Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionHoly Boldness is a term often used to describe the fearless and courageous proclamation of the Gospel by believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This concept is vividly illustrated in the lives of the apostles Peter and John, particularly in the early chapters of the Book of Acts. Their boldness in the face of opposition serves as a model for Christian witness and evangelism. Biblical Context The account of Peter and John's holy boldness is primarily found in Acts 3 and 4. Following the ascension of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the apostles were emboldened to preach the Gospel with power and authority. This newfound courage was not of their own making but was a direct result of the Holy Spirit's work in their lives. Acts 3: Healing at the Temple Gate The narrative begins in Acts 3, where Peter and John encounter a lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful. In a demonstration of faith and divine power, Peter declares, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" (Acts 3:6). The miraculous healing of the man draws a crowd, providing Peter with an opportunity to preach about Jesus as the Messiah and the source of salvation. Acts 4: Confrontation with the Sanhedrin The boldness of Peter and John becomes even more evident in Acts 4. As they speak to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees confront them, disturbed by their teaching about the resurrection of the dead through Jesus. Despite being arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaims, "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed" (Acts 4:8-10). The Source of Boldness The boldness of Peter and John is attributed to their relationship with Jesus and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:13 notes, "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus" . Their confidence was not rooted in human wisdom or eloquence but in their intimate knowledge of Christ and the truth of the Gospel. Prayer for Boldness After being released, Peter and John return to their fellow believers and report what had happened. In response, the community prays for continued boldness: "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness" (Acts 4:29). This prayer highlights the dependence of the early church on divine empowerment to carry out their mission. Impact and Legacy The holy boldness of Peter and John had a profound impact on the early church and the spread of Christianity. Their fearless witness in the face of persecution inspired other believers to stand firm in their faith. Acts 4:31 records that after they prayed, "the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly" . Conclusion The example of Peter and John serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Their holy boldness continues to inspire Christians to proclaim the Gospel with courage and conviction, trusting in the presence and power of God to overcome any opposition. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 4:8-13Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them, You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Peter and John Examined by the Council. At the Temple Gate John xxi. 15 'Then Shall the Lame Man Leap as an Hart' The Ministration of the Spirit and Prayer Courage The First Blast of Tempest With and Like Christ Obedient Disobedience Acts IV Resources What is the importance and value of group prayer? | GotQuestions.orgIs there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say that would apply to selfie culture? | GotQuestions.org Boldness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Boldness: Instances of, in Prayer: Abraham Boldness: Instances of, in Prayer: Moses Holy Boldness is Through Faith in Christ Holy Boldness: A Characteristic of Saints Holy Boldness: Christ Set an Example of Holy Boldness: Exhortations To Holy Boldness: Express Your Trust in God With Holy Boldness: Have, in Prayer Holy Boldness: Joseph of Arimathaea Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in Faithfulness to Their People Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in Preaching Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in Reproving Sin Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in The Face of Opposition Holy Boldness: Produced by Faithfulness to God Holy Boldness: Produced by The Fear of God Holy Boldness: Produced by Trust in God Holy Boldness: Saints Shall Have, in Judgment Related Terms |
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