In our walk with God, boldness is not just a virtue but a command. The Bible is filled with calls to speak and act with courage, especially when it comes to proclaiming our faith.
Dr. John Piper said this about boldness..
“One of the ways that our lives show the worth of the gospel is when the gospel makes us bold and courageous and unafraid.”
John Piper, Desiring God
This blog post explores a selection of Bible verses that encourage us to live boldly for Christ, reminding us that with the Holy Spirit within us, we can face opposition, share the Gospel courageously, and live out our faith with confidence
Bible Verses About Boldness
Acts 4:31
“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”
After praying, the early Christians were filled anew with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to speak God’s word with remarkable boldness. This passage highlights the source of our courage: the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 6:19-20
“And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Paul asks for prayers to speak boldly about the Gospel, even in chains. His request underscores the importance of boldness in our witness for Christ, regardless of our circumstances.
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
This verse encourages believers to approach God’s throne with confidence, assuring us of His mercy and grace. It speaks to the boldness we can have in our relationship with God, knowing He is our helper.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Paul reminds Timothy—and all believers—that the Spirit God gives us is one of power, love, and self-discipline, not fear. This verse is a call to live boldly, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
1 John 4:17-18
“By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
John speaks to the confidence we can have before God, rooted in His perfect love for us. This love empowers us to live without fear, boldly manifesting God’s love in the world.
Proverbs 28:1
“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
Solomon contrasts the fearfulness of the wicked with the boldness of the righteous. This proverb celebrates the courage that comes from a right relationship with God.
Acts 9:27-28
“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. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.”
This passage recounts Saul’s (Paul’s) transformation and how he began to preach boldly in Jesus’ name, illustrating how an encounter with Christ can turn fear into boldness.
“Christians should be the boldest people in the world – not cocky and sure of ourselves, but sure of Him.”
A.W. Tozer
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
God’s command to Joshua as he takes leadership of Israel is a powerful reminder that our boldness comes from God’s presence with us.
Acts 14:3
“So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.”
Paul and Barnabas’s boldness in preaching, accompanied by signs and wonders, demonstrates how God confirms His message when proclaimed with courage.
Philippians 1:14
“And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
Paul’s imprisonment led to greater boldness among the believers, showing how adversity can strengthen the church’s resolve to proclaim the Gospel.
Acts 13:46
“And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, ‘It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.'”
The apostles’ boldness in the face of rejection showcases their commitment to sharing the Gospel with all, regardless of the initial response.
Acts 18:26
“He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”
Apollos’s boldness in speaking, and his willingness to learn, highlights the importance of both courage and humility in teaching and learning the ways of God.
Acts 19:8
“And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.”
Paul’s extended period of bold preaching in Ephesus underscores the perseverance needed in sharing the Gospel.
Ephesians 3:12
“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.”
Paul teaches that our faith in Christ grants us boldness and confident access to God, a profound truth about our relationship with the Father.
1 Thessalonians 2:2
“But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.”
The apostles’ boldness in the face of suffering and conflict serves as an example of courage driven by conviction and trust in God.
Hebrews 13:6
“So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'”
This verse echoes the Psalms, affirming that God’s help allows us to face opposition without fear, embodying boldness in our faith journey.
Proverbs 14:26
“In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.”
Solomon connects the fear of the Lord with confidence, showing that reverence for God is the foundation of true boldness and security.
Acts 28:31
“Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”
Paul’s ministry in Rome, marked by unhindered boldness, illustrates the unstoppable nature of the Gospel when proclaimed with conviction.
Psalm 138:3
“On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.”
David’s testimony of God answering his call and bolstering his inner strength speaks to the personal aspect of boldness as God’s empowerment.
Daniel 3:16-18
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.'”
The boldness of Daniel’s friends in the face of death exemplifies unwavering faith and courage, even under the threat of immense persecution.
Acts 4:13
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”
The transformation of Peter and John into bold preachers of the Gospel, despite their ordinary backgrounds, highlights the change that comes from being with Jesus.
Acts 4:29-30
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
The early church’s prayer for boldness, in the face of threats, shows their reliance on God to empower and affirm their witness with signs and wonders.
Acts 15:25-26
“It seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The commendation of Paul and Barnabas for risking their lives for Jesus underscores the boldness required in the mission of spreading the Gospel.
Romans 15:15-16
“But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”
Paul’s boldness in writing to the Romans reflects his commitment to his calling as an apostle to the Gentiles, driven by grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:12
“Since we have such a hope, we are very bold,”
Paul connects the hope believers have in Christ with the boldness it inspires, showing that our confidence is rooted in the promises of God.
2 Corinthians 7:4
“I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.”
Paul’s boldness is mixed with affection for the Corinthians, illustrating how boldness in the faith also encompasses deep love and joy, even in hardship.
Philippians 1:20
“As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Paul’s expression of his hope to honor Christ with boldness, in life or death, captures the essence of Christian courage and the desire to glorify God in all circumstances.
These verses collectively encourage believers to embrace and practice boldness, rooted in faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and motivated by love for God and others.
Final Thoughts about Boldness in the Bible
The Bible clearly portrays boldness as a hallmark of a life transformed by the Gospel. It’s not about human confidence but about reliance on God’s power, love, and Spirit. This boldness affects how we approach God, share the Gospel, and live out our faith.
“Boldness was a given for the early church described in Acts. Today’s Christians have become much too comfortable keeping the company of others who are like them.”
Francis Chan at GCU
- How can you practice boldness in your daily life and faith journey?
- What fears do you need to overcome to live and speak more boldly for Christ?
- How does understanding God’s love for you inspire boldness in your actions and words?
As we reflect on these verses and questions, let’s pray for the boldness that comes from the Holy Spirit, that we might live out our faith courageously and proclaim the Gospel fearlessly, for the glory of God.
