Book of Acts: Speak Boldly by the Holy Spirit
We have covered Acts chapters 1 and 2, and today we’re looking at chapter 4. Although we’re skipping chapter 3 in our study here, please read through Acts personally so you understand what God was doing when He birthed the New Testament Church.
Waiting on God Means Trusting God
In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, “Wait until the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall be my witnesses.”
“Witnesses” here means martyrs — living sacrifices — people dead to the world but alive in Christ.
Someone once asked me, “How do you wait on God?”
Waiting on God isn’t passive; it’s active trust.
Waiting spelled correctly is T-R-U-S-T.
The Power of Fellowship
In Acts chapter 2, we see about 120 disciples gathered in the upper room when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This was the first time in the New Testament that we see the third person of the Trinity — God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit — introduced.
The Holy Spirit came upon them in the form of a mighty rushing wind.
It’s important to note that the wind itself was not the Holy Spirit, but rather, the Spirit came in the form of the wind. They were filled with the Spirit and began to speak in tongues.
We also see that Peter stood up, preached the Word boldly, and that day, 3,000 people gave their hearts to God.
Peter and the disciples also devoted themselves to the Word, fellowship, prayer, and sharing meals.
Fellowship is biblical.
Fellowship matters!
Boldness Through the Spirit
In Acts chapter 3, the church is growing and thriving. Peter and John encounter a man who couldn't walk for forty years. He was begging for money, but Peter looks at him and says, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
The man gets up, throws aside his belongings, and walks!
Peter seizes the moment and tells the crowd that Jesus is Lord, He is God, and salvation comes from Him. Because of this, the crowd grows to about 5,000 believers, all captivated by what they’ve seen and heard.
Understanding the Spirit’s Filling
Acts 4 introduces an important spiritual truth about the Holy Spirit:
Indwelling: When you accept Christ, the Holy Spirit permanently resides in us.
Infilling: This is an ongoing experience, empowering us to live boldly and minister effectively.
In Acts 2, Peter received the Spirit’s indwelling, but in Acts 4:8, Peter was filled again with the Holy Spirit to empower him for a specific moment of bold preaching. This filling isn’t about receiving more of the Spirit — it’s about the Spirit gaining more control over our lives, helping us overcome our weaknesses and fears.
Key Points from Acts 4
Boldness is a Sign of a Spirit-Filled Overflowing Life
Acts 4:13-22 - 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
When you’re filled with the Spirit, boldness naturally flows out. People notice when you’ve spent time with Jesus.
When Peter responded courageously, his boldness wasn’t arrogance; it was a result of being deeply connected with Jesus and filled afresh by the Holy Spirit.
2. The importance of Prayer in Seeking Boldness
Acts 4:23-30 - 23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
Peter and John faced threats, but instead of retreating, they prayed for boldness. They understood the necessity of prayer in receiving boldness and seeing God perform miracles, pointing others to Christ.
Their prayer teaches us that boldness comes from prayerful reliance on God, even under pressure. It’s a powerful example of praying not for comfort, but for courage to speak God’s truth clearly.
3. The Spirit’s Work in Shaking Places and Hearts
Acts 4:31 says, “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
When the Holy Spirit fills us afresh, He shakes places and hearts, breaking spiritual barriers, empowering us to speak boldly, and enabling us to stand strong despite opposition.
Fresh Infilling, Daily Empowerment
Ephesians 5:18 - “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,”
Here, Paul contrasts drunkenness (losing control) with being filled with the Spirit (gaining divine control). He tells believers that being filled is not a one-time event but a continuous, ongoing experience. Just as alcohol negatively influences one's behavior, the Holy Spirit constantly influences our behavior positively, empowering us to live boldly and fruitfully.
Just as Peter and John faced cultural pressures to stay silent about Jesus, we face similar pressures today.
We as Christians often struggle with fear, anxiety, and even timidity about sharing our faith openly because society discourages or even punishes bold declarations of biblical truth.
Yet, we must stand firm.
Our boldness comes from regularly experiencing the infilling of the Holy Spirit, surrendering daily to His control, and letting His power transform us.
We are not bold in our own strength — it’s the Spirit of God working through us.
The Purpose of Signs and Wonders
Why did the early church pray for miracles?
Not just to feel good or gain popularity. They understood miracles were signs that pointed to Jesus as Savior and Lord. Signs and wonders confirmed the gospel and drew people to salvation in Christ.
This should still be our prayer today — not for self-promotion or comfort, but to glorify Jesus Christ.
Like Peter, let’s continually seek fresh filling of the Holy Spirit so we can boldly live out our faith and fulfill God’s purpose each day.
Today, let’s commit together:
To seek boldness from the Holy Spirit daily.
To stand firm against cultural pressures that try to silence our faith.
To pray for signs and wonders that glorify Jesus and lead others to Him.
Watch the full sermon to learn how to overcome fear, embrace spiritual boldness, and step confidently into the calling God has for you.
