Day 316

         One of the themes that run throughout this week’s passage is that of speaking boldly.  The theme is interwoven through a variety of subjects.  We have examples of those who spoke the gospel boldly.  We have examples of those who confronted others boldly.  We have examples of those who boldly had to tackle some difficult issues.  I know you will be encouraged and/or exhorted in some area of your life as you read these passages.

Acts 12:6-14:20.  “Speaking Boldly”

There are some astounding things that take place in today’s passage: Peter’s escape from prison, Barnabas and Paul are commissioned and sent out, Paul chastises the sorcerer and the people of Lystra nearly murdered Paul.  Yet running through all those stories is the evidence of men boldly on fire for the Lord.  In the face of danger, imprisonment, ridicule and death they still spoke the truth boldly.  In fact, the phrases “spoke out boldly” and “preaching boldly” even appear in the text (13:46; 14:3).
         The apostle Paul made a request of the church in Ephesus that had to do with boldness; “Pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Eph. 6.19-20).  The phrase that interests me is the last, “as I ought to speak.”  The obvious question is if that is how we should speak the gospel, are we doing so?

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?