By Kevin Harris, pastor of the Illawarra Community Baptist Church in Wollongong, NSW
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:31
What glorious words to read!
They’re made even more glorious when we consider that just seven weeks earlier these same men were at Gethsemane, fleeing, denying and quaking. Remember how our Saviour asked them to watch and pray with Him, but instead they snored? Remember when the arrest took place, it says, ‘they forsook him and fled’ (Mark 14:50)? Remember Peter’s denial of Christ? Remember how after the resurrection the disciples hid behind closed doors ‘for fear of the Jews’ (John 20:19)?
But not anymore! Now in Acts chapter 4 they are noted for their boldness (verse 13). It says their antagonists marvelled! And here in verse 31 they are preaching and testifying with boldness.
What made the difference?
Read the first five words of our text again: ‘And when they had prayed…’ This prayer is recorded from verses 24-30, culiminating in this request: ‘And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word’ (Acts 4:29).
Whereas the disciples slept during the Gethsemane prayer meeting, now they are praying.
Prayerlessness leads to timidity. But earnest, direct prayer for boldness leads the Holy Spirit to fill or control us, enabling us to push past our fears and publish the truth.
Father, how intimidating it can be to be a strong witness in our day! Grant us boldness to preach Your truth. We ask especially for our persecuted brethren who face physical consequences if they witness. Grant them Spirit-filled courage too. I ask this in the Name of the Lord Jesus, Amen.
This article was written by Kevin Harris Dapto pastor of Illawarra Community Baptist Church.