Gospel Boldness
Luke 3:18-20
1. Bold Communication
18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. Luke 3:18 (ESV)
The use of “other” indicates that John preached about much more than simply what Luke recorded.
John’s preaching was not only about turning from sin through repentance, but it also included a turning to God’s anticipated provision of salvation in Christ by faith, which identifies the true gospel.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 (ESV)
2. Bold Correction
19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, Luke 3:19 (ESV)
3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 2 Timothy 4:3 (ESV)
17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. Philippians 1:17 (ESV)
The verb tense indicates John continuously challenged the character of Herod and Herodias.
3. Bold Consequences
20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison. Luke 3:20 (ESV)
Often, one in sin seeks to remove the source of exposure rather than heed a warning of love.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 2 Timothy 1:8 (ESV)
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)