July 11, 2021
Acts 4:23-31
“Dangerous Boldness”
Service Overview: Boldness is often dangerous. Jesus’ early followers didn’t pray for an end to persecution, but rather, for a boldness in spite of it. And God gave them what every church needs; a reminder of his power, and a fresh filling of the Spirit’s boldness in order to accomplish the mission of Jesus in the world.
Memory Verse for the Week: “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1 (NIV)
Background Information:
- Sometime just prior to the Christian period, Psalm 2 was beginning to be used within Jewish nonconformist circles as a messianic psalm and that the early Jewish Christians knew of this usage and approved it — though, of course, in its application to Jesus of Nazareth (cf. also the use of Ps 2:7 in 13:33; Heb 1:5; 5:5; and Ps 2:9 in Rev 2:27; 12:5; 19:15). (Richard N. Longenecker, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, John and Acts, 308)
- The prophetic language of the psalm showed that Pilate, Herod, and the others, in uniting against Jesus, were simply carrying out “God’s appointed counsel and foreknowledge” (as it was called in 2:23), “that the Messiah was to suffer” (3:18). In these words of the apostles there is an explicit identification of God’s “holy Servant Jesus” with the royal Son of God addressed in Ps. 2:7. Jesus, God’s obedient servant, is the one whom God “anointed” or made Messiah—at his baptism. (F.F. Bruce, Acts, 118)
- The early believers applied the message of this psalm to their own situation and identified their adversaries as Herod, Pilate, the Romans, and the Jews. These enemies had “ganged up” against Jesus Christ and even crucified Him, yet God raised Him from the dead and enthroned Him in heaven. All of this was a part of God’s perfect plan (see Acts 2:23; 3:18), so there was no need to fear. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 335)
- v31. Luke uses the word “filled,” this time in the aorist passive indicative to show that on this occasion a special filling occurred and boldness resulted. Boldness is the outer sign of the possession of the Holy Spirit’s anointing. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 109)
- Before God poured out the Holy Spirit on all believers at Pentecost, He had, for special purposes at special times, filled with the Spirit certain individuals or groups. For example, on one occasion God briefly filled seventy Hebrew elders with the Spirit so that they could prophesy (see Numbers 11:25). National leaders (Moses, for example) or spokespersons (such as Isaiah) received the Spirit so that they could lead the nation of Israel with God’s wisdom and speak with God’s power. Even early in the New Testament period, God still followed this example of giving His Spirit in short bursts (for examples, see Luke 1:15, 41, 67). Even after Pentecost, after all believers had the Spirit living with and in them, God offered fresh fillings of the Spirit on special occasions. Examples of those who experienced this phenomenon might include Stephen and Saul (see Acts 7:55; 13:9). (Phillip A. Bence, Acts, Kindle Edition)
- The threats of the Sanhedrin did not scare the believers. No one groaned or complained. Instead they responded immediately by raising “their voices” (“ voice” is actually singular, indicating they prayed in unison) in one accord, with one purpose, praying to God. (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Edition)
The question to be answered is…
What was it that fueled the boldness of those early disciples?
Answer…
Those early disciples were fueled by a profound commitment to one another, a recognition of God’s sovereign plan unfolding, but especially to the mission they all shared in Jesus.
The word of the day is… Bold
How do we see their boldness fueled in this text?
- As they’re driven towards togetherness.
(vv. 23, 24, 31 | Ecc. 4:10-12; John 13:15, 34; Romans 12:5; Philippians 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8)
The Early Church was a close-knit body. When one of their members was in trouble or having difficulty they did more than say a brief prayer. They learned on the Day of Pentecost that the Holy Spirit works powerfully through a body of believers who are in one accord in one place. So Peter and John reported all the high priest and elders had said to them, holding nothing back. (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Locations 2398-2400)
- As they perceive what’s unfolding; God’s sovereign plan.
