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The Boldness of the Believer

 

Acts 4:13 - Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 

How bold would you and I be if we were summoned before the council to defend our faith? Christians need boldness in this day when so many Christians cringe before the enemy and fail to stand up for Christ. Where does this boldness come from?

It came from being with Jesus. “Unlearned and ignorant” does not mean stupid or dumb; it means “not taught in the schools.” Peter and John did not get their message or their power from some Rabbi; they received it as they walked with Christ. The more we abide in Christ, the more He puts His strength in us and enables us to be bold in our witness. 

Boldness also comes from prayer as they prayed in Acts 4:29. The Apostles hurried back to their fellow Christians, and together they prayed for boldness. Note it was not for boldness to argue or to fight, but boldness to witness for the Lord in the face of ridicule and persecution.

Finally, boldness comes from the Spirit’s fullness as we read in Acts 4:31. “The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own,” warns the hymn writer. Only the Holy Spirit can take hold of your mind and heart and lips and make you a bold witness for Christ. How eager the Spirit is to use you as His witness. If you are grieving Him in any way, He will never fill you and use you; but if you are surrendered to Him, He will make you a courageous witness for Christ. 

Take time to read Hebrews 4:14-16. You will discover that the Christian can have boldness on earth because he has boldness in Heaven at the Throne of grace!

From – “Thoughts for Men on the Move” by Warren Wiersbe