EMPOWERED: Empowered Boldness

The Book of Acts takes us on a whirlwind journey of how the Spirit infiltrated the world via an unlikely band of disciples. And this is still His mission. By indwelling people like you and me, the Spirit of Jesus will use each of us to reach the world with His love. The advent of the Spirit for individuals is the turning point of God’s great plan.

Some would argue that the book of Acts is primarily about the Church - its formation, persecution, and growth. But, the Bible tells us that there is a Force that undergirds the formation of the Church and all of her activity, a Power that is thrilling and indispensable. This non-negotiable element is the Spirit of God. The Eternal Spirit empowers both then and now and helps Christians live out our purpose, as individuals, as a church, and as the Church until Jesus Christ comes again.

How to Use This Guide 

Thank you for taking the time to do this Bible study. When we dig deeper into God’s word, He promises to bless us. We follow in the footsteps of King David, who wrote in Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

This guide will provide a weekly framework for spiritual conversations with friends or family. We encourage you to reach out to a friend or two, pick a time to get together each week and work through this guide together. This Bible study can also be a good tool for families, perhaps coordinated with mealtimes. 

What does the Bible say?

Last week in Acts 2:42-47, we focused on four components that shaped the early church's activities and how they carried on the agenda of Jesus. These are devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. We asked ourselves how these priorities lined up with our church community and how we might contribute individually in these ways.

We have a long passage this week: Acts 3-4:31. These verses present an account of Peter and John in the early days of the church and show us how the Holy Spirit empowered them to be bold in their interactions with others, despite hardship. We will learn that we can expect the Holy Spirit to empower each one of us who follow Christ to be bold in how we share the good news about Jesus to others, even when we are persecuted for doing so.

Read Acts 3-4:31.

Now, let’s walk through the story and see what happened, starting with Acts 3:1-10. Why were Peter and John on their way into the temple in the afternoon? Who did they meet, and what happened? What detail is important to you in these verses? This story begins with a person in need. Instead of being annoyed and ignoring the man, Peter and John stopped and paid attention. 

Principle: A person’s needs, which may sometimes appear as a distraction, can be a miracle waiting to happen.

Read Acts 3:11-16. The miracle attracted some onlookers. Who were these people, and how does Peter set them straight from the outset? What accusation does Peter then make and why? Who does Peter mean to glorify by his words?

Principle: When people witness something miraculous and wonder how it could happen, you can take the opportunity to give God the glory publicly. 

Read Acts 3:17-26. In these verses, Peter uses a source he had in common with the crowd to support his beliefs about Jesus: the Hebrew Scriptures. Write down the points he makes and read the passages he refers to in Deuteronomy 18: 15, 18-19 and Genesis 22:18 and 26:4. What does he ask his audience to do in Acts 3:19, and what will be the outcome if they follow his urging?

Principle: Even a heated conversation can be cooled down when we agree that the Bible is the common ground between us and those who oppose us.

When we read the Bible, we must interpret what it means. We are all human beings and so view God’s word through the lens of our own experiences. Sometimes it is good to expand the ways we reflect on applying the Bible to faith and ordinary life. If you need a little inspiration, try some of the visual aids on ImageOfInterpretation.com, inspired by Howard Thurman’s Metaphors as compiled by Dr. Shively Smith.

Read Acts 4:1-7. It’s usually not a good sign when the religious leaders enter the scene. Why were these men disturbed? What did they decide to do with Peter and John? The leaders were in the minority. They could have chosen otherwise and joined in the growing movement. How many more believed due to this event (see Acts 2:41 and 47)? What reason is given for why these leaders put Peter and John in jail? What did they do the next day, and who was there? What was their question to the two men? 

Do you think the people in verse 6 knew who Jesus was or had met Him and heard Him speak? Investigate Luke 3:2 to see how long Annas had been high priest. Read John 18:12-24 for details about Annas’ encounter with Jesus. Annas had a history with Jesus and possibly with John. What do you learn about Caiaphas’ experiences with Jesus and His followers in Matthew 26:3-5, 14-16, 57-68; Matthew 27:1-2; John 11:45-53 and 18:28-32? These men had repeatedly been exposed to Jesus’ teaching and presumably knew Peter and John were His disciples. Why do you think Annas, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and others of the high priest’s family acted like they didn’t know who Peter and John were or what they were about? 

Principle: Sometimes, being in the minority should make us rethink our position, especially when we see the fruit of the Spirit evidenced in the other point of view.

Read Peter’s answer to the question put to him by the religious leaders in Acts 4:8-12. Luke reminds us that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit as he began to speak. What do you think of his defense? Does he answer their question?

Principle: The Holy Spirit helps people know the truth about God, Jesus Christ, and the world. Those who reject Jesus and His Spirit are limited by their unbelief.

Read Acts 4:13-22. What dominant quality stood out to Peter and John’s accusers after hearing them speak? What else did they observe about the two men who were before them? Who was standing among them as a witness to God’s power to heal? What did the Sanhedrin say when they conferred in private? What was their decision in verse 17, and what did they hope it would accomplish? What was their command to Peter and John in verse 18? What was Peter and John’s response? How did the Sanhedrin end the encounter?

Principle: No argument or power can stop the mighty work of the Holy Spirit of God in the world as He works through the lives of those who follow Jesus. 

Read Acts 4:23-31. Where did Peter and John go after their night in jail and then their defense before the religious leaders? After reporting what had happened, what did the group do together?

Let’s break down this prayer. Who do the believers address in verse 24, and what truth do they affirm? What do they affirm about the Holy Spirit in verse  25? What did the Spirit say in David’s time, and how did the group apply it to their present situation? Verse 28 is powerful and applies to the need for Jesus to die for all people and the opposition that people would have to His ministry. What is the request of the group in verses  29-30? Does this surprise you? What would you have prayed for? 

How did God answer His peoples’ prayer? 

Principle: Sometimes, when we think we want protection, what we really need is boldness. 

Now is the time to rely upon the Holy Spirit and be bold. Human beings may have the power to imprison and torture us for our faith, perhaps emotionally, socially, and physically, but our Sovereign God holds the power over sin and death. The world needs to hear about the good news of Jesus Christ, and God wants to use each one of us to accomplish His work, no matter the cost.

Prayer

We worship You, God, for Your sovereign strength. You are more powerful than any force and can influence any heart. By Your Holy Spirit, You empower those who follow You with boldness to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. During times of persecution or refreshing, the Spirit is our strength. Amen.

*All Scripture quotations are taken from the New International Version of the Bible unless otherwise noted.