Read Acts 4:1-22

Be Bold For Jesus

The religious leaders were not happy with Peter and John and their activities in the temple. The two apostles were taken into custody and brought before the Sanhedrin. Undaunted by the opposition, Peter boldly declared again the gospel: Jesus was crucified, He was raised from the dead, and He is the only One who can save anyone. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

What Peter said on that day is still true today. The truth upon which Peter and John stood in the first century is the same truth upon which we must stand in this twenty-first century. May we never shrink back from declaring the gospel to those who need it most, to those who trust in themselves and their own power.

The rulers threatened the apostles and “commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). Peter and John refused to back down. They refused to be intimidated. They refused to be silenced. “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

Are you bold in the gospel, or do you hide your faith? Are you afraid of upsetting friends? Of strained relationships within the family? Or do you take advantage of the opportunities to spread the gospel when they are presented to you?

It is important to be prepared for those opportunities and to pray for them. Peter later wrote a letter to Christians and encouraged them, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Are you ready to be bold for Jesus?