📖 Biblical Definition
A bold heart speaks the gospel without shrinking. The Greek parresia (boldness, frankness, plain-speech) names both the disposition and the outward speech that flows from it. Acts 4:13 captures the apostolic example: Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. The Sanhedrin's reaction is the diagnostic: bold-hearted speech reveals time spent with Christ. The disciples' prayer in Acts 4:29-31 asks for more: grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, and the Spirit answers by filling them and granting it. Paul's ministry is repeatedly framed as bold-hearted (Acts 9:27-28; 13:46; 14:3; 19:8; 28:31). Hebrews 4:16 extends the same boldness to every believer's access to the throne of grace. Ephesians 6:19-20 makes it the chief request Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him. Bold heart is not personality; it is the Spirit's gift to the believer who has been with Jesus, asks for it, and steps out to speak.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Webster 1828: a heart of holy confidence, unashamed before authority.
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Parrēsia is the freedom of a citizen to speak in the public square—openly, unhidden, without flattery. The early church prayed for this boldness, and the place was shaken.
📖 Key Scripture
Acts 4:13 — "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."
Acts 4:31 — "They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."
Ephesians 6:19 — "That I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel."
Hebrews 4:16 — "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern boldness is brand-building; biblical boldness is gospel-speaking under threat.
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Modern self-help has rebranded boldness as self-confidence — believing in yourself, owning your power. Biblical boldness is grounded in Christ's finished work and the Spirit's presence; it is courage rooted outside the self. The corruption makes boldness another self-actualization tool rather than the gospel-rooted access to the throne of grace.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek parrēsia (boldness, freedom of speech).
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G3954 — Parrēsia — boldness, freedom of speech, confidence
G5111 — Tolmao — to dare, be bold
Usage
"They saw their boldness and knew they had been with Jesus."
"Speak the word of God with parrēsia."
"Come boldly to the throne of grace."