Acts: Speak the Word Boldly

Read: Acts 4:23-31

Peter and John went back to their own people and shared the story of their confrontation with the Sanhedrin. It’s only been a matter of weeks since this group of religious leaders tried and convicted Jesus. There’s no indication they were in hiding, but it’s clear they were not invited to the meeting, now they hear firsthand about the proceedings.

This time they process what they hear differently. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Their conviction is strong and their words reflect the change of heart as they dig deep into prophetic words:

Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.
Acts 4:25-26

They can see the words of prophecy as they relate to Pontius Pilate and Herod, the Pharisees and Sadducees, those who band together in an attempt to fight against the Lord. The Spirit has revealed this to their hearts and minds. Their reaction is to pray as a community.

Two Things

Those gathered prayed with great enthusiasm for two things: to speak the Word boldly and for the Spirit to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Jesus.

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29

The glory is not their own. The boldness with which they seek is not focused on fame and glory, it is simply to demonstrate the power and authority of the name above all names, Jesus.

They ask to perform signs and wonders to reveal God’s amazing concern for His people and desire to make them whole again, even in this earthly life.

The heavenly amen is felt when the room shakes.

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

There are times when the presence of the Holy Spirit is thick and we can feel His hand on our shoulders as we pray. This is difficult to express in words, but the sensation is euphoric, a mountaintop experience that we need from time to time to recharge our batteries and prepare for another day.

Holy Spirit, we pray for boldness today, for the ability to speak powerful words with authority to those who seek to know You. Be with us as Your witnesses in this world. Help us as we seek those who are lost and keep us humble in the process, always giving You the glory.