(vv. 24-28 | Job 42:2; Psalm 33:11; Isaiah 46:10; Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29)
The Psalmist had prophesied the opposition of Herod, Pilate, the Gentiles (Roman authorities), and the people (the Jewish authorities) long before. If all was foreknown, then nothing takes God by surprise, and nothing is out of His control. Let the foes of Jesus unite in apparent universal strength; their plans will nevertheless be futile. God is on the throne of the universe. His overruling providences make all human opposition mere vanity. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 57)
- As they ask, not for relief from what’s to come, but simply for the power to overcome.
(v. 29 | Is. 41:10; John 16:33; Phil. 4:13; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:4; Revelation 12:11)
They did not pray to have their circumstances changed or their enemies put out of office. Rather, they asked God to empower them to make the best use of their circumstances and to accomplish what He had already determined (Acts 4:28). This was not “fatalism” but faith in the Lord of history who has a perfect plan and is always victorious. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 335)
The truest courage is that which is conscious of its weakness, and yet has no thought of flight, but prays for its own increase. (Alexander MacLaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts, 95)
Conclusion…How can our boldness be fueled as we strive to follow Jesus today?
A. By devoting ourselves to others who share in Jesus’ mission.
(Pro. 27:17; Ecc. 4:9; Matthew 18:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Peter 4:8)
Boldness is not reckless impulsiveness. Boldness requires courage to press on through our fears and do what we know is right. How can we be more bold? Like the disciples, we need to pray with others for that courage. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 68)
B. By trusting God, regardless the outcome.
(Psalm 115:3; Proverbs 16:9; 19:21; Romans 8:28; Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 3:9)
(v. 24). The Greek word for “Lord” here is different from the one used elsewhere in the New Testament to express a believer’s reverence. Here it is despota, meaning “despot,” or in the implication for the Christians, “absolute ruler, final sovereign, master.” The faith of the church was that the Lord was in charge of all things. He was creator and sustainer of all. Nothing happens without His knowledge, and He can use all things for His purposes and glory. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 107)
Faith recognizes that God is in control, not man. Faith does it God’s way, in God’s timing—according to His good pleasure. Faith does not take life into its own hands, but in respect and trust places it in God’s. (Kay Arthur, Lord, where are you when bad things happen?, 126)
C. By asking more for strength than relief.
(Philippians 4:6-7, 13; 1 John 5:4; 16:33; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 5:7-9; Revelation 12:11)
Notice how the believers prayed. First they praised God; then they told God their specific problem and asked for his help. They did not ask God to remove the problem but to help them deal with it. This is a model for us to follow when we pray. We may ask God to remove our problems, and he may choose to do so. But we must recognize that often he chooses to leave our problems in place and then give us the strength and courage to deal with them. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 66)
D. By being willing to speak with boldness when opportunities arise.
(Joshua 1:9; Prov. 28:1; 2 Cor. 3:12; Eph. 3:12; 6:19; 2 Timothy 1:6-7; Hebrews 13:6)
Whoever has a real, personal experience of Christ’s saving power, and has heard and seen Him, will be irresistibly impelled to impart what he has received. Speech is a relief to a full heart. (Alexander MacLaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts, 93)
We need to be done with cowardliness and proclaim the gospel with the boldness that characterizes a Christian who has been persuaded of the resurrection of Christ and the defeat of death. (R.C. Sproul, Acts, 83)
The cause of a silent Church is a defective conception of the Gospel entrusted to it, or a feeble grasp of the same. (Alexander MacLaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts, 98)
Gospel Application…
In Jesus there is boldness in knowing that nothing bad can ever happen to you! Why? Because his death and resurrection has secured your ultimate and eternal good. Are you in him?
