Spirit Empowered Boldness

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 2:14-47

 

Acts 2:14

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 

(NKJV)

 

After the miracle of receiving the Holy Spirit and the crowd gathered for the feast of Pentecost, hearing the 120 praise God in their own language (Acts 1:5-12), Peter stood up to address the crowd. This represents a new boldness for Peter with no fear of rejection, which led to him denying Jesus three times (John 18:15-18, 25-27). All believers have a mission from Jesus to share the Gospel with others, but many lack the boldness to do so. In this post, we will explore how Peter gained the boldness to share his faith, so that we too can possess this same boldness.

 

Peter comes out of the upper room and begins to address the crowd outside, beginning with addressing those who believe the apostles are drunk by reminding them it is only 9:00 in the morning (Acts 2:14-15). Peter then refers to Joel 2:28-32 and lets the crowd know they have just witnessed the fulfillment of this prophecy (Acts 2:16-21).

 

Peter then builds upon this scriptural foundation by attesting to Jesus of Nazareth whom God attested through miracles, wonders, and signs done through Him by God (Acts 2:22). Peter then boldly lets them know this is the same Jesus they crucified and handed over for death, but who resurrected from the dead because death had no power over him (Acts 2:23-24). Peter then adds to the scriptural foundation of truth by quoting a prophecy from David regarding the Messiah not remaining in Hades with his body decaying in corruption (Acts 2:25-28; Psalm 16:8-11). David is not speaking of himself because his tomb is not far away in Jerusalem and is therefore speaking one of his offspring (Acts 2:29-30). Therefore, the words of David are prophetic, foretelling the resurrection of Jesus, something Peter had witnessed (Acts 2:31-32). Peter and others also witnessed the ascension of Jesus to sit at the right hand of God the Father, where God gave Him the gift of the Holy Spirit to give to the apostles, the event they had just witnessed (Acts 2:33).

 

David himself did not ascend to heaven, but in Psalm 110:1, points out that the Lord said to His Lord to sit at the right hand of God until His enemies are underfoot, which occurred when Jesus resurrected from the grave (Acts 2:34-35). This is the foundation of truth from which Peter boldly declares Jesus, the one they crucified is both Lord and the Christ (Acts 2:36). This leads those hearing Peter to have conviction in their hearts, asking what they should do (Acts 2:37). Peter responds by telling them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins so they too can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). This promise of the Holy Spirit is not only for those in the crowd, but their children and those afar off in future generations (Acts 2:39). This led to three thousand souls added to the Church (Acts 2:40-41).

 

Those added to the Church continued steadfastly in the apostle’ doctrine and had fellowship in breaking bread and prayer (Acts 2:42). There was also great fear upon every soul as they witnessed wonders and signs done through the apostles (Acts 2:43). The believers were together and had all things in common, selling possessions and goods to distribute to those in need (Acts 2:44-45). The believers continued daily in one accord in the temple and the breaking of bread from house to house, having gladness and simplicity of heart (Acts 2:46). They were seen praising God, gaining favor with all the people, with the Lord adding to the church daily (Acts 2:47).

 

Joel had foretold of a time when the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all flesh, with those in Jerusalem at Pentecost just witnessing the beginning of the fulfillment of this prophecy (Joel 2:28-32). The once timid Peter who denied Christ three times is now bold and no longer timid and even tells the crowd Jesus, whom they crucified is both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). The crowd could have become angry with Peter, making him the next one crucified, but instead they had conviction in their hearts and asked Peter what to do (Acts 2:37). This leads to the question, what has happened to Peter to give him such boldness.

 

• Peter witnessed the risen Lord (John 20:19-29) – Peter was present when Jesus appeared to the disciples in the upper room on the day He resurrected, and a week later, with Thomas present. He also saw the Lord on the shore from the boat (John 21:7)
• Peter received forgiveness (John 21:15-19) – At breakfast on the shore with Jesus, Peter received forgiveness for his sin of denying Jesus.
• Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4) – Seeing the risen Lord and receiving forgiveness of sin solidified truth in the life of Peter, but the power source of his boldness was receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

 

The promise of the Holy Spirit was not just for the apostles and those in Jerusalem at Pentecost, but for those afar off, which includes us (Acts 2:38-39). This is the power source spoken of by Jesus in Acts 1:8, but this power is sadly missing in the Church today. Instead of being a transformative force in society (Acts 17:6), the Church today is often weak and willing to compromise in order not to offend anyone. Churches do not speak out against sin for it might offend someone, forgetting that we all have sinned and need forgiveness through Christ (Romans 3:23; 6:23). The world needs to see a Church full of true worshippers of God who worship in Spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Knowledge of the Bible is abundant in the information age, but when it lacks the power of the Holy Spirit, it lacks the power to bring about heart transformation. Please pray with me for a genuine empowerment of the Holy Spirit in the Church so the Church returns to its transformative role in the world.

 

If you are reading this and, like those who heard Peter on the day of Pentecost, feel convicted in your heart, I invite you to pray with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

Let someone know of your profession of faith or comment on this post. I also urge you to find a church of truth, teaching from the Bible with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.