By Andrew Williams
“The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God for this miraculous sign—the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.” (Acts 4:21)
“As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: ‘O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them.'” (Acts 4:23-24)
“After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31)
Good morning fellow disciples.
This passage is a powerful testimony of the early church’s faith and courage in the face of persecution. After Peter and John were threatened by the religious leaders for preaching about Jesus, they didn’t retreat in fear; instead, they turned to their community of believers and prayed. Their prayer wasn’t for safety but for boldness to continue proclaiming the Gospel.
Their response teaches us the importance of redirecting our focus from fear to faith. Instead of dwelling on the threats or opposition they faced, they lifted their voices together in unified prayer, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and asking for His power to continue their mission. The result? They were filled with the Holy Spirit, emboldened to preach the Word of God with even greater courage.
Simon Peter’s boldness empowers us to stand firm in our faith, even when we face opposition or challenges. As one of the leaders in this passage, Peter exemplifies what it means to trust God fully and to lead others in prayer and mission. Peter’s courage didn’t come from his own strength but from the Holy Spirit working in and through him.
Peter reminds us that true boldness is rooted in reliance on God. When we face trials, we, too, can turn to prayer, seeking the Spirit’s power to continue faithfully in God’s calling. His example shows us that prayer is not just a retreat but a weapon—a way to realign ourselves with God’s purposes and receive the strength we need to move forward.
Are you facing a situation where you feel afraid or uncertain about standing up for your faith or fulfilling God’s mission? Like Peter and the early believers, redirect your focus to prayer. Rather than praying only for safety or deliverance, ask God for boldness to carry out His will, trusting in His power and sovereignty.
Take time to pray boldly today. Identify a challenge, fear, or opposition you are facing, and, instead of shrinking back, ask God for the courage to move forward in faith. Gather with at least one other believer to pray together, lifting your voices in unity as the early church did.
Prayer: O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, thank You for Your power and presence in my life. Like Peter and the early believers, I want to redirect my focus from fear to boldness in prayer and mission. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and give me the courage to proclaim Your truth, even in the face of opposition. Help me to trust in Your sovereignty and to walk forward in faith, knowing that You are with me always. I commit to being a bold witness for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
