Bold for Jesus

• 1^st – Prayer for boldness… vs. 23-30
  • 1^st – Shaken… vs. 23
    • The report…
      • Being let go they went to their own companions.
      • And reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them!
      • As soon as the SANHEDRIN let Peter and John go they went back to the CHURCH…
      • The gave them the report [ἀπαγγέλλω] from the HIGH priests [plural] and ELDERS…
      • There should have been only ONE High Priest [ἀρχιερεύς]
      • But the political nature of ISRAEL had compromised the ROLE…
      • Leaving it open to debate WHO the HIGH priest was [Annas – Caiaphas – Jonathan]
      • But Peter and John told the church EVERYTHING [ὅσος] they had said…
      • Why tell the CHURCH – because they were SHAKEN by the experience…
      • And they had a FAMILY that was there to help COMFORT them!
      • When the AMALEKITES attacked Israel as they came out of Egypt…
      • God gave Israel VICTORY – so long as MOSES kept his hands up – but he got TIRED…
      • So two MEN to came along side to help LIFT him up – and Israel was VICTORIOUS!
      • Exodus 17:12 – “Aaron and Hur supported his hands!”
      • Life is challenging – and it is a guarantee we will have difficult days – John 16:33
      • But we are NEVER called to face them alone – God has given us a FAMILY…
      • We are STRONGER together – we are called to support each other!
      • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one… if one person falls the other can reach out and help – but people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble.” [NLT]
    • Excited…
      • It is also likely that Peter and John were EXCITED…
      • By the power of the Spirit they had just stood up to the SANHEDRIN…
      • Not only did they want to be COMFORTED by their church FAMILY…
      • They also wanted to share with them they JOY of what God had done!
      • Sharing with others is NOT just about looking for COMFORT in a time of need…
      • It is also about sharing the JOYS of what Jesus is doing in our life…
      • So when we have a great day – TELL someone – so they can get EXCITED too!
  • 2^nd – The Perspective … vs. 24
    • One Accord…
      • So when they heard that they raised their voice to God with one accord!
      • When the CHURCH heard all that the SANHEDRIN has said…
      • THREATENING Peter and John – demanding they NEVER speak in the name of Jesus again…
      • The CHURCH lifted up their VOICES [prayer] to God in ONE accord…
      • ONE accord [ὁμοθυμαδόν] – to rush [θυμός] together [ὁμοῦ]
      • A unique word used TWELVE times in the NT – ELEVEN of them in the Book of Acts…
      • Describing a great orchestra with many instruments – different sounds…
      • But as they follow one CONDUCTOR – then they blend together in beautiful harmony!
      • When TRIALS come – we often are left to ask the Lord WHY…
      • But it is in those TRIALS that we RUN to the Lord – make the time to PRAY…
      • Not just individually – we come together corporately as a FAMILY…
      • And that brings UNITY – because rather than trying to figure things out on our own…
      • We come in BROKENNESS – and DEPENDENCE – looking to Jesus for the answers!
      • Romans 5:3-5 – “We also glory in tribulations knowing that tribulation produces perseverance – and perseverance – character – and character hope.”
    • Looking to God…
      • Lord – You are God – who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them!
      • When they came together in UNITY to PRAY – their PERSPECTIVE changed…
      • They saw the LORD [δεσπότης] – 10x in NT – emphasizes the one in ULTIMATE control…
      • They saw the [ὁ] GOD [θεός] – who created the HEAVENS and EARTH…
      • And EVERYTHING [πᾶς] that is in them [including the men who were threatening them]
      • Rather than seeing the PROBLEM – they saw the SOLUTION…
      • The God who was the BOSS over EVERYONE – because He made EVERYTHING!
      • When we come together in UNITY – looking to God for the answer…
      • It may NOT change our CIRCUMSTANCES – but it will CHANGE us…
      • Because rather than seeing whatever LITTLE problem we might be facing…
      • We see our PROBLEM in the light of an INFINITE God who is GREATER than all!
  • 3^rd – The Word… vs. 25-28
    • Remember… vs. 25
      • Who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
      • Because the CHURCH was looking to the Lord [δεσπότης] who is God [θεός]
      • That brought them back to the WORD of God…
      • As the SPIRIT reminded them what God had said through King David – Psalms 2:1-2
      • The Lord will speak to us through His Word – the Spirit cause us to remember…
      • But we first need to be in the WORD – so He can REMIND us!
