SPEAKING THE WORD OF GOD WITH BOLDNESS

Acts 4:29-30 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy word, by stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy Holy Child Jesus.

Preceding verses tell us that with the success of teaching the inspired word of God and establishing it with miracles, such as the healing of the man that was lame from birth, the authority of the Jewish leaders was being threatened by the apostles of Christ, and here, specifically, by Peter and John. In order to quell this sudden success of thousands rushing to accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the Son of God, the members of the Sanhedrin issued this ultimatum to these two apostles. They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus (Vs. 18). However, verse 21 tells us that they found nothing how they might punish them, therefore Peter and John were let go. Returning to their Christian brethren they prayed to God for divine guidance on how to overcome, what seemed to be insurmountable opposition to the cause of Christ from people of the world around them. They recognized that such opposition came mainly from the Jewish spiritual leaders whose authority seemed threatened by the teachings found in the church of Christ that recognized Jesus, the crucified Savior, as its King and spiritual Head.

This was then, and still is, the fulfillment of the prophecy of King David regarding the assured persecution of the body of Christ when he wrote, Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His anointed, saying, let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us (Psalm 2:1-3). History tells us of the fulfillment of David's prophecy. Indeed, mighty rulers and great governmental bodies, as well as all people that were misled into following them, have stood up in defiance of Christian teaching and doctrine that was ordained by God through His inspired, Holy Word.

Continuing in this Psalm, David, by inspiration, tells us this about His kingdom that was established in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost - the day in which God's plan of salvation was revealed through the apostles of Christ. Yet have I set My King (Jesus Christ) upon My holy hill of Zion (Jerusalem). I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto Me, Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee (Vss. 6-7). He then gives rulers of the world of all ages this sage advice: Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling (Vss. 10-11).

The lesson text is the conclusion of an earnest prayer to God. It was offered by the Christians assembled together after hearing of the threatening charge given Peter and John by the Sanhedrin to cease healing and teaching in the name of Jesus. Notice that they did not ask God to save them from the trials, tribulations, and persecutions that they would face by teaching and serving Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of mankind. Their prayer did not seek personal protection from the enemies of God and Christ Jesus. Rather they prayed that the apostles would continue to perform miracles in order to confirm their teaching as coming from God through His Holy Spirit. They prayed that God would stretch forth His healing hand through the apostles, and give them the miraculous ability to confirm His word with signs and wonders ...by the name of Thy Holy Child Jesus.

They also prayed for all boldness that they might be able to speak Thy word. That is, to continue to preach God's plan of salvation through Jesus, despite the obstacles and opposition placed in their way by false preachers whose livelihood is jeopardized by the truths of God's word. Such are the "false religions" that have been devised by the "wisdom" of men and women of the world for covetous reasons and material gain. Others that oppose the word of God are governmental officials whose power and authority, wealth and gain, are threatened by the existence and teaching of godly ministers of Christ. When threatened, Christians are never to become weak and discouraged in serving our Lord Jesus Christ. Rather they are to become more determined to serve Him, and, with all boldness, and with a heart filled with gladness, deliver the message of salvation to every soul that has an open and receptive heart and is searching for eternal life. Dear Lord, help us, as Thy children, to face all worldly opposition, and to boldly proclaim Your plan of eternal salvation through Your Son, Christ Jesus, at every opportunity we have to do so.