“And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.” Acts 9:26–27
Is there anything you would die for?
Let’s say that you went around telling everyone that you loved a certain band, but this wasn’t true. Everyone else seemed to love this band, so you wanted to follow along.
Now, would you say this if your life depended on telling the truth?
The text says that Saul “preached boldly in the name of Jesus.” Why would this be the thing that would convince people that Saul was worthy to be trusted? The answer is because back then if you were “preaching boldly” for Jesus’ sake, it was kind of like inviting a gun to your head. You might lose your life for it. In fact, people were trying to kill Saul!
In Barnabas’ mind, there is no way that Saul would put his life on the line by preaching, unless he really believed the message to be true! People don’t usually die for something they know is not true.
May we have the same confidence and faith to preach boldly like Saul, even if the cost is very high.
Read
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:1–2
- Why is bold preaching important?
- Why would Saul’s preaching prove that he was truly a Christian?
Prayer
Father, give us the boldness to preach like Saul, no matter the consequences. May people be awakened to faith in Jesus because of our faithfulness in sharing the truth about his life, death, resurrection, and return. Help us, by your Spirit, to be bold. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide: Chapter 6–11. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes an 11-week curriculum with small group studies, group inductive studies, as well as 55 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