      • John 14:26 – “[The helper] will… bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
    • Against the Lord… vs. 26
      • Why did the nations rage – and the people plot vain things.
      • The kings of the earth took their stand and the rulers were gathered together.
      • Against the LORD and against His Christ!
      • When David asked WHY [ἱνατί] are the NATIONS [ἔθνος] so ARROGANT…
      • ARROGANT [φρυάσσω] used to describe horses when the lift their head and snort…
      • And WHY do the people IMAGINE [μελετάω] they are the ones in CONTROL [vanity]
      • Which as a result caused [passive]the KINGS and RULERS of the earth to gather… 
      • Against [κατά] the LORD [יְהֹוָה] and against His MESSIAH [מָשִׁיח]!
        
    • The whole world… vs. 27
      • For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus whom You anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate.
      • With the Gentiles and the people of Israel – were gathered together!
      • For what David wrote was the TRUTH [ἀλήθεια]
      • Because God had gathered [passive] the whole world against Jesus [His anointed]
      • HEROD the Great – who had tried to kill him as a child – Matthew 2:16
      • And PILATE – who was the one that ultimately put Him on the cross – Matthew 27:24
      • But they were NOT alone – there were ROMAN soldiers [gentiles]
      • As well as the people of Israel – who stood by as Jesus was on the cross…
      • EVERYONE – rulers and slaves [thieves] – Jews and Gentiles were AGAINST Jesus!
    • Plan of God… vs. 28
      • To do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done!
      • But do NOT miss – everything they did was guided by the HAND of God…
      • They ARROGANTLY thought they were the ones in CONTROL…
      • But all of their CHOICES only managed to accomplish the PURPOSE of God…
      • It had been DETERMINED forehand [προορίζω] – to DECIDE [ὁρίζω] BEFORE [πρό]!
      • Like a little child plotting to get forbidden candy – thinking they can outsmart their parents…
      • God is amused by the tantrum men throw – as if they have power over God!
      • Psalm 2:4 – “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh!”
      • EVERYTHING that took place – happened EXACTLY as God intended it…
      • Jesus had NOTHING to fear from HEROD – and PILATE was NEVER in control…
      • It was NOT Roman soldiers who put Jesus on the cross – Jewish priests that kept Him there…
      • It was the PLAN of God from the beginning to DIE for the sins of ALL men…
      • Because God is SOVEREIGN – He is in CONTROL – He is the LORD – and He WINS…
      • If we get our eyes off of whatever PROBLEM we are facing…
      • And remember that – then we will NOT longer be AFRAID – instead we will be INSPIRED!
      • Ephesians 1:11 – “[By the God] who works ALL things according to the counsel of His will.”
  • 4^th – The Request… vs. 29-30
    • Boldness… vs. 29
      • Now Lord – look on their threats.
      • And grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word!
      • With their change of PERSPECTIVE – came a REQUEST…
      • Since God was the LORD [δεσπότης] – and EVERYTHING happened according to His will…
      • They pleaded [imperative] with God to look at the THREATS [ἀπειλή] of the SANHEDRIN…
      • And GIVE [imperative] to His SERVANTS [δοῦλος] BOLDNESS [παρρησία]
      • So that rather than being SILENT – they would SPEAK about His WORD…
      • WORD [λόγος] – one of the TITLES given to Jesus – John 1:1
      • During COVID – the government made the LAW kids were NOT allowed to come to CHURCH…
      • But the Bible says we are NOT to forbid the LITTLE children – Matthew 19:14
      • We are called to OBEY the GOVERNMENT – Romans 13:1
      • But when the GOVERNMENT contradicts the BIBLE – we are called to DISOBEY!
    • Signs and wonders… vs. 30
      • By stretching out Your hand to heal.
      • And that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus!
