The Greek word for boldness, “parhesia,” means “outspoken, unreserved utterance, freedom of speech, frankness, candor, cheerful courage, the opposite of cowardice.” Here, it is divine enablement that comes to ordinary people exhibiting spiritual power and authority. Parhesia is not a human quality, but a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Earlier in verse 29, the believers prayed, “Lord … grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word.” Be careful what you pray for, because that is what you are going to get! As they prayed the place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They all spoke with parhesia.
Today there are people waiting for you to speak boldly, not the words of human comfort, but the powerful words of God that will set them free. Bound by sin, confused by meaningless lives, hopeless and unloved, the world around us cries out for someone to help them. Let us boldly proclaim Jesus and demonstrate His all-powerful and all-loving concern for them.
