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. (Acts 4:29-30)
When most believers come face to face with opposition, the prayers they pray are usually for their protection and safety. The early church faced severe persecution, even death threats, for preaching the Gospel. Yet, their prayer was not for safety but rather it was for boldness. The Greek word for boldness here is parrhesia, which means openness, frankness, and public confidence. They were not concerned with self-preservation; they were focused on proclaiming the Word with power.
Their faith was rooted in God’s promises, and they reminded themselves that God reigns despite the opposition of rulers and nations. Instead of shrinking back in fear, the disciples asked for even greater courage to declare the gospel. This shows us that true faith does not retreat but rather it advances. They understood that the Gospel was offensive to those who rejected it, but they were unwilling to compromise. Their prayer was not for circumstances to change but for their response to be strengthened.
The disciples prayed not only for boldness in speech but also for God’s power to be demonstrated through healings, signs, and wonders. The phrase "stretching forth thine hand to heal" reflects their dependence on God to move supernaturally. Signs and wonders validated their message and confirmed that Jesus was the risen Messiah. Miracles were never about spectacle but about revealing God’s kingdom in power.
Practical Application
When facing opposition, keep in mind that the same God who performed signs and wonders in the early church continues to work today. Ask the Holy Spirit for greater boldness to express your faith out loud, even in times of adversity. Anticipate healings, miracles, signs, and wonders to be done through your life.