(Rom. 8:28; 2 Corinthians 3:12; Philippians 1:20; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 10:19-25; 13:16)
You can rest in the knowledge that even when bad things happen, God is always there. He is always in charge. Although He may not always deliver in the way you expect, you will find His grace sufficient. (Kay Arthur, Lord, where are you when bad things happen?, 27)
His knowledge is not like ours, which has three tenses: present, past, and future. God’s knowledge has no change or variation. (Augustine)
With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack? (A. W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy, 57)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- What is it that helped give the apostles courage against compromise?
- What is it about being a part of a team that can empower and embolden people?
- Reread Acts 4:23-31. Describe the prayer in these verses. How is it different than you would expect it to be after all that Peter and John had been through?
- Have you ever been persecuted because of your faith?
- What truth from today’s text can help you face resistance?
Quotes to note…
This broad question of God’s sovereignty and human free will appears to be one where the right answer is found not on either extreme nor in some hard-to-discern midpoint between them. The right answer is found by hanging onto both extremes at once, despite the fact that they apparently cancel each other. God is sovereign. He does accomplish whatever He desires. Nothing and no one can stand in His way. At the same time, He leaves all capable human beings, created in His image, with the option to reject His plan. (Phillip A. Bence, Acts: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, Kindle Edition)
God’s answer of the apostles’ prayer was both swift and powerful. When the building shook, the believers realized that God had not only heard their prayer, but he also was pleased with it. The believers received a fresh filling with the Holy Spirit, which renewed their courage to go out and preach the word of God with boldness, just as they had requested (4:29). (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 68)
Christian courage and devotion only ask that they may not shrink from their duty, and that the word may be spoken, whatever becomes of the speakers. (Alexander MacLaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts, 95)
What they asked for was boldness, deliverance from fear or any cowardly action. There was no indication of retreat on the one hand, or of recklessness on the other, but there was a sensible, careful, factual assessment of their needs. They were concerned that Jesus should be vindicated and His truth upheld through continued signs done in His name. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 57)
Most significant is the fact that these early Christians were not praying for relief from oppression or judgment on their oppressors but for enablement “to speak your word with great boldness” amid oppressions and for God to act in mighty power “through the name of your holy servant Jesus., (v.30). Their concern was for God’s word to go forth and for Christ’s name to be glorified, leaving to God himself their own circumstances (Richard N. Longenecker, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, John and Acts, 309)
The early church strongly believed in God’s sovereignty and His perfect plan for His people. But note that they did not permit their faith in divine sovereignty to destroy human responsibility, for they were faithful to witness and pray. It is when God’s people get out of balance and overemphasize either sovereignty or responsibility that the church loses power. Again, we are reminded of Augustine’s wise words, “Pray as though everything depends on God, and work as though everything depended on you.” (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 335)
“Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that which lies outside the will of God.” (Phillips Brooks, maybe)
God’s faithful people have always been in trouble. It was the acid test that they were obeying God rather than men. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 108)
The laws of government have authority over the human conscience unless that conscience rests squarely upon a direct word of God. The problem with human conscience is that it can be wrong as well as right. So we need an objective standard against which to measure our conscience. That standard is God’s Word. (Ray C. Stedman, God’s Unfinished Book: Acts, 70)
Further Quotes to note…
When we describe ourselves, we tend to choose adjectives that sound virtuous, but when the same property is manifested in somebody else, we tend to diminish the virtue of it.(R.C. Sproul, Acts, 80)
The early church saw all the displays of power on the part of the ruling authorities as nothing.(R.C. Sproul, Acts, 81)
The character of the first-century Christian church was marked repeatedly with unparalleled boldness.(R.C. Sproul, Acts, 82)
