Bold Faith in Divided Places

Baptist Daily Devotional
Aug 2
2 min read

Rev Tetteh-Annor Larbi | August 2 2025 | Acts 14:1-7

KEY VERSE: “But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord.” Acts 14:2-3 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Paul and Barnabas entered Iconium and preached the gospel with such clarity that many Jews and Gentiles believed. Yet, alongside this fruitfulness came fierce opposition. Instead of retreating, they remained and continued speaking boldly.

This teaches us that success in ministry and life doesn’t mean the absence of conflict. Sometimes, bold obedience to Christ will stir up both revival and resistance. We are invited to reflect on how we respond when our faith is tested in hostile environments.

The passage highlights a divided city—some believed, others opposed. In our world today, truth often causes division, not because it is harmful, but because it exposes hearts.

Again, we are invited to search our hearts: Are we more concerned with comfort or with faithfulness? Are we willing to stay and speak, even when it’s unpopular or uncomfortable? The example of Paul and Barnabas challenges us to be unwavering in our witness, no matter the cost.

Notice that their courage wasn’t rooted in self-confidence but in the Lord. “They remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of His grace...” (v. 3). God confirmed their message through signs and wonders—not to elevate them, but to point people to Christ. Boldness to preach the gospel flows from grace, and God backs the gospel with His power, even in the midst of persecution.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Have you experienced the grace of God? It should give you boldness to tell others about His goodness, even in the face of opposition. Start today from where you are. Grace is available.

PRAYER:

Lord, give me the courage to remain faithful in places of opposition. Please help me to speak boldly, not for my sake, but for Yours. May Your grace strengthen me, and may my life point others to the truth of the gospel, even when the world pushes back. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 214: 1 Kings 19–22 — Elijah’s Flight & Ahab’s Death

DAILY word study: BOLDLY

The Greek word translated boldly is parrēsiazomai, meaning “to speak freely, openly, or without fear.”

This word captures more than confidence—it means speaking with trust in the message, not yourself. Paul and Barnabas weren’t fearless because of who they were, but because of who they served. They remained where others might flee because grace gave them courage.

Reflect on this

Where do you need to speak freely for the Lord?

Are you waiting to feel bold before you act—or are you willing to let grace speak through you?