The Acts of the Valiant Hearts!

In the face of threatenings…

Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.  Acts 4:16-18

They prayed for more boldness…

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.  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.  Acts 4:31

And after being beaten for their boldness…

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  Acts 5:40

They rejoiced in suffering and continued, daily, to teach and to preach Jesus Christ!

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.  

Acts 5:41-42

In the face of imprisonment…

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.  Acts 8:3

They scattered everywhere…and steadfastly continued to preach!

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Act 8:4 

 In the face of death…

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.  And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:  But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.  Acts 9:22-24

They continued to speak, boldly about Jesus Christ!

And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.  Act 9:29 

Threatenings. Beatings. Imprisonment. Death. What condition was the church in while all this was happening?

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  And all that believed were together, and had all things common;  And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.  Acts 2:43-47

Furthermore…

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.  Act 4:33 

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.  And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.  And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)  Acts 5:11-14

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.  Act 9:31 

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.  Act 14:3 

In the face of adversity…

They overcome the fear of man and continued on…

In the face of opposition…

They become conquerors of the hearts and souls of the lost…

In the face of  persecution and death…

They patiently endured  and multitudes were added to the church …

But the word of God grew and multiplied. Act 12:24   

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.  Act 13:52 

Great Fear. Great Power. Great Grace. 

Great Examples of  Valiant Christianity!