“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13
Conspicuously absent from Jesus’ choice of disciples were the prominent religious leaders of the day. He chose fishermen and tax collectors over theologians. Peter and John were not trained scholars, but they were in no way infer to the religious “professionals.” Noted for their boldness, what set them apart was not education, but association. Time with Jesus had transformed them so deeply that it was visible to others. Their boldness didn’t come from personality but from proximity to Christ.
A desire for this boldness by the church is seen later in Acts 4 - “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus” Acts 4:29-30. Amidst growing opposition, the people of God resisted the urge to back down and instead sought strengthening for witness in the middle of it. Boldness is not the absence of fear; it is obedience in spite of it.
Our effectiveness in witness flows from our relationship with Jesus, not our skill. As such, we need to examine where we seek boldness: in relying on personality, or on time with Jesus and the Spirit’s power? Like the early church, we need to pray specifically for boldness: not comfort or ease, but courage to speak and live truth.
We must act when prompted. Boldness grows through use. Each step of obedience strengthens the next. But we will face resistance. Boldness often invites opposition even as it opens doors for impact.
Boldness is cultivated through our daily time in having “been with Jesus.” We come, not just to learn, but to be shaped.
“Lord Jesus, make my life a reflection of You. Let my words and actions show that I have been with You.”
©Steve Taylor, 2026 --Used by permission
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