Understanding the Power of Boldness (Acts 4:1-11) reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives us strength to speak the truth, even when pressure tries to silence us.
Understanding the Power of Boldness
We live in a world that loves comfort, but boldness isn’t comfortable. It takes courage to stand for truth when pressure rises. Peter and John didn’t shrink back when opposition came; they stepped forward. They weren’t loud for attention—they were bold for Jesus.
The same Spirit that empowered them empowers us today. Boldness doesn’t come from personality or willpower but from knowing who Jesus is. When we understand the power of boldness, we stop fearing people and start trusting God.
So, what does boldness look like? How do we proclaim, stand, and declare like Peter and John? Let’s have a look!
1. The Boldness to Proclaim (Acts 4:1-4)
The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. (Acts 4:1-4)
A. They Proclaimed Despite Opposition (Acts 4:1-3)
The moment Peter and John preached Jesus, opposition came. The religious leaders, disturbed by their message, arrested them. But notice—persecution didn’t silence them. They didn’t argue, complain, or compromise. They kept preaching because the gospel isn’t shaped by resistance; it’s fueled by truth (2 Timothy 3:12).
Opposition isn’t a sign to stop—it’s confirmation we’re on the right path. Jesus warned that the world would resist His name (John 15:18-20). Yet, like Peter and John, we must proclaim Christ boldly, knowing that truth will always challenge those who reject it but transform those who receive it.
B. They Proclaimed with Conviction (Acts 4:4)
Despite the threats, their message carried power. Thousands believed—not because Peter was persuasive but because he preached Jesus with conviction. Conviction isn’t volume; it’s unshakable faith. When truth is spoken from a heart fully convinced, it penetrates even the hardest resistance (Hebrews 4:12).
We need that same confidence today. The world may reject us, but God’s word never returns empty (Isaiah 55:11). Peter and John didn’t focus on opposition; they focused on Jesus. And because they proclaimed with conviction, lives were changed. That’s the power of boldness!
“This sermon material provides some thoughts and guidance for preaching through Acts 4:1-11.”
2. The Boldness to Stand (Acts 4:5-8)
The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!” (Acts 4:5-8)
A. They Stood Before Authority (Acts 4:6-7)
Peter and John stood before the most powerful religious leaders of their time—men who had the power to imprison or execute them. Yet, they didn’t flinch. They didn’t beg for mercy. They stood with confidence, knowing they answered to a higher authority—God Himself (Acts 5:29).
Fear could have silenced them, but faith gave them strength. The same Sanhedrin that condemned Jesus now questioned His followers. Yet, instead of retreating, they stood boldly, proving that true courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s standing firm despite it (Joshua 1:9).
B. They Stood with the Spirit (Acts 4:8)
Peter wasn’t bold because of his personality; he was bold because of the Holy Spirit. Filled with power, he spoke with wisdom beyond himself. When God calls us to stand, He never leaves us alone—His Spirit gives us words and strength (Luke 12:11-12).
This wasn’t the same Peter who denied Jesus out of fear. This was a transformed man, emboldened by the Spirit’s presence. When we rely on God’s Spirit instead of our strength, we stop worrying about what to say and start trusting who speaks through us!
3. The Boldness to Declare (Acts 4:9-11)
If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.” (Acts 4:9-11)
A. They Declared the Source (Acts 4:9-10)
Peter didn’t take credit for the healing. He didn’t point to his own faith or power. He boldly declared that the man was healed “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth”—the same Jesus the rulers had rejected and crucified (Acts 4:10).
When God moves, we must point people to Jesus. The world loves vague spirituality, but we declare a specific name—Jesus, the only Savior. Like Peter, we don’t soften the message to avoid offense. We boldly proclaim Christ as the true source of healing and salvation (John 14:6).
B. They Declared the Truth (Acts 4:11)
Peter didn’t just preach Jesus—he confronted the leaders with truth. He quoted Psalm 118:22, declaring that Jesus is “the stone you builders rejected”—the one they dismissed as insignificant had become the foundation of God’s salvation plan.
This truth still challenges hearts today. Many reject Jesus, thinking they can build life without Him. But He is the cornerstone, the foundation that holds everything together. Without Him, everything crumbles. Boldness means declaring, without hesitation, that Jesus is not optional—He is essential (Ephesians 2:20, Colossians 1:17).
Conclusion
Boldness isn’t just for Peter and John—it’s for us. The same Holy Spirit that empowered them empowers us to proclaim, stand, and declare Christ. Opposition will come, but fear doesn’t have to win. When we know Jesus, we can speak with confidence, no matter the cost.
Think about your own life. Where is God calling you to be bold? Maybe it’s sharing your faith at work, standing firm in truth, or trusting Him in uncertainty. Boldness isn’t about being fearless—it’s about trusting that God is bigger than our fears.
So let’s live with boldness. Let’s proclaim Jesus, stand in His strength, and declare His name with conviction. The world needs truth. Let’s not stay silent!
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