Sermon Acts 4 notes

Bold & Courageous

Acts 4:1-12

What is the word courage used hear in this passage.

Parressia, confidence boldness, willing to risk being in danger for something.

Why were the priests trying to hide the signs

The People Praised God?

Why did they point out that he was over 40 years old?

Why were they disturbed that they preached Jesus and the resurrection from the dead?

They thought the Jesus movement got stuffed when they crucified Jesus but now the these two disciples are at the temple and imagine this scene.

They are at the temple this massive building that can hold thousands of people. They hear the excite ment and the noise of a cripple being healed he’s leaping around and praising God. And these two disciples are preaching on the Jesus being raised from the dead.

The same Jesus they crucified 8 weeks earlier. They were preaching in the temple of all places. They didn’t want those movement to spread any further so they moved in.

The Gospel according to Matthew 1: Chapters 1:1–16:12 (King James Version) B. Jesus’ Divine Birth: Unusual Events, 1:18–25

the day of Jesus Christ, people feverishly panted for the coming of the long-promised Messiah. The weight of life was harsh, hard, and impoverished. Under the Romans, people felt that God could not wait much longer to fulfill His promise. Such longings for deliverance left the people gullible. Many arose who claimed to be the Messiah and led the trusting followers into rebellion against the Roman State. The insurrectionist, Barabbas, who was set free in the place of Jesus at Jesus’ trial, is an example (

If the people began following the new movement of Jesus the way, the priests feared…

the loss of the people their loyalty recognition and esteem

feared they would lose position authority and their jobs. The romans would replace them with other officials. They were tolerant but if they found disloyalty you would be cut off

Feared the people would think their doctrine was wrong. If they allowed teaching about the resurrection to continue they would be admitting that God bypassed them and revealed the truth to others.

They feared acknowledging they were wrong in crucifying Jesus.

Thought 1

When we are hit with similar fears it causes us

not to suport true men and movements of God

Not to rock the boat

Not to do what is right

Thought 2

People often choose the things of this world and religion instead of really serving God.

They seek acceptance, esteem, recognition, postion, authority, possessions, wealth power, bigger and better.

So why were the priests and the saducees threatened?

They were expecting the messiah and the people were excited for that hope. This would set it off

Who were the priests and the temple captain?

The priest were descendants of Aaron. At this time there were over 20,000 priests and only one temple, they divided them into groups serving in the temple for one week, twice a year.

The Temple captain was the right hand man of the high priest. He kept order in the temple. and if there was any one causing a scene or disruption he would be the enforcer. So you can understand his presence confronting Peter and John.

They Bore fruit of 5000 people.

The stone that is the corner stone. Why is this important here?

Persecution did not stop the Word and the Spirit of God from Working

Powerful point. As Christ followers we trust in the word of God, we keep preaching, we keep sharing our testimony despite the opposition. God still works

Isaiah 55:11 NIV

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Boldness in the Face of Opposition

Scripture: Acts 4

Introduction

Let me ask you a question. When was the last time you did something that scared you a little?

Maybe it was speaking up in a meeting when you weren’t sure how it would land. Maybe it was finally having that conversation. Maybe it was hitting “post” on social media and thinking, Welp… here we go.

We all know what it feels like to step out of our comfort zone. Your heart races. Your palms sweat. Your brain starts negotiating: Is this really necessary? Can I back out now?

Here’s the reality: anything meaningful requires risk.

And just like taking risks in everyday life, living boldly for Jesus comes at a cost. But it also produces impact far beyond what we could ever imagine.

Today in Acts 4, we’re going to see a truth that isn’t always popular—but it’s powerful:

Boldness for Christ isn’t safe, but it is powerful. When we stand firm in our faith, it may bring persecution, but it also breeds confidence and builds unity in the Church.

Point 1: Boldness for Christ Brings Persecution

(Acts 4:1–3, 13–18)

Peter and John heal a man who’s been crippled his entire life. It’s a miracle—undeniable, public, God-glorifying.

And what happens next?

Celebration? Applause? Honor ceremony?

Nope.

They get arrested.

Acts 4 tells us the religious leaders were greatly disturbed because Peter and John were preaching that Jesus had risen from the dead. So they seized them and threw them in jail.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: When you live boldly for Jesus, resistance is inevitable.

