Speaking Boldly of Christ Through Persecution

I think that Acts 4 is a pretty amazing example of how we, as Christians, should respond to persecution. And it really inspired me! I'll just give a quick run through of what happened--

As Peter and John were ministering to the people in the temple, they were arrested and put in jail overnight. The next day they were questioned by the Sanhedrin about the power by which they healed the lame man (ch. 3.) Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit, answered saying, "let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Isreal, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom YOU crucified, whom GOD raised from the dead-- by this name this man stands here before you in good health. He is the Stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief Corner Stone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."

~I think it's pretty awesome how bold Peter was (even while standing in the middle of all of the rulers and elders and scribes) in saying "YOU rejected Him. YOU killed Him. But you know what? GOD raised Him from the dead. HE became the chief Corner Stone. And HE is the only One that can save us!"

The Sanhedrin (after seeing that Peter and John must have been with Jesus, and after seeing the lame man, now healed) had no reply. They then began to discuss how word will spread among all of the people about the healing if they didn't put a stop to it. So, the Sanhedrin commanded Peter and John not to speak or teach AT ALL in the name of Jesus. But, Peter and John answered, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we CANNOT stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." They were then threated further, but the Sanhedrin could find no reason to punish them. So they were let go! :)

~I want to have the same attitude as Peter and John. They refused to stop talking about Jesus! This passage remind me of:
Jeremiah 20:9~ But if I say, "I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name," Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it.
~I want the word of God to burn like a fire within me! I don't want to hold it in! I want it to consume my life!

After Peter and John were released, they went back to their own companions and told them everything that was said to them by the rulers and elders. And they all prayed to the Lord, "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly!

~Even after being arrested and questioned and threatened, they still spoke the word of God! And they prayed for boldness!

** I need to be praying for confidence that I may speak boldly to everyone about my Lord and Savior, even if/when I'm being persecuted for it!**