Acts 4:23-31
And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they had heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
In times of growing pressure and opposition, the early church offers a powerful example of how believers should respond. This sermon from Pastor Léveillé draws from Acts chapter 4 to challenge us to seek boldness in proclaiming the gospel, especially as we engage in summer outreach opportunities here in Ajax and beyond.
Run To God’s People When Pressure Comes (Acts 4:23)
After Peter and John were arrested and released for preaching in the name of Jesus, they did not isolate themselves or hide. Instead, they went straight to their own company, their fellow believers, and reported everything the chief priests and elders had said.
Pressure did not drive them from the church. It drove them deeper into fellowship, prayer, and shared dependence on God. As the world grows more opposed to Christ, we need one another more than ever. The local church serves as a spiritual family united by the same Saviour, gospel, and mission.
Hebrews 10 reminds us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but to provoke one another to love and good works, especially as we see the day approaching. A praying church becomes a witnessing church. Before stepping out to share the gospel in our neighbourhoods, at Canada Day events, Vacation Bible School, or in everyday conversations, we must first gather in prayer.
Measure Your Opposition By God’s Authority (Acts 4:24)
When the believers prayed, they did not begin with the threats or the power of their opponents. They began with the greatness of God:
Acts 4:24, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is.
They acknowledged God as the sovereign Creator and quoted Psalm 2 to show that opposition to Christ was part of God’s eternal plan. Their view of God was far greater than their view of the opposition.
This perspective is essential today. Whether facing cultural shifts in Canada, challenges on the mission field in places like Germany or India, or personal resistance when witnessing, we must interpret pressure through Scripture rather than letting fear shape our mission. God is bigger than any government, council, or cultural resistance. As the ancient of days sits in judgment, we serve from a place of victory in Christ. Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God, as William Carey famously urged.
Ask For Boldness To Speak God’s Word (Acts 4:29)
The central request of their prayer was simple and powerful:
Acts 4:29 (KJV) And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.
They did not ask for the opposition to be removed or the situation made easier. They asked for boldness to speak God’s word faithfully. When they prayed, the place was shaken, they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Biblical boldness is not harshness, rudeness, or loud argumentation. It is Spirit-enabled clarity and courage to speak the truth plainly when it would be easier to stay silent. It is Christ-serving rather than self-serving.
Today we do not rely on apostolic signs and wonders to confirm the message, as we have the completed canon of Scripture. Yet we still serve a miracle-working God who can open hearts, arrange divine appointments, and empower ordinary believers to point others to Christ. Whether inviting a neighbour to church, speaking with a resistant coworker, or participating in community outreach, we must pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit rather than comfort.
As we face opportunities to share the gospel in our day-to-day lives and planned outreaches, let us run to God’s people, measure every challenge by His authority, and boldly ask for the courage to speak His word. A praying church will become a witnessing church, and our great God is more than able to save in Canada and around the world.
May we go forward not in our own strength, but in dependence on Him who created heaven and earth. Let us pray for boldness, trust in His power, and watch Him work in our generation.
