Read Acts 4 before you continue.
BOLDNESS
What a word. In a sense, it speaks for itself. It’s a word that makes me feel uncomfortable. Draws up images of bullhorn preachers on street corners and pick up lines at Uptown bar and grill.
It means nothing to me that Peter was bold. Apostles are bold. It’s what they do well. But today, boldness is creepy and left to FOX and Lou Dobbs. It’s great for sports and war, but not for the front door steps First Community Church of Jerusalem.
Review chapter 4. Underline every time you see the word “boldness”.
You should have found it four times. The term was used about Peter every time.
There was a boldness that I possessed when I told Jenny my feelings for her nearly 8 years ago. I did not stand on a street corner. I did not march before her, wagging my finger and explaining to her why I would be the perfect boyfriend. I didn’t show a video. But, with passion and conviction I told her what I felt. It was compelling type of truth that had to be spoken. More importantly, it was the type of boldness that was open, vulnerable and without manipulation.
A woman doesn’t want manipulation; she wants to see the truth of a man’s heart. She doesn’t want a bullhorn, she wants simple boldness. (by the way women. Take the bumbling, sincere guy over the smooth guy any day. Jenny did. Doesn't mean I'm perfect, but it means that Jenny knew exactly what she got!)
In the beginning, the Sadducees arrested Peter and John for the political implication of the healing, but they were even more afraid because of his boldness in verse 13. One has to understand, they didn’t hear a bullhorn as we might all expect. What they heard was: “parrhesia”. Parrhesia, or “boldness” in greek is truth told without manipulation, generalization or coercion. This boldness earned attention and respect by the crowd because the words came easy and without duplicity. They spoke not to convince the Sadducees of the truth, nor to hide it. They simply spoke (Matt 10:19).
This is how I should talk about God.
This is how I should live.
It says in verse 13 that the Sadducees “perceived that they were uneducated, Koine men,” er, sorry. Slip of the finger. “…common men, and they were astonished.” Notice the Sadducees’ response in verse 15. While Peter and John talked openly about what they believed, the Sadducees had to send them away and close the doors. In the chambers, they “conferred” amongst themselves. The language of verse 16 is classic backroom politics. It’s the type of politics that we revel in when we partake, but burns us when we are the ones being kept out – especially when it is about us. But in the end, all the politicians could do was send them away with threats. Now, when manipulative men threaten honest people, it only emboldens them. And that is exactly what happens next.
Verse 23-31
Now, they praise God while incorporating David’s Psalm. In verse 26 what do they ask for? Not a retreat center. Not a place to hide away. They want more of this – this boldness. An ability to simply speak what is right. No manipulation. No generalization and no “spin”. Simple truth.
Man, what I would pay to live like this. Persecution might come, but imagine a life filled with simple, honest words. To live such a life that I wouldn’t have to explain it away or “spin” it to my grandchildren.
Verse 32-37
Now, look what happens in verse 32. A simple, “common” Peter proclaims the good news of Jesus to his enemies. The Sadducees send him away with threats. How do the people respond? With oneness! They were of one heart and soul! A politicians dream! Yet, the unity that a politician could only dream of was brought about by the Spirit and the faithfulness of a simple, bold man. Whether big or small, everyone of us will create unity when we give up the backbiting and manipulation, and speak truth about Jesus and ourselves.
MANIPULATION
It will only bring me discord.
BOLDNESS
May it bring me peace.
Peace friends,
Kevin
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