Key Texts: Acts 2: 1 – 43; Acts 3: 11 -24; Acts 4: 1 – 31
Additional Texts: Acts 28: 31; Ephesians 3: 7 – 13; 2 Corinthians 3: 8 – 12; 2 Timothy 1: 6 – 8; Psalm 138: 3; 1 John 5: 14
As usual, if you’re unable to read the texts prior to reading the article, it is still possible to grasp the key messages and read the references afterwards.
This series is not a criticism of the Church or an implication that we are unlike the early Church; rather it is an exploration of lessons we (followers of Christ and anyone with a sincere interest in Him) may learn from the faith of the early disciples, many of whom witnessed Jesus’ ministry in His time on earth and fully embraced His Great Commission (Matthew 28: 18 – 20).
The disciples whose actions are described in the Key Texts had every reason to fear. Before the crucifixion was concluded, they hid in fear of the authorities – persecution had become a reality and this continued after Jesus’ Resurrection. They had walked with Jesus and believed in Him, but the reality of His arrest and crucifixion filled them with doubt and dread. Thankfully, Jesus appeared to them whilst they were in hiding, comforted them, reminded them of His identity and authority, reinforced their bond with Him and challenged them to share the good news – the reason for His earthly mission (John 20: 19 – 29; John 21; Luke 24; Matthew 28: 18 – 20).
The same disciples who had cowered in fear, obediently waited to receive God’s power through the promised Holy Spirit (Joel 2: 28 – 29). Prior to His ascension, Jesus commanded them to be witnesses for Him, after they received the empowering Holy Spirit. He acknowledged their lack of power for their ministries or assignment to spread the gospel, but also saw their potential to boldly represent Him in the face of adversity. When they received this power, the disciples immediately began to demonstrate what Jesus had meant; their trajectory changed after the Day of Pentecost.
When they were doubted and mocked by onlookers after the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit (evidenced on that occasion through the speaking of unknown tongues), Peter, who had previously denied Jesus, boldly stepped into his God-given assignment and preached. He explained the fulfilled prophecies about the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ earthly mission, and the need for repentance if they wanted to have a relationship with Him and receive all His promises. The transformed, emboldened version of Peter confidently stood, ministered and led thousands to faith in that day. I presume this did not only encourage new and existing followers of Christ, but it also built the faith of the eleven remaining disciples who had walked with Jesus during His ministry, providing a template for the possibilities in their ministries.
I doubt the disciples’ anxiety ceased altogether because of that day; they were bold but still human. However, from the Day of Pentecost, their God-given assignments took precedence above fear. They may still have felt the emotion of fear, but the truth of their experience with God became their driving force. No persecution stopped them from that day. The boldness of the apostles was demonstrated repeatedly as they risked their lives for their call to share the gospel. Whether he was used by God to heal, responding to critics or responding when falsely accused and arrested, Peter was bold and shared the gospel (Acts 3 – 4). Indeed, as a bonus, the circumstances which previously intimidated the disciples, later propelled them to their purpose! Under trial, Paul arrived in Rome and grasped the opportunity to preach the gospel- the reason for his hope. His access to Rome was granted through circumstances which would previously have seen him hiding behind locked doors. The boldness with which he preached the gospel led to persecution and an unfair arrest, but gave him more opportunities to share the gospel. Though some rejected his message, many were led to faith and he eventually stayed at his own rented home in Rome for two years, boldly preaching without obstacles.
What would you do if you weren’t afraid? What has God prompted you to do, (perhaps repeatedly), that you have procrastinated about? As I always say, these articles are firstly for me; we are all prone to concerns about the unknown. What if it works? What if it doesn’t? These may be personal situations or others relating specifically to your relationship with God or ministry. As seen in the texts, the presence of fear does not negate the potential for courage. We also have access to the Holy Spirit on receiving His salvation, and may pray for God to renew us and breathe His Spirit on us when we need courage. In the same way that Jesus breathed His Spirit on the disciples, He is available to us.
In John 20: 22, the disciples received His Spirit and there was no evidence of speaking in tongues. I understand that there are denominations and doctrines and respect our differences in the (one!) body of Christ, but equally do not feel the need for endless debates about whether we must all demonstrate identical gifts such as speaking in tongues to prove we have the Holy Spirit or sincere faith. The two scriptures indicate God’s unchanging nature, alongside His unpredictable methods. In Luke 11: 1 – 11, Jesus reminds us that God will willingly give His Spirit to those who ask. In Acts 4: 24 – 34, the disciples (united) in prayer, asked for boldness, though they already heard reports of the fruit of the boldness acquired at Pentecost. God heard and answered in the affirmative.
Likewise, we need to realise we do not know it all, and need to constantly rely on God to recharge us. My charge to all of us is to ask God for boldness to walk in our calling and step out in faith when needed because we have: the examples of those in scripture who exercised audacity, access to the Holy Spirit (who gives us power, love and sound minds), hope that gives us courage, and a God who hears when we cry out to Him (even if the answer is different to our precise expectations). (See the Additional Texts).
Again, what would you do if you had more courage? I do not mean the things you know are wrong and unhelpful for you and others – the question is related to your walk /relationship with God and your personal circumstances (career/job, relationships, decisions about the future or the countless other areas only you may be aware of). The disciples’ bravery led to many accessing the gospel. Anyone who heard the gospel in our generation (including me), heard it because of the bravery of the early apostles who inspired others to continue to share it. What hinges on our bravery? Overcoming our fears to serve God boldly or pivot in our personal lives will honour Him, and may also make a positive difference to someone’s destiny.
As usual, I may not have the answers for you, but try talking to God today about the areas where you sense the need to be brave. Talk to Him for a few seconds, a minute or five today, even if you’re angry at Him, confused or indifferent about faith. He hears, and will walk you through all seasons.
Heartfelt Prayer:
Dear Lord, I am not as brave as I should be. Sometimes fear paralyses me, even though I know this is not Your Spirit. Please empower me with Your Holy Spirit, to enable the effectiveness I need in all areas of my life. Please give me the courage I need to serve you in any ministry You designed for me, and help me to likewise encourage others who may feel fear or anxiety about the unknown, or the persecution they endure because of their relationship with You. I ask these mercies in Your Son’s – Jesus’ name. Amen.
