Many times, when we face persecution for our faith, we are tempted to defend ourselves and our reputations through our words, actions, or even legal counsel. However, we learn from the disciples' example that defending oneself was the last thing they did when faced with persecution and threats from those whose hands were still dripping with the guilt of killing the Son of God, Jesus. In times of persecution and threat, they prayed for God to amplify the very actions that had brought persecution upon them. It's as if they prayed, "God, crank it up a notch," because they sought boldness to further provoke their adversaries, or more accurately, the enemies of God. Be encouraged as you learn about their journey and the empowerment they received from the Lord, who shook the very place they were in and filled everyone with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to speak the Word of God with boldness.