In today’s world, boldness in faith is becoming increasingly countercultural. But boldness is not a modern invention—it’s a powerful thread woven through Scripture, especially in the early Church. When the disciples were threatened, commanded to be silent, and even beaten for speaking the name of Jesus, they didn’t back down.
They chose boldness over fear, and their obedience changed the world.
Let’s take a look at how their story in the book of Acts still speaks to us today—and what it means to obey God no matter the cost.
The Command to Be Silent
“They commanded [the disciples] not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”
—Acts 4:18
The religious leaders of the time were uncomfortable with the truth of the Gospel. After the miraculous healing of a lame man and Peter’s bold preaching, the authorities tried to stop the movement by silencing its message.
Sound familiar? The pressure to stay quiet about your faith is not new. Whether in the workplace, public spaces, or even within families, believers often face resistance. The goal of the enemy is always the same: silence the message by silencing the messenger.
Related:
- The Commands of Jesus
- Visions of End Times Persecution | Before the Days of the Anti-Christ | David Wilkerson
- Prophetic Dream: Welcome to the Arena [Persecution] Pastor John Kilpatrick
- Francis Chan ‘What I’m Doing Right Now Will Be Labeled a Hate Crime’
The Response of Boldness
“We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
—Acts 4:20
Peter and John’s response is one of the most courageous declarations in Scripture. They acknowledged the command but made it clear: their allegiance was to God first. Their boldness came not from personality, but from conviction and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Just a few verses later, we read:
“…they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
—Acts 4:31
They didn’t just ignore the threats—they prayed for greater boldness to continue doing what God called them to do.
The Cost of Obedience
“…they called for the apostles and beat them…”
—Acts 5:40
Obedience to God often comes with a cost. The apostles were not only warned again, but physically punished for preaching. Yet their response was remarkable:
“They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
—Acts 5:41
Rejoicing? After a beating?
Yes—because they understood that obedience to Jesus was worth any cost. They saw suffering not as defeat, but as honor.
The Commitment to Continue
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
—Acts 5:42
They didn’t stop.
Even under threat, pressure, and pain, they continued daily—publicly and privately—to share the Gospel. Their obedience wasn’t an occasional moment of courage. It was a consistent lifestyle of faithfulness.
And through that boldness, the Church grew, lives were transformed, and the Gospel spread to the ends of the earth.
Related:
- Beyond Belief: The Cost of True Discipleship
- Maturity in Christ- Believer to Sonship: Rick Joyner
- Five Keys to Spreading the Gospel: Insights from Steve Addison’s “Movements That Change the World
- Acts 2:42 Vision: The Church of Acts and the Combine Harvest! “I saw Jesus face to face.” Chris Reed
- Barna Research Proves Non-Christians are Open to One on One Conversation About Christian Faith
- The Coming Revival: Filling Stadiums totally Captured with latest Media Technology – Spreading Revival Globally
The Power Behind Their Boldness
Where did this boldness come from?
It wasn’t natural bravery or stubbornness. It came from a supernatural source—the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 4:29–31, the early believers prayed not for safety, but for boldness:
“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word…”
“…and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
God answered their prayer not by removing the opposition, but by empowering them to stand in the face of it.
Modern-Day Disciples: Boldness in Persecution Today
The boldness of the early Church isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s alive today in disciples of Jesus around the world who refuse to stop making disciples, even under severe persecution. These modern-day believers echo the courage of Peter and John, choosing obedience to Christ over fear, no matter the cost.
Let’s look at a few of their stories, drawn from the frontlines of faith, where the Great Commission following the Commands of Jesus to make disciples continues to thrive amidst opposition.
🇮🇳 India – Pastor Hira Singh
After coming to Christ in 2000 from a high-caste Hindu background in Himachal Pradesh—a hub of Hindu pilgrimage—Pastor Hira Singh faced intense opposition. Despite resistance from his own family and community, he began boldly sharing the Gospel. Over the years, his ministry has grown, planting churches and discipling new believers, even as threats have escalated.
Like the apostles in Acts 5:42, he did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus, turning persecution into fuel for the mission.
👳♂️ Northern India – Farooq, Former Imam
Farooq, a former imam in a majority-Muslim region, began secretly pointing students to the Bible. Though he lived under constant risk, he continued to disciple quietly for years. When discovered, he was severely beaten and forced into hiding. But even in exile, Farooq lives out Acts 4:20—“We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
His story is a living example of unstoppable obedience.
🌍 Burkina Faso – Ramata
At just 17, Ramata accepted Christ after being miraculously healed through prayer. Her new faith was met with fierce rejection. Her family locked her in a shed without food or water, mocking her belief in Jesus. Through starvation and isolation, she continued to pray and hold onto her faith.
Today, she boldly shares her testimony and prays for her persecutors. Her life reflects Acts 5:41—rejoicing in suffering for the name of Christ.
🇳🇬 Nigeria – Basavaraj’s Family
Basavaraj and his family are the only Christians in a village of 200 Hindu families. After refusing to participate in temple rituals, they were beaten, their crops poisoned, and their home vandalized. Yet they boldly declared, “Even if you kill me, we will only worship Jesus.”
Their daily, unwavering witness echoes the apostles’ resilience in Acts 5:42, proving that persecution cannot silence the Gospel.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
Like the early Church, and like these modern-day believers, we are called to boldness. Truth is still being challenged. The pressure to be silent still exists. But the Holy Spirit still empowers.
✅ Obey when it’s unpopular.
✅ Obey when it’s uncomfortable.
✅ Obey when it costs something.
Because God still gives power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). And He still fills His people with boldness when they ask.
A Prayer for Boldness
“Lord, in a world that pressures us to stay silent, fill us with boldness to speak Your truth with love.
Let us be unashamed, unafraid, and unwavering in obedience to You.
May our lives reflect the courage of the early Church—and may we rejoice to be counted worthy for Your name. Amen.”
Final Thought
If you’ve been feeling hesitant, discouraged, or silenced in your faith—remember: boldness isn’t something you have to muster on your own. It’s a gift from God, available through His Spirit.
So ask for it. Step into it. And live like someone who chooses boldness over fear—no matter the cost.