In the realm of Christian teachings, the concept of “holy boldness” is deeply rooted in scripture and is often associated with the courage to stand up for one’s faith, to witness, and to live a life that reflects the principles of Christianity without fear of persecution or rejection. The idea of holy boldness is not about being reckless or impulsive but about being empowered by faith to act and speak in ways that honor God, even in challenging circumstances.
One of the key scriptures that address holy boldness is found in the book of Acts, chapter 4, verses 29-31. Here, the apostles, after being threatened by the religious leaders of their time for preaching about Jesus, pray for boldness to continue their ministry. The passage reads:
“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.” 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.”
This prayer for boldness is not a request for personal courage in the face of danger but a petition for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to speak and act with confidence and authority, knowing that their words and deeds are backed by divine power.
Another significant scripture that speaks to the concept of holy boldness is Ephesians 6:19-20, where the Apostle Paul asks for prayer that he might be given the words to speak and the boldness to speak them:
“and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of speaking with boldness, not out of personal confidence but as an ambassador of Christ, relying on the empowerment of the Spirit to fulfill his ministry.
The concept of holy boldness is also linked with the idea of not being ashamed of the gospel, as mentioned in Romans 1:16:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
This verse underscores the confidence that believers should have in the gospel’s power and the resultant boldness to proclaim it without shame or fear of what others might think.
In practical terms, holy boldness translates into a way of living and interacting with others that is characterized by:
- Confidence in the Gospel: A deep understanding and belief in the power of the gospel to save and transform lives, leading to a courageous proclamation of its message.
- Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Recognizing that true boldness comes not from human courage but from the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, leading believers to pray for and rely on this empowerment.
- Willingness to Take Stands: Being prepared to stand up for what is right and just, even in the face of opposition or adversity, because of a firm conviction in the truth and importance of the Christian message.
- Speaking the Truth in Love: Practicing boldness not in a spirit of aggression or confrontation but in a manner that is gracious, loving, and respectful, yet unwavering in its commitment to truth.
In essence, holy boldness is about living a life that boldly reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and doing so with a heart full of love, a spirit of humility, and a deep reliance on God’s power and wisdom. It’s a call to believers to step out in faith, trusting in the Lord’s strength and enabling, to fulfill the Great Commission and to live as salt and light in a world that desperately needs the hope and redemption that only Jesus can offer.
