Biblical Definition Of

COURAGE

One characteristic of the person who has a strong faith in God is courage in the midst of danger. There are, however, different kinds of dangers and different kinds of courage. Courage may be obvious where a person is brave or heroic in circumstances of physical danger on every side, such as in war or natural disasters (1 Sam 14:6-15; 2 Sam 23:13-19; Acts 27:24-26; 2 Cor 12:25-26).

It is obvious also in cases where, by speaking or acting in a certain way, a person knowingly faces consequences where physical suffering is a clear possibility (Num 13:30-32; Dan 3:16-18; Mark 6:17-18; John 2:13-17; Acts 4:13; 5:27-30). But greater courage may be necessary in cases where there is no immediate physical danger, but other pressures make it difficult to stand for what is right against a majority who want to do wrong (Prov 28:1; Luke 14:1-6; John 7:50-52; cf. Luke 22:54-62; Gal 2:11-14).

The courage of believers comes through their faith in God (Deut 3:22; 1 Sam 17:45-46; Ps 56:3-4; 1 Cor 16:13) and is maintained through prayer (Ps 27:14; Acts 4:29; Eph 6:18-19). But it still involves effort, since it requires people to set out deliberately to do what they know will be dangerous (Mark 15:43). Such courage is an example to others, urging them to greater confidence and increased boldness (Phil 1:12-14). Like the biblical expression ‘Be of good courage’, it is a way of giving encouragement to those who need it (Josh 1:6-7,9; 2 Sam 10:12).