Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, the apostles are repeatedly admonished against making a timid profession of their faith in Jesus Christ. This warning is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Himself, who emphasized the importance of boldness and courage in proclaiming the Gospel. The apostles, as the primary messengers of Christ's teachings, were expected to demonstrate unwavering commitment and fearlessness in their mission.Biblical Foundation The call to avoid a timid profession is explicitly stated in the Gospels. In Matthew 10:32-33 , Jesus declares, "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven." This passage underscores the necessity for the apostles to openly and courageously acknowledge their allegiance to Christ, regardless of the potential consequences. Similarly, in Luke 9:26 , Jesus warns, "If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." This admonition serves as a stark reminder to the apostles of the eternal implications of their earthly testimony. The Apostolic Example The apostles, despite facing severe persecution and opposition, exemplified the boldness required in their profession of faith. The Book of Acts provides numerous accounts of their fearless proclamation of the Gospel. In Acts 4:13 , it is noted, "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus." This boldness was not a natural trait but a result of their deep conviction and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Peter and John, when commanded by the Sanhedrin to cease speaking in the name of Jesus, responded with unwavering resolve in Acts 4:19-20 : "But Peter and John replied, 'Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.'" Their response highlights the apostles' commitment to prioritizing divine authority over human authority. The Role of the Holy Spirit The apostles' ability to avoid a timid profession was significantly bolstered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus had promised them in John 14:26 , "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Holy Spirit provided the apostles with the courage, wisdom, and words necessary to boldly proclaim the Gospel. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus further assures them, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This empowerment was crucial for the apostles to fulfill their mission without fear or hesitation. Implications for Believers The apostles' example serves as a model for all believers, emphasizing the importance of a bold and unashamed profession of faith. The warnings against a timid profession are not limited to the apostles but extend to all followers of Christ. The call to be unashamed of the Gospel is echoed by the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:16 : "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." Believers are encouraged to draw strength from the Holy Spirit, as the apostles did, to stand firm in their faith and to proclaim the message of Christ with confidence and courage, regardless of societal pressures or personal trials. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 10:27-33What I tell you in darkness, that speak you in light: and what you hear in the ear, that preach you on the housetops. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Acts X John Calvin. His Life and Character. Concerning Christian Liberty Concerning Christian Liberty Confessio Augustana. Memoir of John Bunyan Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Church Fabrics and Services. Resources What are false apostles? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the twelve (12) disciples / apostles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org What is the Apostles' Creed? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Apostles: A Title Distinguishing the Twelve Disciples Apostles: Authority of Commission of, Above Apostles: Duties of Commission of, Above, Apostles: Fail to Comprehend the Nature and Mission of Jesus Apostles: Miraculous Power Given To Apostles: Moral State of, Before Pentecost Apostles: Slow to Receive Jesus, As Messiah The Apostles were Hated by the World The Apostles were not of the World The Apostles were Unlearned Men The Apostles: Called by Christ The Apostles: Called by The Holy Spirit The Apostles: Christ Always Present With The Apostles: Christ Pre-Eminently Called "The Apostle" The Apostles: Empowered to Work Miracles The Apostles: Equal Authority Given to Each of The Apostles: Guided by the Spirit Into all Truth The Apostles: Humility Urged Upon The Apostles: Instructed by the Spirit to Answer Adversaries The Apostles: Mutual Love Urged Upon The Apostles: Ordained by Christ The Apostles: Persecutions and Sufferings of The Apostles: Received Their Title from Christ The Apostles: Saw Christ in the Flesh The Apostles: Selected from Obscure Stations The Apostles: Self-Denial Urged Upon The Apostles: Sent First to the House of Israel The Apostles: Sent to Preach the Gospel to all Nations The Apostles: Specially Devoted to the office of the Ministry The Apostles: The Holy Spirit Given To The Apostles: Warned Against a Timid Profession of Christ The Apostles: Witnesses of the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |