Do People Recognize That You Know Jesus? (Acts 3-4)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Would you consider yourself a bold person?

The theme of boldness is repeated in Scripture. David is commanded to be strong, and in 1 Chronicles 28:20, David passes this admonition along to his son Solomon. Joshua 1:9 says, “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

In Acts 3-4, Peter and John, filled with the Holy Spirit, were on fire for God, and their boldness was evident as they healed a man who had been lame from birth. In Acts 3, they encountered this man as they went to the temple to pray. Without hesitation, Peter told him to rise and walk, and immediately, the man was healed. Unsurprisingly, this miraculous healing drew attention and a lot of questions from the religious leaders.

But when Peter and John answer their questions, Acts 4:13 says, “When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.”

Peter and John’s bold act was not done for personal gain or recognition. It was done so that people would glorify God. The miracle wasn’t about making Peter and John famous—it was about drawing attention to Jesus. This is what true boldness is all about.

The Sadducees, part of the group who questioned Peter and John, didn’t even believe in the possibility of resurrection. Peter and John's bold proclamation of Jesus' resurrection directly challenged their authority. Yet, Peter and John stood their ground and fearlessly declared that there was no salvation apart from Jesus. Peter, the same man who had denied Jesus just days before, now stood boldly proclaiming the gospel before the same types of people who had condemned his Savior to death.

This is what Holy Spirit boldness does. Boldness rooted in the Spirit transcends human qualifications and abilities. It causes people to look past us and see Christ. True boldness isn’t about us—it’s about showing others the power and love of Jesus through our words and actions.

After Peter and John were released by the Sanhedrin, they immediately returned to their fellow believers and lifted their voices in prayer. In Acts 4:29, they prayed, “And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, continuing to speak the word of God with boldness. Their boldness becomes contagious.