Boldness from the Holy Spirit
by Pastor Fraser Pearce
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We cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard (Acts 4:20).
Read Acts 4:13–22
Today we hear about the boldness the Holy Spirit gave the apostles.
Of course, the apostles were not always so bold. They fled on the night Jesus was betrayed, and Peter went so far as to deny with an oath that he even knew who Jesus was. But, after the resurrection, the apostles were restored to a right relationship with Jesus; on the day of Pentecost, they were given the gift of the Holy Spirit to tell people about what Jesus had done. The power of their speech came not from their worldly education or outstanding personal gifts. Rather, it came from the Holy Spirit.
In today’s reading, we hear about the opposition that Peter and John face for speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus. The same leaders who wanted to silence Jesus also wanted to silence the apostles. But Peter and John stand firm in the faith that God had given them. All of Jerusalem, including the leaders, could see the sign of healing done in Jesus’ name. So, the leaders had no choice but to release the apostles, even if they did so with threats. The leaders could command the apostles not to teach or speak in Jesus’ name, but Peter and John could not keep from sharing the Spirit-inspired message of what they had seen and heard Jesus say and do.
You have come to faith because people have told you the good news about Jesus. You have received the Holy Spirit because people have shared the healing word of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name with you. You don’t need a worldly education or special personal gifts to pass on the good things you have received. You can be prepared to speak boldly about Jesus when people want to know about the hope in you (1 Peter 3:5,6).
Thank you, Father, for sending people to tell me about what Jesus has said and done. Please give me your Holy Spirit so that I may be bold in the life of Christian love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Fraser Pearce grew up in Sydney and has served as a pastor in Melbourne, Bendigo and Adelaide. He is married to Margaret, and they have four children, ranging in age from 15 to 24. Fraser enjoys being with family and friends, listening to (and playing) music and reading.
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