In Jesus' NameSample

Boldness in Jesus' Name

The growth of the Jesus movement over the past two millennia has been remarkable. What began with 120 people in an upper room has become more than 2.3 billion people across the globe. That means almost 1 in every 3 people identify as a Christian!

That’s great, but do you know what? It’s not enough. It’s not nearly enough. 1 Timothy 2:4 says that God “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Not 1 in 3. Not even half! All.

Taking the message of Jesus into new territory requires boldness. As you’ll read today, Stephen’s desire to share the Spirit’s wisdom put him in mortal danger. When questioned by the high priest, he could’ve backed down and probably saved his own life. But he didn’t.

Stephen’s obedience, no matter the cost, helped push the gospel beyond Jerusalem and into the surrounding regions.

Back in Acts 1:8, Jesus told his followers they would be His witnesses in “Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Throughout Acts, we watch that mission spreading further and further. But the story isn’t finished yet.

The message of Jesus still hasn’t reached the ends of the earth.

You know people who don’t know Jesus. So do I. And God has placed them in our lives on purpose. You might be shy, unsure of yourself, or new to faith. You might feel like you don’t have the right words, or that people will make fun of you. It’s true—they might! But it’s worth the risk.

The good news is that boldness doesn’t come from gritting your teeth and trying harder. Kingdom boldness comes from being full of the Spirit. Stephen is described as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”. That’s where his boldness came from.

It’s not about personality, it’s about dependence on the Spirit of Jesus. It’s boldness in His name, not our own.

Boldness is not arrogance. It is courage rooted in obedience, Spirit-filled living, and love for people.

So depend on the Holy Spirit today—and ask Him to give you boldness in Jesus’ name.

Let’s Pray
God, as Peter and John prayed, “enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” Give me courage to obey You rather than fear people. Fill me with Your Spirit and make me bold in Jesus’ name. Amen.