Boldness

What’s keeping you from speaking about your faith with confidence? The same man who once persecuted Christians preached boldly in Acts 9.

“Barnabas … brought him to the apostles and declared … how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord” (Acts 9:27–28).

How would Paul act when he returned to Jerusalem for the first time after his conversion? He had left as a persecutor of Christians, but on the road to Damascus he’d become a Christian himself. Would he be reluctant? Worried? Cautious? Afraid? No. In fact, twice the Bible uses the word “boldly” to describe his actions!

He spoke with freedom and boldness, confident and assured, without constraint.

This word is used in the New Testament almost exclusively in association with Paul: when he spoke out in Antioch (Acts 13:46), Iconium (Acts 14:3), and Ephesus (Acts 19:8), and when he appeared before King Agrippa (Acts 26:26).

Paul also wrote that he was “an ambassador” for the Gospel. He proclaimed it boldly (Ephesians 6:20) and was bold in speaking out “in the midst of much conflict” (1 Thessalonians 2:2).

This word “bold” tells us much about Paul and his ministry. He was careful in his choice of words, yet free to allow his words to flow, because he was confident in his relationship with God. He knew God’s Word and that he was being led by the Holy Spirit.

If you want to speak and act with boldness, be sure about your faith. Seek to know God intimately and personally. Know His Word and His call on your life. Be filled and led by the Spirit, always sensitive to His voice.

Reflection Question: Describe why you would want to deepen your relationship with God.

Frequently Asked Questions

How was Paul received in Jerusalem after his conversion, given his history?

With understandable suspicion at first—Acts 9:26 notes the disciples “were afraid of him”—until Barnabas vouched for him and reported his bold preaching in Damascus.

Is “boldness” the same as being loud or confrontational?

No—the biblical term describes freedom and confidence in speech, not volume or aggression; Paul’s boldness came from clarity about his identity in Christ, not a personality trait.

What typically holds people back from speaking boldly about their faith?

Fear of rejection or uncertainty about God’s Word are common barriers; Paul’s pattern suggests both dissolve with a clearer grasp of Scripture and a settled relationship with God.