The Christians looked forward, celebrating God’s trustworthiness. They prayed, including no request for protection; the believers merely asked that God would continue to enlighten and empower them for bold speech and action. God confirmed their faith by filling His faithful followers once again with the Holy Spirit (4:31). (Phillip A. Bence, Acts: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, Kindle Edition)
After being sternly threatened by the same group of men who had orchestrated the crucifixion of Jesus only six weeks earlier, the followers of Jesus gathered and prayed. Their prayers weren’t for an end to persecution or for easy times. Rather, the believers asked God for the boldness necessary to continue continue proclaiming the good news about Jesus. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 65-66)
The believers did not pray that God would remove the threats, take away the possibility of persecution, or even protect them. Instead, they prayed that God would enable the believers, his servants, to continue to witness with great boldness, no matter what. (Grant R. Osborne, Life application Bible Commentary: Acts, 68)
The Psalm speaks of the “nations” (the Gentiles) raging, and the “peoples” plotting (planning, devising and pursuing) “in vain”: It is empty, “foolish” (CEV), ineffective. 58 The kings of the earth and their rulers who gather together against the Lord and His Christ (His Messiah, His Anointed One) are also Gentiles. Thus, this prayer inspired by the Spirit recognized that the Jewish leaders were in the same class as the outside nations who were always raging, always conspiring, against God and against Jesus. (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Locations 2415-2420)
In effect, they were praying for boldness to keep on doing the same thing that had brought their arrest and the threats of the Sanhedrin. They did not want God to do miracles for miracles’ sake, however; they saw miracles as opportunities to preach the gospel and as signs for people to recognize that Jesus was indeed risen from the dead. By glorifying the risen Jesus they would get results. (Stanley M. Horton, Acts, Kindle Locations 2447-2450)
The limits of civil obedience are clearly drawn. It is a duty, because ‘the powers that be are ordained of God,’ and obedience to them is obedience to Him. But if they, transcending their sphere, claim obedience which can only be rendered by disobedience to Him who has appointed them, then they are no longer His ministers, and the duty of allegiance falls away. (Alexander MacLaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts, 93)
The Apostles could not help speaking of these, both because to do so was their commission, and because the knowledge of them and of their importance forbade silence. (Alexander MacLaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts, 93)
The full river cannot be dammed up. (Alexander MacLaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts, 94)
When popularity-hunters get on the judicial bench, society must be rotten, and nearing its dissolution. To ‘decree unrighteousness by a law’ is among the most hideous of crimes. Judges ‘willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike,’ are portents indicative of corruption. (Alexander MacLaren, Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts, 94)
Characteristically, the apostles met the first crisis in the Church’s career through prayer. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 56)
Listening to them pray, we sense the meaning of prayer and deliverance from fear. (Arnold E. Airhart, Beacon Bible Expositions: Acts, 57)
This psalm, with its explicit reference to Yahweh’s anointed one (Messiah). had been interpreted of the coming deliverer of David’s line at least as early as the middle of the first century B.C. :42 the words “You are my Son” (Ps. 2:7), addressed to Jesus at his baptism by the heavenly voice, actually hailed him as that Messiah. ln conformity with this understanding is the interpretation which the apostles now place on the opening verses of the psalm. (F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, 120)
The Sanhedrin might threaten, but the threats called not for intimidation and silence but for increased boldness of speech. The apostles therefore prayed that they themselves might have courage to proclaim their message without fear or favor,“ and that God would place the seal of his public approbation on their witness by granting further mighty works of healing and similar signs and wonders through the same name which had cured the lame man—the name of his “holy Servant Jesus.” (F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, 121)
Three movements may be discerned in this prayer of the early church: (1) God is sovereign (v. 24). (2) God’s plan includes believers’ facing opposition against the Messiah (vv. 25-28). (3) Because of these things they petitioned God to grant them boldness to preach (vv. 29-30). (John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, 364)
