear as a weapon… but they were toying with men of faith. Soon after their release, Peter and John shared their experience with other believers and everyone prayed together that they would continue to speak God’s word with boldness.

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31)

Lord, even if I’m having a good day and I choose words that “pack a punch” or “cut to the quick”—my words will never have the power to give LIFE and LIGHT like your Word does. Thank you for your Word. May I be reminded of scripture verses and Jesus’ words today, especially when I’m in the presence of someone who desperately needs to hear a special word from you. Amen.