Bolder: A Look at the Audacious Faith of Imperfect PeopleSample

Day 7: Paul

On day 3 we talked about the boldness of Stephen, preaching the good news of Jesus even though it cost him his life. Well, there was a man standing by, holding the coats of the men who killed Stephen. His name was Saul. Many of us are familiar with him because he was so thoroughly changed by a personal encounter with Jesus that he changed his name and his life mission and started to preach for Jesus instead of against him. In fact, much of the New Testament was written by Paul (previously called Saul). It includes many letters he wrote to churches that were starting out to make sure they got the news about Jesus correct.

Paul was a bold dude from the start, but here’s the thing—in some situations he may have gone too far. While he wrote really deep and practical things about how to love one another well (see Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 13), he was also a human. Sure, he needed to call people out sometimes, but in some cases, was he too harsh perhaps? Paul wrote in Galatians about a confrontation with Peter (who we read about on day 1. Remember how Peter ran his mouth? Imagine Paul and Peter in a conversation!). We also read in Acts that at one point Paul and Barnabas got into such a fight about whether a particular guy—John Mark—should join them on a trip (it was Barnabas’ cousin, but he had bailed on them on an earlier trip) that they parted ways over it! Paul got a new partner (Silas) and Barnabas took John Mark a different way.

All of us can be "too bold" and forget to care about the feelings of those around us at times, but that's not how we're supposed to be bold. As Paul wrote, God is not done with us yet; there is still work to be done. God will use what we are willing to offer him; he’ll gently correct us and guide us when we’re willing. And that is true of those around us as well. When you disagree with others and things go badly, that may not be the end of the story—no one is beyond redemption—and Paul knew that firsthand. Yet he still gave up on John Mark—almost. In his letter to the church in Colossae, Paul actually references instructions he gave them to welcome none other than John Mark, the very same person he had an issue with before!

As you come to the end of these seven days, may you come to understand boldness in a new way. Boldness doesn’t need to be grand and broadcast for all to see; it may not be as loud or even annoying as you might have thought; it’s certainly not measured by a lack of fear, but in actions in spite of that fear; and most of all, boldness is simply the act of bringing whatever you have to Jesus and trusting Him with the outcome.

Reflection/Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever been “too bold” and damaged a relationship because of it? What is one-way boldness that might help repair that relationship?

2. Which person from this study do you identify with the most? Why?

3. What is one step you can take in the next week to walk towards boldness?