A devotional on boldness takes us to a prayer meeting that shook the room. Luke writes, “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31, ESV). Holy courage is not a personality type. It is a gift of the Spirit.
Key Verse
“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31, ESV)
Threatened but Not Silenced
The story starts in Acts 3. Peter and John were heading to the temple to pray when they met a man unable to walk since birth. Calling on Jesus’ name, Peter told him to get up, and he did, leaping and praising God. A crowd gathered, and Peter preached about the risen Jesus.
The religious leaders were furious. They arrested Peter and John and held them overnight. The next day, the same council that had condemned Jesus questioned them. Peter, filled with the Spirit, told them plainly that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus (Acts 4:12). The leaders were amazed, because these were ordinary, untrained men, and realized these men had spent time with Jesus (Acts 4:13).
The council ordered them to stop speaking about Jesus. Peter and John answered that they could not stop talking about what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:19–20). After more threats, they were released.
A Surprising Prayer
When Peter and John returned, the believers prayed together. What they asked for is surprising. They did not ask God to remove the threats or punish the council. They praised God as the maker of heaven, earth, and sea, quoted Psalm 2 about the nations raging against God’s chosen king, and then asked God to notice the threats and grant his servants courage to keep speaking (Acts 4:24–30).
Then the room shook. They were filled with the Spirit, and they kept speaking.
Boldness Comes From God
Peter’s story is a reminder that boldness is not natural confidence. Only weeks earlier, he had denied knowing Jesus three times to a servant girl in a courtyard (Luke 22:54–62). What changed? Jesus rose, forgave him, and poured out his Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). The same man who had been afraid of a servant now spoke to the highest council in Jerusalem.
If you feel timid about your faith, that is not the end of the story. God specializes in making fearful people brave.
What Boldness Looks Like
Boldness is not being loud, aggressive, or rude. In Acts, it simply means speaking clearly and honestly about Jesus even when it is costly. Sometimes boldness is a sermon before a crowd. More often, it is a quiet conversation with a coworker, an honest answer when someone asks why you have hope, or a refusal to laugh along with a cruel joke.
Paul, who preached boldly for decades, still asked churches to pray that he would speak fearlessly (Ephesians 6:19–20). Even the bravest believers need fresh courage.
Praying Together
Notice that the believers prayed as a group. Boldness grew in community. When we pray together, we remind each other of God’s power and share the weight of fear. If you want courage for a conversation, ask a friend to pray with you before and after.
A Personal Application: One Name
Think of one person in your life who does not know Jesus: a neighbor, a classmate, a relative. Write their name down. This week, pray for them by name each day, asking God for an opportunity and for courage. Then watch for an open door, perhaps a question, a hard season they are facing, or a moment to share what God has done in your life.
You do not need a perfect speech. Peter and John simply told what they had seen. You can tell what Jesus has done in your life.
Today, Try This
Pray the believers’ prayer today in your own words. Ask God for courage to speak of Jesus in one specific situation this week.
Reflection Question
Where do you need Spirit-given courage right now, and who can pray with you for it?
Prayer
Sovereign Lord, you made heaven and earth, and nothing is beyond your power. You know the fears that keep me quiet. Fill me with your Spirit and give me courage to speak of Jesus with honesty and love. Open doors for conversations, and help me walk through them. Make me brave, not for my own name, but for yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Acts 4:31 mean?
Acts 4:31 describes the early church praying after Peter and John were threatened. God answered by shaking the place and filling every believer with the Spirit, so they kept speaking about Jesus with courage.
How can I become bold in my faith?
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help, spend time with Jesus in Scripture, pray with other believers, and take small steps of obedience. Boldness grows as you trust God with the results.
Is boldness the same as being pushy?
No. Biblical boldness means speaking clearly and honestly about Jesus, even when it is costly. It is marked by love, gentleness, and respect, not aggression or manipulation.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Gospel studies
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: Acts 1:8 Devotional (devotional)
- Related: Pentecost Devotional: All Filled With the Spirit (Acts 2)
- Related: Devotional on Sharing Your Faith
- Related: Devotional on Being Filled With the Spirit