      • Not just SHARING about Jesus – showing people Jesus…
      • As He stretched out HIS hand to HEAL [as he did with the Lame man]
      • As God continued to do [present] MIRACLES [σημεῖον] and WONDERS [τέρας] in Jesus name…
      • The believers were NOT asking the Lord to take them out of the trial…
      • They were NOT asking for God to change the GOVERNMENT…
      • They demanded BOLDNESS – so they could DISOBEY it…
      • They wanted God to do MORE amazing MIRACLES – heal more LAME men…
      • So they could get in more TROUBLE – and more people could hear about Jesus!
      • I have to wonder what would happen if the CHURCH prayed like that today…
      • NOT for everyone to get along – but for God to cause more TROUBLE…
      • Lord stir things up – get us ARRESTED again…
      • Because we know that YOU are the one in control [not men]
      • And no matter what the COST – we want an ARROGANT world to see YOU! 

• 2^nd – Result of the prayer… vs. 31-37
  • 1^st – Boldness… vs. 31
    • Filled with the Spirit…
      • And when they had prayed the place where they were assembled together was shaken.
      • And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit!
      • When they had FINISHED their PRAYER [not the typical word – προσεύχομαι]
      • PRAYER [δέομαι] – meaning what we NEED or LACK…
      • They were PRAYING to the LORD because they knew they could NOT be BOLD on their own…
      • God responded by SHAKING the place where they were meeting…
      • SHAKING [σαλεύω] – describes a strong WIND – Acts 2:2
      • Then they were ALL [πας] FILLED [aorist] with the HOLY Spirit!
      • When Elijah ran from Jezebel to Mount Sinai – because he was SHAKEN…
      • There was a great EARTHQUAKE – but the Lord was NOT in it…
      • Instead God spoke to him in a still small voice – a WHISPER!
      • I Kings 19:11-12 – “The LORD passed by and [there was an] earthquake – but the LORD was not in the earthquake… and after [that] a still small voice.”
      • Often when we pray we are look for the God to SHAKE the foundations…
      • God does NOT often speak in the thunders of mount Sinai – or great earthquakes…
      • What does God sound like – a WHISPER – gentile guidance…
      • We have to learn to sit – wait and listen – or we will miss the voice of the Lord…
      • But if we are willing to listen – it is the world that begins to tremble…
      • Because when the Lord leads us – there is nothing that can stop us!
    • Speak the Word…
      • And they spoke the word of God with boldness!
      • Because they were FILLED with the SPIRIT…
      • They continued [imperfect] to SPEAK about WORD [λόγος] of God with BOLDNESS!
      • The number one RESULTS of being FILLED with the SPIRIT – is BOLDNESS…
      • If we feel TIMID or UNSURE about sharing our FAITH…
      • IF we have DOUBTS about our ability to stand up for the LORD…
      • The answer is simple – we NEED [δέομαι] to be FILLED!
      • Acts 1:8 – “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”
  • 2^nd – Unity… vs. 32, 34-37
    • One heart… vs. 32
      • [Also] the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul!
      • It was NOT just BOLDNESS towards those who were NOT believers…
      • Also [δέ] – all those who had FAITH [πιστεύω] – were [imperfect] of ONE [εἷς] heart and soul…
      • As the SPIRIT filled them – He also UNIFIED them!
      • That does NOT mean they all liked the same color – wore the same clothes [Mormons]
      • But they were united on the essential doctrines of the Bible – salvation in Jesus…
      • On non-essential issues – they could agree to disagree – NOT cause division!
      • Because the SECOND results of being filled with the SPIRIT – is UNITY…
      • Rather than seeking what we WANT – or NEED…
      • We instead are moved by the SPIRIT to consider the NEEDS of others!
      • Philippians 2:2-3 – “Being like-minded – having the same love – being of one accord… in [humility] let each esteem others better than himself.”
    • All things… vs. 32
      • Neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own.
      • But they had all things in common!
      • Their UNITY was seen practically in how they treated each other…
      • No one said [imperfect] that what they had was [present] theirs…
      • Instead they had ALL [πας] things as COMMON [κοινός]!
      • It is not MY car – MY house – MY money…
      • They understood ALL things were from the LORD – and should be used for the LORD!
      • I Corinthians 4:7 – “What do you have that you did not receive?”
    • No lack… vs. 34-35
      • Nor was there anyone among them who lacked. For all who were possessors…
      • Of lands or houses sold them – and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold.
