The first followers of Jesus were not much by worldly standards. The Jewish Council sized up their leaders Peter and John pretty quickly: “they were uneducated, common men” (Acts 4:13). Yet, there was something else: boldness. Normally, boldness comes from years of schooling to prove expertise or from having the wealth or influence to get things done. Yet these guys? They had no grounds for being that bold, except for one: “they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). So when challenged by their people’s ruling authorities, Peter and John did not flinch: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).
Boldness was not limited to that pair, either. Upon their release, they prayed with their friends, “Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29). That prayer was clearly according to God’s will, because He answered it mightily. “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). Speak it and live it: every disciple boldly opened their hearts, souls, and even possessions to each other (Acts 4:32-35). Even as some who came for help were too afraid to join the disciples, they still “held them in high esteem” (Acts 5:13).
The disciples boldly responded to problems, too. When some widows were being left out, they identified “seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom” to take it on (Acts 6:3). When persecution forced many disciples to flee Jerusalem, “those who were scattered went about preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). As Jesus later told their persecutor-turned-apostle Paul, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent” (Acts 18:10).
World-changing boldness is not out-of-reach for us. Jesus’ first followers were perfectly common. If anything, we have more advantages with our wealth, education, and technology. Yet, will we get so close to Jesus that it shows? Will we pray for boldness and then go live it? Will we choose not to be afraid and start speaking up for Jesus? As we do, prepare to be shaken.
There are so many reasons to be afraid right now. Because we are with Jesus, we do not have to be. Check out our sermon series “Do Not Be Afraid” to learn more!