Being Bold for Jesus

I. Introduction

A. 7 questions that must be asked in an Asian country (below)

II. Bold in Message (20-21)

A. Exegesis

1. The cause of their arrest

a) It is amazing that they are in the temple preaching in the first place – they are unafraid of those who killed Jesus

(1) They knew the Holy Spirit had power

(2) They knew the message had power – it is the power of God unto salvation

b) The people held them in high esteem (13) - They had been preaching and their message had an impact

c) More than ever believers were being added to their number (14) – Their message was having an effect

2. They are released from the prison by an angel who says to them,

a) “Go and Stand in the temple

(1) The Greek holds the idea of taking a stand – not being moved

b) and speak to the people all the words of this life”

(1) It was not just any life

(2) It is “This life” – the one given by God through the power of the Cross and by the power of the Holy Spirit

3. Their response is to go into the temple and begin teaching – They are bold and fearless to do what they have seen and been told by the angel

B. Application

1. They believe in the message of the gospel

a) They have seen it’s power

b) They have felt it’s power in their own lives

2. They cannot not speak of what they have seen and heard

3. Therefore, they will risk persecution, imprisonment, and even stoning to talk about the word of God

4. What is it that stops us?

a) Do we not believe?

b) Have we not experienced it?

5. We must be bold in sharing the message of Christ

III. Bold in Persistence (25-28)

A. Exegesis

1. Once out of prison, they return to the center of attention by teaching in the temple again – They don’t even hide and teach in an alternative location

2. They are arrested again

3. When the council questions them they state that they had strictly told them not to preach in the name of Jesus

a) They refuse to speak the name of Jesus

b) They refuse to mention the miracle that has just happened – they escaped from jail

4. Yet the apostles continue despite the fear of persecution, imprisonment and possibly death

B. Application

1. What would it take to make us persistent in our boldness?

2. What would it take to get us to simply speak?

3. We must continue being bold for the gospel in persistence.

IV. Bold in Obedience (28-32)

A. Illustration – The obedience of the military – The men and women of the armed forces are trained to be obedient in the face of death. They follow orders to stay safer, as well as because of duty. We should be the same – being obedient because it saves lives and because it is our duty as faithful citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.

B. Exegesis

1. Peter’s response – “We must obey God rather than men”

2. Obedience is key to the bold life – You must do what is commanded by Jesus

3. They have been commanded by the angel of God to speak about “The Life” – To not do so is to be disobedient

4. They have decided that Jesus is the final authority, not the state

a) The state can’t stop them. They cannot even imprison them

b) But Jesus was crucified by the state and arose from their final silencing, death

c) They understand that Jesus has been exalted to the right hand of God to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins

d) They are witnesses to these things – They have seen it with their own eyes, so Jesus is the final authority for them.

C. Application

1. Our call is found in the great commission

2. Our command is to share the hope of Jesus and to glorify Him!

3. We must be obedient to the call of God upon our lives

V. Bold in Truth (27-32)

A. Exegesis

1. Then Peter began a deep theological treatise but linked it to the truth in history (29-32)

a) The resurrection – Jesus is raised by God

b) They killed Him by hanging Him on a tree – cursed

c) God exalted Him as leader and Savior

(1) To give repentance to Israel and

(2) Forgiveness of sins

d) And we are witnesses to this and so is the Holy Spirit – there are witnesses

e) The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey

B. Application

1. They are claiming

a) the resurrection of Jesus

b) Atonement

c) Forgiveness

d) Divinity

e) Historicity

f) Holy Spirit empowerment – Reason for the miracles

2. We need to claim the same

3. Knowing and speaking the truth

VI. Bold in suffering (40-42)

A. Exegesis

1. When the apostles were called back in, they BEAT them and charged them not to speak in Jesus’ name

a) This would have been a flogging like Jesus received – painful and damaging

b) 40 Lashes minus one

2. Yet they REJOICED that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name

3. They then returned to preaching in the open

4. They were fearless

5. They saw the beating as beneficial – something to rejoice about!

B. Illustration - Reconciling God and Suffering - It is good to learn early enough that suffering and God are not a contradiction but rather a unity, for the idea that God himself is suffering is one that has always been one of the most convincing teachings of Christianity. I think God is nearer to suffering than to happiness, and to find God in this way gives peace and rest and a strong and courageous heart. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in a letter to his twin sister, Sabine. Christian History, no. 32

C. Application

1. We should not try to escape suffering but rejoice in it

2. We should see the glory of suffering for Christ!

VII. Conclusion

A. Endurance – Shackleton – Knowing that there is another person with you.