Bible Dictionaries
Boldness

Holman Bible Dictionary

Translation of four Greek words in the New Testament. Boldness denotes two things in the New Testament. First, boldness describes the courageous manner of those who preach the Gospel (Acts 2:29; Acts 4:13 ,Acts 4:13,4:31; Acts 9:27-29; Acts 13:46; Acts 14:3; Acts 18:26; Acts 19:8; Acts 26:26; Acts 28:31; see 1 Thessalonians 2:2; Philippians 1:20 ). The word translated as “boldness” in these texts (parresia ) was used of the free citizen of a city-state who could say anything in the public assembly. In the New Testament it denotes the moral freedom to speak the truth publicly. Second, boldness describes the confidence with which Christians can now approach God because of the redeeming work of Christ (2Corinthians 3:4-6,2 Corinthians 3:12; Hebrews 10:19; 1 John 2:28; 1 John 4:17 ).