Passionate boldness

When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, . . . they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. — Acts 4:13

A young man was preaching to the passersby in Hounslow, on the outskirts of London, England. Most ignored him, a few ridiculed, and several stopped to listen. But regardless of the reaction of the people, he was undeterred. With a strong voice and clear resolve, he poured out his heart — not with the words of an angry prophet, but with deep concern for the men and women on that street. His eyes, facial expression, and tone of voice revealed an attitude of compassion, not condemnation. In it all, he boldly shared the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

In Acts 4, when the church was still new, Peter and John also boldly addressed the people of their generation. The response of the leaders of their day? “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (v. 13). That boldness was not the fruit of ministerial training but of much time spent in the presence of the Master. As a result, they had become passionate about what concerned Christ — the eternal destiny of men and women.

That same passionate boldness was on the face of the young man in Hounslow. Do people see it in us? — Bill Crowder

Will you be bold in your witness

By giving lost sinners God’s Word?

Jesus will honor your service,

And sinners will surely be stirred. — Bosch

READ: Acts 4:5-13

A Christian is an ambassador who speaks for the King of kings.

The Bible in one year:

• Nehemiah 10-11

• Acts 4:1-22