CLOUDED
by
EMOTION

When reading through the book of Acts, it is hard not to notice the boldness of those who preached the gospel. ​

And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31

The Holy Spirit was at work. The apostles were performing signs, which confirmed the gospel they preached. The church was growing by the thousands. In Acts 6, the church was still growing rapidly, and the apostles laid their hands on seven men. For a couple of chapters, the focus is then on two of those men—Stephen and Philip.

​In the next few verses, Stephen began confounding people with the wisdom of the Spirit and the message of the gospel. Unfortunately, some stiff-necked Jews preferred their traditions over the grace offered by Jesus Christ.

But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. Acts 7:57–58

Stephen was not only the first recorded Christian to die for his faith; he was also the first person other than the apostles that the book of Acts records performing miracles. Though preaching the gospel with boldness cost Stephen his life, do you think for a second since then he has regretted it?

In the next chapter, the book of Acts focuses on Philip. He was the first man to take the gospel to the Samaritans. While in Samaria, Philip encountered Simon, who had received the praise of the city through performing magic arts. Yet, that did not stop Philip from preaching about Jesus and His kingdom.

But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed. Acts 8:12–13

I don’t know about you, but the prospect of preaching to a hostile audience like Stephen did, or taking the gospel to alleged sorcerers like Philip did, would not automatically excite me. However, I am grateful for the account of these men, which can embolden me to take the gospel wherever I go.

Discussion Question: Regarding boldness and evangelism, what can you be doing today to prevent regret in the future?

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Scripture quotations are taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation