If the early church needed boldness to stand strong for Christ, then we need it too—Discovering the Power of Boldness (Acts 4:12-31) shows us how.
Discovering the Power of Boldness
Boldness isn’t about being loud or reckless—it’s about standing firm when it matters most. We all face moments when fear whispers, “Stay quiet.” Maybe it’s at work, in a tough conversation, or when sharing your faith in Jesus Christ. But what if God wants to replace your fear with courage?
In Acts 4, the disciples weren’t fearless because they were naturally brave. They were bold because they had been with Jesus. That changed everything! The same power that emboldened them is available to us today.
So, how do we live with that kind of boldness? Let’s examine Acts 4:12-31 and find out!
1. The Boldness of Salvation (Acts 4:12)
“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)
A. They Boldly Declared Jesus (Acts 4:12)
Peter didn’t hesitate—he declared, “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). He stood before powerful leaders and made it clear: Jesus alone saves. No plan B, no alternative. Just Jesus.
We live in a world full of “options” for truth, yet the gospel isn’t one of many—it’s the only way. That’s not arrogance; that’s rescue. If someone’s drowning, you don’t offer multiple lifelines—you throw them the only one that saves. That’s Jesus!
B. They Boldly Defended Jesus (Acts 4:12)
The disciples didn’t just declare Jesus; they defended His exclusivity. Salvation isn’t found in good works, religious rituals, or personal effort—it’s Christ alone. That’s not a popular message, but it’s the truth. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
In a world that says, “All roads lead to God,” we must stand firm. Imagine a locked door with one key—Jesus is that key. Anything else leaves people outside. Boldness isn’t just proclaiming truth; it’s refusing to compromise it, no matter the cost.
2. The Boldness of Transformation (Acts 4:13-14)
“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. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.” (Acts 4:13-14)
A. They Boldly Reflected Christ’s Presence (Acts 4:13)
The religious leaders were shocked. These uneducated fishermen spoke with confidence and authority. Why? “They recognized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). His presence shaped them. They didn’t just talk about Jesus; they reflected Him in how they lived.
People notice when we’ve been with Jesus. It’s not about seminary degrees or perfect words—it’s about a transformed life. When we walk with Christ, boldness flows naturally. Like Moses’ face shining after meeting God (Exodus 34:29), time with Jesus makes us stand out in a world desperate for something real.
B. They Boldly Revealed Christ’s Power (Acts 4:13-14)
The healed man stood beside them, undeniable proof of Jesus’ power. Their enemies had no argument because the transformation was real. They could reject the message, but they couldn’t deny the miracle. When God works, even skeptics have to take notice.
Our greatest testimony isn’t just what we say—it’s what Christ has done in us. A changed life is powerful. When people see addictions broken, bitterness replaced with love, or fear turned into courage, they witness God’s power. Real transformation speaks louder than any argument.
“This sermon material provides some thoughts and guidance for preaching through Acts 4:12-31.”
3. The Boldness of Conviction (Acts 4:15-22)
But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, “What shall we do to these men? “… let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” “… We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed. (Acts 4:15-22)
A. They Boldly Obeyed God (Acts 4:15-16)
The authorities ordered them to stop preaching, but Peter and John refused. “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Their obedience wasn’t optional—it was a response to the undeniable truth of Jesus. They couldn’t stay silent.
When God changes your life, obedience becomes natural. You don’t follow Him out of duty but out of conviction. Like a witness in court, you testify to what you’ve experienced. The world pressures us to compromise, but bold faith speaks truth, no matter the cost.
B. They Boldly Overcame Fear (Acts 4:17-22)
Threats didn’t stop them. Fear didn’t silence them. Though the leaders commanded them to stay quiet, they stood firm. Their boldness wasn’t arrogance—it was faith. They knew Jesus was worth more than their comfort, safety, or even their lives (Matthew 10:28).
Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing faith over fear. The early church didn’t rely on emotions; they relied on God’s power. When opposition rises, we must do the same. Standing firm in Christ doesn’t just impact us—it strengthens everyone watching. Boldness is contagious!
4. The Boldness of Prayer (Acts 4:23-31)
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31)
A. They Boldly Sought God’s Power (Acts 4:23-31a)
When threatened, the disciples didn’t pray for protection—they prayed for boldness. Instead of asking for an easier path, they asked for stronger faith. They knew that boldness didn’t come from within but from God’s Spirit working through them (Acts 4:29).
Too often, we pray for safety when we should pray for strength. The early church understood that boldness in Christ required dependence on Christ. Instead of shrinking back in fear, they pressed in through prayer. When we seek God’s power, He gives us courage beyond ourselves.
B. They Boldly Spoke God’s Word (Acts 4:31b)
God answered their prayer immediately. “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). The threats remained, but so did their courage. The Holy Spirit gave them exactly what they needed.
Boldness isn’t personality—it’s power from God. When the Spirit fills us, fear fades, and faith rises. The disciples didn’t just pray; they acted. They preached, testified, and lived out their faith fearlessly. If we want boldness, we must first seek God and then step out in faith!
Conclusion
Boldness isn’t just for the apostles—it’s for us. Like them, we are called to declare Jesus, reflect His presence, and stand firm. The world pressures us to stay silent, but we cannot. If we’ve experienced Christ’s power, we must boldly share Him.
Fear will come, but faith must lead. The disciples didn’t pray for comfort; they prayed for courage. What if we did the same? Instead of avoiding challenges, we should seek God’s strength to face them. The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak truth with confidence, no matter the cost.
So, will you step out in boldness? Will you obey God rather than men? The same Spirit that emboldened Peter and John lives in you. Let’s pray, trust, and proclaim Jesus with unwavering conviction!
Source Material
7 Best Books on Expository Preaching Helping People Prepare Expository Sermons
The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Acts 1-12 by John MacArthur
The Preacher’s Commentary – Volume 28: Acts by Lloyd J. Ogilvie