Biblical Definition and Source of Courage in Christians
Biblical Definition and Source of Courage in Christians
Courage in the biblical context is closely tied to faith and trust in God. The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to have courage, quoting Psalm 118:6, "So that with good courage we say, 'The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?'" [2]. This courage is rooted in the confidence that comes from faith in Christ, as expressed in Ephesians 3:12, "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him" [3].
The biblical source of courage is multifaceted. Firstly, it is derived from trust in God's presence and support. Moses encourages the Israelites, "Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid or scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you" [5]. This trust is not limited to the Old Testament; the New Testament also emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ as a source of courage. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, undaunted by opposition, because their courage is rooted in their unity with Christ and with one another [6].
The fear of God is another factor that contributes to courage. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, "The fear of God" is a characteristic that produces courage, as seen in Acts 4:19 and 5:29, where the apostles boldly proclaim their faith despite persecution [1]. This fear is not about being afraid of God, but rather about having a deep reverence for Him that motivates believers to stand firm in their faith.
Courage is also linked to hope and perseverance. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:4 that "perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope." This hope is not just a wish but a confident expectation based on the character of God and the work of Christ [4]. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to endure trials, looking to Jesus as the ultimate example of faithfulness and courage [7].
Historically, the Christian understanding of courage has been shaped by the interpretations of various theologians and commentators. Calvin, for instance, emphasizes the role of faith in producing courage, noting that "faith is both our panoply and our victory" [6]. Similarly, John Gill interprets the "confidence" mentioned in Hebrews 10:35 as an "holy boldness in prayer, free from a servile and bashful spirit" [8].
The biblical concept of courage is not about being fearless but about being bold and confident in the face of adversity because of one's trust in God. As Matthew Henry notes, the sufferings endured by early Christians were a test of their courage, but they were encouraged to persevere, knowing that their struggle was against sin [9].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Boldness, Holy — Christ set an example of -- Joh 7:26. Is through faith in Christ -- Eph 3:12; Heb 10:19. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 28:1. Produced by Trust in God. -- Isa 50:7. The fear of God. -- Ac 4:19; 5:29. Faithfulness to God. -- 1Ti 3:13. Express your trust in God with -- Heb 13:6. Have, in prayer -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16. Saints shall have, in judgment -- 1Jo 4:17. Exhortations to -- Jos 1:7; 2Ch 19:11; Jer 1:8; Eze 3:9. Pray for -- Ac 4:29; Eph 6:19,20. Ministers should exhibit, in Faithfulness to their people. -- 2Co 7:4; 10:1. Preaching. -- Ac 4:31; Ph”
- Hebrews “So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?” -- Hebrews 13:6”
- King James Version “[KJV] Ephesians 3:12 — In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”
- Romans “and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: -- Romans 5:4”
- Deuteronomy “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.” -- Deuteronomy 31:6”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 9.3: warfare we are armed with the shield of faith , ( Ephesians 6:16 ,) for repelling the enemy; nay, more, faith is both our panoply and our victory. Hence he added this clause, that he might shew what is the end of a pious connection. The wicked, too, conspire together for evil, but their agreement is accursed: let us, therefore, contend with one mind under the banner of faith. 28 And in nothing terrified . The second thing which he recommends to the Philippians is fortitude of mind, 84 84 “ La force et constance de c”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:2: 12:2 Jesus is the supreme example of faithful endurance (3:1). Our endurance in the Christian life will depend on our keeping our eyes on Jesus—staying focused on him and his work on our behalf. • Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith: Jesus has accomplished everything necessary for faith under the new covenant to be a reality. • disregarding its shame: Crucifixion was the most shameful form of execution, meant to humiliate and torture the person crucified. It was used only for slaves and criminals who were not Roman citizens. Christ treated th”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 10:32: Cast not away therefore your confidence,.... The same word is used here, as in Heb 10:19 where it is translated "boldness"; and may design here, as there, an holy boldness in prayer, free from a servile and bashful spirit; and which appears in a liberty of speaking to God, and in a confidence of being heard; prayer itself should not be left off, nor should freedom, boldness, and confidence in it be slackened, or laid aside: or else a profession of faith is intended, which ought to be free and open, bold and courageous, firm and constant; and which ought by no means ”
- Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 12:4: Here the apostle presses the exhortation to patience and perseverance by an argument taken from the gentle measure and gracious nature of those sufferings which the believing Hebrews endured in their Christian course. I. From the gentle and moderate degree and measure of their sufferings: You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin, Heb 12:4. Observe, 1. He owns that they had suffered much, they had been striving to an agony against sin. Here, (1.) The cause of the conflict was sin, and to be engaged against sin is to fight in a good cause, for sin”