Acts 4:29-30

"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

Peter and John had just healed the crippled beggar and then been thrown into jail by the Sadducees. The Sanhedrin could lay no charge against them, but instead, they ordered them not to teach in the name of Jesus and they threatened them. Upon their release, we see here how the rebukes and threats only strengthened their resolve and caused them to seek God's help even more.

Back then, the name of Jesus was convicting to the Sadducees and using it caused this kind of reaction. Today, teaching in the name of Jesus is also convicting to many people and also causes a backlash. We need to remember that it is God's power that enables those words to convict and it is His power that allows us to speak them - this should give us the freedom and the boldness to do so instead of shrinking away from those opportunities (as I usually do).