After the ascension of Christ, we have only one prayer recorded by the Eleven. Its subject? BOLDNESS. See Acts 4:29.
Are we missing something here? When did you last hear such a prayer for the saints in the meetings of our “New Testament churches”?
Paul was not naturally bold; at least he didn’t think so. We know this because he wrote to the Ephesians: “Pray…for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel…that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (6:18-20). He asked not once but twice that he might be bold in testimony.
Paul knew what his detractors said of him: “His letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible” (2 Cor. 10:10). What helped him to break through the natural barriers of diminutive stature and halting speech to become not only the articulate teacher of those “weighty” letters, but also the principal evangelist of Europe?
I find it relatively enjoyable to minister the Word to believers or to write Bible-based material, either for saved or lost. Even to witness one-on-one (once a hard challenge) has become a joy to me after being honest with the Lord about my cowardice and asking Him for boldness and opportunities. But to speak wisely, creatively, biblically, powerfully, and winsomely to a non-captive mixed audience as Paul did at Mars’ Hill—that is something I only do well in my dreams. That’s why I’m personally interested in Paul’s motivations. Let him tell us:
1. “Knowing…the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Cor. 5:11). Not His terror against us, of course. But, says Paul, we believe in the lake of fire even if many unbelievers don’t. So we don’t just casually mention the possibility of salvation—we want to persuade. We sound somewhat like fire alarms because we believe there is a fire. We preach to men “condemned already.”
2. “I purposed to come unto you…that I might have some fruit among you also…. I am ready to preach the gospel…” (see Rom. 1:13-15). Paul longed for fruit everywhere, in answer to the words of His Master, “Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit” (Jn. 15:8). Paul felt the burden to look after the Father’s vineyard better than the previous husbandmen had done. Do we long for “much fruit”? Paul did, and Jesus did, too. They didn’t subscribe to the “as long as you’re faithful, don’t be concerned about fruit” philosophy.
3. “…I magnify mine office: if by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them” (Rom. 11:13-14). Paul had been called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, but he hoped that the more Gentiles were saved, the more Jews would be provoked to salvation. What vision! What strategic thinking! How like the heart of God were Paul’s varied efforts that, “by all means” (consistent with the message), he might win some.
4. “The love of Christ constraineth us” (2 Cor. 5:14). Paul goes on to explain that the logic of Calvary is flawless. One died for all, therefore all must have been dead. Therefore the life we have is not our own. Therefore we should live as He wants us to live. In other words, to live daily as ambassadors for heaven. The love that moved Him to leave heaven for this sorry planet should be the great motivator that moves us out into the streets and lanes for Him.
5. “What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ…?” (1 Thes. 2:19). The Lord is coming! But though the catching up is to “the Lord,” it will be “with them” (1 Thes. 4:17). With whom? Hopefully that number will include those whom we have invited to join us there. “When I get to that beautiful city, and the saints all around me appear, I want to have somebody tell me, ‘It was you who invited me here.”