Faith-filled courage will always attract spiritual and cultural opposition.

You don’t even have to look far to see this:

At work, when you refuse to compromise your integrity.

With family, when you don’t go along with values that contradict Scripture.

Online, when you speak truth with grace and suddenly you’re labeled “intolerant” or “outdated.”

Let me say it the Craig Groeschel way: 👉 If you’re never facing opposition for your faith, maybe you’re not living boldly enough.

Now hear this clearly—persecution is not something we seek out. But it also isn’t something we should be shocked by.

Persecution isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong. It might be proof you’re doing something right.

Jesus never promised comfort. He promised His presence.

Point 2: Boldness Breeds Confidence

(Acts 4:13, 19–20)

Acts 4:13 says something remarkable:

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished—and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

Let that sink in.

Uneducated

Absolutely—let’s finish strong. 🔥 Picking up right where we left off:

Uneducated. Ordinary. No formal training. No credentials. No platform.

And yet… they were bold.

Why?

Because boldness doesn’t come from education—it comes from association. They had been with Jesus.

Listen—confidence in Christ isn’t about how much you know. It’s about who you know and how closely you walk with Him.

Peter and John stand before the same leaders who had Jesus crucified. These are powerful men. Intimidating men. Men who could end their lives.

And when they’re told to stop speaking about Jesus, Peter and John respond:

“Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges. As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19–20)

That’s confidence.

Not loud. Not arrogant. Not disrespectful.

Just unshakable conviction.

Here’s the encouragement someone needs to hear today: You might doubt your Bible knowledge. You might say, “I’m not a preacher. I’m not a theologian. I don’t have the right words.”

But hear me—if you’ve been with Jesus, you’ve got enough.

You don’t need to know everything. You just need to know Him.

Boldness is the natural byproduct of time spent with Christ. When you sit in His presence, fear loses its grip.

So let’s get practical.

If boldness feels rare in your life, maybe intimacy with Jesus is rare too.

Set reminders. Create rhythms. Guard that time.

Because boldness doesn’t mean arrogance. It means Spirit-led conviction rooted in truth and love.

Point 3: Boldness Builds Unity

(Acts 4:23–24, 32–35)

After Peter and John are released, they don’t go into hiding. They don’t isolate. They don’t say, “Well… that was intense. Let’s lay low for a while.”

They go straight back to their people.

Acts 4:23 says they returned to the believers and reported everything that had happened. And what does the church do?

They pray.

Not for safety. Not for comfort. Not for protection.

They pray for more boldness.

And then—don’t miss this—the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God boldly.

And the result?

Unity.

Acts 4:32 says:

“All the believers were one in heart and mind.”

They shared what they had. They cared for one another. They lived with radical generosity and grace.

Here’s the Groeschel insight: 👉 Bold faith is contagious.

When one person steps out, others are empowered to do the same.

We were never called to boldness in isolation. We are bolder together.

The early church didn’t become effective despite suffering. They became effective because suffering united them.

Opposition didn’t scatter them—it fused them.

That’s why community matters so much.

Small groups. Prayer gatherings. Spiritual friendships.

These are boldness incubators.

When we lock arms, we challenge one another. We support one another. We believe bigger together.

Closing Challenge

Let’s bring it home.

Boldness brings persecution — don’t be surprised by it. Boldness breeds confidence — stay close to Jesus. Boldness builds unity — don’t do faith alone.

So here’s the challenge, Craig Groeschel–style:

👉 Don’t pray for an easier life. Pray for greater boldness in the life God already gave you.

Practical Next Steps

Spend intentional time with Jesus every day.

Share your faith with one person this week.

Commit to community—join or start a small group.

Prayer

God, we ask You to fill Your church with boldness. Not reckless boldness—but Spirit-filled courage.

Holy Spirit, empower us to speak truth with love. Unite us when opposition comes. Strengthen us to stand firm, even when it costs us.

Make us a church that cannot help but speak about what we’ve seen and heard.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Final Word

This week, live like someone who’s been with Jesus.

Because boldness isn’t natural—it’s supernatural. And church… it’s time to be dangerously bold for our King. 👑🔥

If you want, I can also:

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