Living BOLD

Introduction: In the book of Acts, we witness the early church filled with an unshakable confidence in the power of Jesus. Despite persecution and pressure from religious authorities, Peter and John boldly proclaimed the name of Jesus and refused to stay silent. What gave them such courage? This lesson explores how boldness is born out of deep belief, Spirit-led opportunity, and unwavering loyalty to Christ. As we walk through Scripture, may we reflect on what it means to live BOLD in our own faith.

Key Scriptures: 

Acts 4:8–13 (NLT) — 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” 13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:18–20 (NLT) — 18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

1. BOLD in B-elief

Acts 4:8–13; Acts 4:18–20

Peter and John stood before powerful leaders, boldly declaring that Jesus—crucified and resurrected—was the only way to salvation. Their boldness wasn't based on training or status, but on being deeply convinced of who Jesus is. They couldn't stop speaking about what they'd seen and heard.

Discussion Questions:

1. What part of your faith are you most convinced about—and where do you need more conviction?

2. BOLD in O-pportunity

Acts 3:4–6; Acts 3:12

Peter and John didn’t just preach boldly—they acted boldly. When a lame man begged for help, they gave him more than money; they gave him healing in Jesus' name. Peter then seized the moment to point the crowd back to God, not himself. They recognized pain, responded to openness, and followed the Spirit’s prompting.

Discussion Questions:

1. Where in your life might God be prompting you to respond boldly to someone's need or question?
2. Of the three questions—Where is the pain? Where is the openness? Where is the Holy Spirit moving?—which one challenges you the most, and why?

3. BOLD in L-oyalty

We all tend to avoid conflict. It’s human nature to want things to go smoothly. Peter once denied Jesus to avoid trouble, but after the resurrection, everything changed. He became someone who refused to stay silent—no matter the cost.

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s an environment where you’ve felt pressure to hide your faith? How did you respond?
2. What can we learn from believers around the world who face real consequences for their loyalty to Christ?

4. BOLD in D-eclaration

Peter and John didn’t back down. Their loyalty to Jesus led them to openly declare the truth, even when commanded to stay silent. Boldness in faith requires loyalty that outweighs fear, and a willingness to speak up—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does bold loyalty to Jesus look like in your everyday life?
2. Is there an opportunity in your life right now to declare your faith more openly? What’s holding you back?

Conclusion:

Boldness doesn’t come from personality—it comes from belief. The early church was bold because they were fully convinced of Jesus' resurrection, attentive to opportunities, and fiercely loyal to Him. Today, we are called to the same kind of boldness. As you go into your week, ask God to deepen your conviction, open your eyes to divine opportunities, and strengthen your voice to declare His name with love and courage.