“Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.” (John 7:13)
What a thought! In its context, it wasn’t that nobody at all was speaking about Jesus, for the enemies of our Lord were open in their opinions and their blasphemies against Him. The ones who were not speaking openly (or, boldly) for fear of the Jews were His friends, His followers.
Isn’t that the way it is today? We hear the name of Jesus in common conversation, in movies, in the workplace, etc but often only taken in vain. Let the people of God be bold!
Don’t be like those who were like the chief rulers who the Bible says “…. many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:42–43)
The wise preacher of the Old Testament wrote, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)
Do not fear man. Be bold for Jesus. He put it this way:
“What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:27–28)
Our country, our homes, our churches would all be so much better if we would stop being afraid of men and speak up for the Lord!