With all boldness, the theme for the 2011 Assembly of the Florida-Bahamas Synod ELCA, comes from a prayer that captures the essence of Acts, Chapters 3 and 4. There is told the story of the early ministry of Peter and John. Shortly after the Pentecost episode, they come across a man at the Temple lame from birth. Peter said [to him], "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." (Act 3:6) Giving him a hand up, he is at once strengthened and attaches himself to them, proclaiming loudly praise to God for his healing. A crowd gathers and Peter preaches to them of the resurrection of Christ Jesus. Soon the Temple authorities are alerted and arrest Peter and John for making a disturbance. The next day, they are arraigned before the Jewish leadership, and Peter again proclaims that the one they crucified was raised from the dead, the stone rejected has become the chief cornerstone, there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved. (Act  4:12) Then we learn, Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. (Act 4:13)

This is no doubt a story about bravery in how Peter and John face the Temple authorities and speak forthrightly. But the boldness here is not meant in the sense of brashness. This is not an “in-your-face” evangelism, however it may read way at first.

The Greek word translated as boldness is in other translations given as confidence, bravery or without fear. Young’s Literal Translation renders this boldness as with all freedom to speak. That’s a good clue. The Greek word is a compound of “all” and “spokenness”. Remember Pentecost at which the disciples receive the gift of speech so that all can hear the gospel in their own language? That’s an inclusive communication event, so too is this boldness. Peter and John are gifted, though they are uneducated fisherman, to speak  alike to a poor beggar, the praying crowds in the Temple, and the religious authorities of the resurrection of Christ Jesus and reign of God that is thus ushered in through faith in Jesus’ teachings. They are able to speak to all kinds of people of what resurrection, redemption and reconciliation mean.

Have we developed the habit of only speaking these three R’s inside the comfort of congregational naves? Scripture suggest that resurrection, redemption and reconciliation are words meant for the public square and the marketplace. Let’s pray for the Spirit’s empowerment to speak of Christ Jesus’ resurrection to all people in all places on behalf especially of those whom society forgets, or as Peter is remembered to have said, “Let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead.” (Act 4:10).

So might we pray with the apostles: And now, Lord, look at [the world’s] threats, and grant to your servants 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." (Act 4:29-30) The gospel is for everyone!