Speaking with Boldness

And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,

‘WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE,
AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?
‘THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND,
AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER
AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.’

For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:18-31

Persecution was a way of life for the early New Testament church. While the church in America has yet to suffer such persecution, we do live, as the late Francis Schaeffer said, in an increasingly post-Christian world.

Talk about Jesus at the office, mention the church to other parents at an athletic event, or allude to what the Bible says at PTA meetings and you realize the negative stigma that has been attached to the gospel message by our culture. What should be our response? Do we withhold our scriptural beliefs so we won’t offend anyone? Do we just let our lives do the talking instead of our lips?

A consistent Christian lifestyle is a solid witness. We must be wise in our conversations and dealings with others. Nonetheless, we should never be afraid to share our faith in Christ for fear of rejection or stereotyping. Be ready to share man’s only hope for eternal life, but don’t be surprised at negative responses. Thank God for the opportunity, pray for the individual, and continue to let your light shine.