Acts 4:31b—“… and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

This brief statement captures a decisive moment in the early church's life. The apostles had just faced intimidation from the religious authorities and had been commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus. In response, the church did not pray for safety, influence, or relief, but for boldness to continue proclaiming God’s Word. According to Acts 4:29, they prayed, “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” 

Luke tells us that God answered immediately: “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” This filling is not a second conversion, but a renewed empowerment for obedience. The same Spirit who indwelt them now strengthened them afresh for faithful witness. Throughout Scripture, the Spirit’s filling is presented as God’s empowering for obedience and witness, not as an end in itself or a private spiritual experience.

The result is unmistakable: “they spake the word of God with boldness.” Boldness here does not mean recklessness or harshness, but Spirit-given courage rooted in confidence in God’s sovereignty. The church does not invent a new message or adopt new methods; it simply speaks the Word of God, now with holy courage rather than fear.

Let us note that bold gospel witness flows from dependence on God, not personality or circumstance. When the church prays in submission to God’s will, the Spirit empowers her to speak faithfully, even in the face of opposition. Fear silences the church, but Spirit-filled prayer loosens her tongue.

Whenever God fills His people with the empowering presence of His Spirit, He sends them forth to proclaim Christ with clarity and courage.