4:25-27. The words by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of …David point up, as do many passages, the divine inspiration of Scripture through human agents (cf. 28:25). Acts 4:25-26 contains a quotation from Psalm 2:1-2, which is prophetic of the Tribulation. In a preliminary sense Peter saw the opposition to the Messiah, God’s Anointed One (tou Christou; cf. “anointed,” Acts 4:27) predicted by David in Psalm 2-as fulfilled in the early church. The parallels are obvious. (John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament, 364)
This psalm, with its explicit reference to Yahweh’s anointed one (Messiah), had been interpreted of the coming deliverer of David’s line at least as early as the middle of the first century B.C.; the words “You are my Son” (Ps. 2:7), addressed to Jesus at his baptism by the heavenly voice, actually hailed him as that Messiah. (F.F. Bruce, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: Acts, 118)
True prayer is not telling God what to do, but asking God to do His will in us and through us (1 John 5:14–15). It means getting God’s will done on earth, not man’s will done in heaven. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 335)
They did not ask for protection; they asked for power. They did not ask for fire from heaven to destroy the enemy (see Luke 9:51–56) but for power from heaven to preach the Word and heal the sick (see Matt. 5:10–12, 43–48). Their great desire was for boldness in the face of opposition (see Acts 4:17). (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 335)
The glory of God, not the needs of men, is the highest purpose of answered prayer. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 335)
God’s answer was to shake the place where they were meeting and to fill the people once again with the Spirit of God (Acts 4:31). This gave them the boldness that they needed to continue to serve God in spite of official opposition. (Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 335)
Much can be discerned about people in the way they address God in their prayers. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 107)
The central source of the courage of the early church was that if God could overrule the worst that man had done and give His best. He could use anything that happened to them. He is able to bring good out of evil! There’s a purpose to everything if we trust Him. He wastes nothing. (Lloyd J. Ogilvie, The Communicator’s Commentary: Acts, 108)
The Scriptures make it clear that governments are instituted by God and governmental authorities are God’s servants (Romans 13:1—7). It’s instructive to note that the emperor of Rome at that time was Nero, one of the most cruel and irrational of all the Roman rulers. Yet Paul said that all governing authorities, including Nero, were the servants of God—and those who resist the government resist what God has ordained. (Ray C. Stedman, God’s Unfinished Book: Acts, 70)
We may not always approve of what the government does, and governmental officials are often guilty of error, corruption, and wrongdoing. Even so, we are exhorted by Scripture to obey the government. Human conscience, operating alone and without support from the revelation of God’s Word, is not sufficient grounds to disobey the law. (Ray C. Stedman, God’s Unfinished Book: Acts, 70)
The disciples do nor ask for peace and safety. They ask for boldness and power. They are saying, in effect, “Lord, we are in trouble and in danger of our lives—but this is great, Lord! You’ve made it possible for us to witness before rulers. They’ve threatened us—and that’s what we want! Lord, give us boldness to continue speaking out and defying their threats. (Ray C. Stedman, God’s Unfinished Book: Acts, 72)
When God’s people worship God, they always do two things: (1) they pray, and (2) they reflect on the Scriptures. Prayer is our talking to God; the Scriptures are God’s talking to us, and the two always go together. (James Montgomery Boice, Acts, 76)
If you know Psalm 2, you also know what God’s response is to such arrogance. The rulers of the world are taking up arms against the Almighty— gathering up their weapons, missiles, tanks, and guns to fight God and cast off his chains. But what does God do? Does God tremble at the united opposition of the world? He does nothing of the sort. God laughs at them. This is the only place in the Bible where we are told that God laughs. “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them” (Ps. 2:4). Perhaps the Lord says, “Ha, ha, ha! Do they really think they can break my bonds?” He points to the Lord Jesus Christ and says, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill” (Ps. 2:6). (James Montgomery Boice, Acts, 78)
God is sovereign – Therefore, it does not make any difference whether men and women like his decisions. God does not ask their opinion. God is God. God is in charge, and it is his deepest determination to exalt Christ. (James Montgomery Boice, Acts, 79)
It is God who has the last laugh. Men may laugh, mock, ridicule, or even persecute and martyr God’s servants. But He who sits in the heavens shall laugh at them with divine mockery. How can He do this? Because it is God almighty who calls the shots. (Donald Grey Barnhouse, Acts, 48)