Unskilled Boldness

Knowledge is power - I know nothing, brings about nothing! Relevant to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, this insight can be very applicable in a specific manner. Vast knowledge, great learning in combination with titles, positions, influences and numerous talents is useless without the Holy Spirit. In John 14:16-17 we read: “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.'' Peter and John were simple people (not theologians) and socially rather inapt. They were certainly not stupid, rather not professional overachievers or highly paid managerial types. However, they knew, with great inner conviction and surety, and were bold concerning their faith when telling others about Jesus Christ, not afraid to call a spade a spade. Their high-ranking audience did not reckon with this and were obviously surprised, impressed and somewhat perplexed. If we, when given the opportunity, formulated and testified of the truth of the Gospel with this boldness, we would have the same impact as Peter and John did. The truth, told through the Holy Spirit, will accomplish its transformation in others. God wants us to be true witnesses who are not ashamed of the Gospel – rather the opposite.

In Isaiah 55:10-11 the prophet writes: “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” This is still valid today – maybe even more so than ever. Peter and John were only unlearned in worldly ways and in accordance with the ideas of worldly standards and governing bodies. Then, as in today's time, it has validity. They were practitioners rather than theorists. In today's world, those who are able to discuss worldly topics with clever (diplomatic) words and language, are seen as being intellectual. It can't all be incorrect, but is it all the truth before God? To occupy oneself with the contents of the Bible, as a Christian, works something in oneself as well as in others, with which much can be accomplished. The lives of Peter and John proves this beyond a shadow of doubt. And people should also be able to say about us, that we accomplished something and spoke the truth. And if the reactions of people are not always positive, so the truth always remains the truth and will accomplish its good work (earlier or later). Thus, we should make ourselves available to God – wherever and in whichever manner.

Jörg Bauer