The Gospel Produces Boldness Series

THE GOSPEL PRODUCES BOLDNESS

Acts 4:1-13

INTRODUCTION:

A. Random Houses Webster’s College Dictionary defines “bold” as 1) not hesitating or fearful in the face of danger – courageous; or 2) scorning or ignoring the rules of propriety; forward; impudent

1. In one manner of speaking boldness can be a good thing, but in different circumstances it could be a bad thing

2. To have the boldness to rush into a burning building to save a life would be a good thing

3. However, Husbands when your wife tries on a new dress and asks, “Does This make me look fat? To say, “Yes, like a barn” would in deed be bold but utterly stupid, as well!

B. So I ask you, “Have you ever just wanted to be bold about something?”

1. I watch these folks bungee jumping or base jumping and I think, “That looks fun.”

2. But I don’t think I could do it – I don’t think I could get up that kind of boldness – the kind that over turns fear, and sets one free, so to speak.

C. In our Scripture passage this evening I see both ends of the spectrum when it comes to boldness: the good and the bad.

1. Lets read Acts 4:1-13 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, [2] Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. [3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. [4] Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. [5] And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, [6] And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. [7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, [9] If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; [10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. [11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. [12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. [13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

2. Here I saw three things I want to share with you

a. In the Proclamation of the Gospel its enemies become bold

b. In the Proclamation of the Gospel its messengers will be made bold

c. God given boldness will be a witness for Jesus

D. May God give us a boldness to be a witness for Him.

PRAY

Jesus had said, But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them (Mark 13:9) so it should not have been a surprise to Peter, nor should it be a surprise to us when in the process of

I. THE PROCLIMATION OF THE GOSPEL ITS ENEMIES BECOME BOLD, Acts 4:1-7 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, [2] Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. [3] And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. [4] Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. [5] And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, [6] And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. [7] And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?