Acts 14:3
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Acts 14:3
In response to opposition, Paul and Barnabas “spake boldly in the Lord,” and God enabled signs and wonders by their hands. “Boldly” signals fearless proclamation grounded in trust in God’s power and purposes. The signs and wonders served to authenticate the message and demonstrate the reality of the gospel, bridging proclamation with tangible acts of grace. The surrounding narrative shows a tension: despite increasing opposition, God’s power accompanies faithful witness, inviting more people to repentance and faith.
Key themes include apostolic authority, divine confirmation, and the nature of signs as pointers to truth. The Spirit’s empowerment validates the gospel and invites confidence, not obsession with miracles. It also points to the broader pattern of mission: bold proclamation accompanied by divine demonstration, leading to repentance and growth of the church.
Practical implications:
- Be bold in sharing the gospel, anchored in prayer and trust in God.
- Seek to live in ways that demonstrate grace, compassion, and integrity—allowing acts of mercy to accompany words.
- Avoid sensationalism; interpret miracles as confirmations, not as trophies.
- In times of skepticism, rely on the Spirit to empower your witness and to guide you in truth.
Cross-References: Mark 16:20; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Hebrews 2:4; Acts 4:29-31; Romans 15:18-19