      • And laid them at the apostles feet – and they distributed to each as anyone had need!
      • As a RESULT – there was NO one who LACKED [imperfect] among them…
      • Because those who had PROPERTY – sold them and gave the HONOR [τιμή] to God…
      • Then they APOSTLES took the MONEY – and gave it out as there was [imperfect] NEED…
      • The idea was to have no RICH or POOR in the church – share the wealth!
      • This did cause THREE problems before too long…
      • FIRST – some people gave with the WRONG motive [Ananias and Saphira] – Acts 5:1
      • SECOND – the widows were not given food equally [partiality] – Acts 6:1
      • THIRD – before long no one had any possessions – and the money was GONE…
      • Everyone was POOR – and the church was in in need of help – I Corinthians 16:1-4
      • COMMUNISM and SOCIALISM are a doomed system of government…
      • They sounds good – share the wealth – take from the rich and give to the poor…
      • But the system fails because of the GREED and SELFISH nature of man!
      • The problem is when people start looking to MEN rather than the Lord…
      • Looking to the CHURCH – rather than the God of the CHURCH…
      • We are NOT called to be the PROVISION – the SOLUTION…
      • We are ONLY supposed to point others to the ONE who is the ONLY answer!
    • Barnabas… vs. 36-37
      • Joses – who was also named Barnabas by the apostles.
      • [which is translated Son of Encouragement] a Levite of the country of Cyprus.
      • Having land – sold it – and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet!
      • There was ONE believer in particular who sold his LAND…
      • Joseph [יוֹסֵף] – who was given the name BARNABAS – son [בַּר] of a prophet [נְבִיא]
      • A name we are told is INTERPRETED [ἑρμηνεύω] as SON of ENCOURAGEMENT…
      • ENCOURAGEMENT [παράκλησις] – the feminine form of [παράκλητος] – John 14:16
      • Put together and it would suggest his Father was a PROPHET his Mother full of the SPIRIT…
      • He was a LEVITE [his tribe] – from the Island of Cyprus [diaspora]!
      • LEVITES were the ONE tribe that was NOT given land – Joshua 14:4
      • Their inheritance was the LORD – they were called to SERVE God…
      • Because of the threats of the SANHEDRIN – because of the PRAYER of the CHURCH…
      • A man who was called to SERVE God – walked away from this world – to follow Jesus!
      • The HARDEST people to reach with the Gospel – are the ones who THINK they are GOOD…
      • They have a GOOD family – raised up with GOOD parents…
      • They have a GOOD reputation – and are VERY religious [Levite]
      • But when the CHURCH is FILLED with the SPIRIT…
      • Even those who are GOOD – see the truth – they are NOT good enough…
      • And they also see their need to come to Jesus!
  • 3^rd – Greatness… vs. 33
    • Great power…
      • And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus!
      • The conclusion of being FILLED with the SPIRIT…
      • Was God gave GREAT [μέγας] power [δύναμις] to those He SENT out [ἀπόστολος]
      • So that they could be a WITNESS [μαρτύριον] to the resurrection of Jesus…
      • This was the day a group of fishermen from Galilee – began to SHAKE the world…
      • FULL of the Spirit – given GREAT power – they were unstoppable!
    • Great Grace…
      • Great grace was upon them all!
      • GRACE [χάρις] that was GREAT [μέγας] was continually [imperfect] on them ALL [πᾶς]
      • All because Peter and John simply went up to the Temple to PRAY…
      • Chapter THREE and FOUR of Acts take places in less than 48 HOURS…
      • By stepping out in FAITH Peter and John got into TROUBLE…
      • When they got in TROUBLE with the SANHEDRIN – God filled them with His SPIRIT…
      • When they were AFRAID they told the CHURCH – and they PRAYED…
      • They were given BOLDNESS – UNITY – great POWER and great GRACE!
      • A lot of people ask why the church has no POWER today…
      • Where is the witness for Jesus – where are the men who SHAKE the world…
      • The answer is – we just need step out in FAITH and follow the Lord…
      • As we follow Him we will get in TROUBLE – end up in various TRIALS…
      • If we take those TRIALS as opportunities to go to the Lord in PRAYER…
      • He will grant us Great POWER and Great GRACE to shine for Him!