Topical Encyclopedia
Courage, as depicted in the Bible, is a vital virtue that enables individuals to face danger, fear, or adversity with faith and confidence in God. It is often associated with trust in God's promises and His presence, empowering believers to act boldly in accordance with His will.
One of the most prominent examples of courage in the Bible is found in the account of Joshua. After the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commanded him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of His constant presence: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (
Joshua 1:9). Joshua's courage was rooted in his faith in God's promises and his obedience to God's commands.
Another notable example is David, who displayed remarkable courage when he faced Goliath. Despite the overwhelming odds, David's confidence was in the Lord: "David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied'" (
1 Samuel 17:45). David's courage was not based on his own strength but on his trust in God's power and faithfulness.
The New Testament also emphasizes courage, particularly in the context of proclaiming the Gospel. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly preached the message of Christ despite persecution. In
Acts 4:29, the early Christians prayed, "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness" . Their courage was a testament to their unwavering faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Courage is further encouraged in the epistles, where believers are exhorted to stand firm in their faith. Paul writes to the Corinthians, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong" (
1 Corinthians 16:13). This call to courage is a reminder that believers are to remain steadfast in their convictions, trusting in God's strength and guidance.
ParticipationParticipation in the biblical context often refers to the active involvement of believers in the life and mission of the Church, as well as in the work of God in the world. It encompasses the idea of being part of the body of Christ and contributing to its growth and edification.
The concept of participation is vividly illustrated in the metaphor of the body of Christ. In
1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul explains that believers are members of one body, each with unique gifts and functions. He writes, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it" (
1 Corinthians 12:27). This passage underscores the importance of each believer's active participation in the Church, using their God-given gifts for the common good.
Participation is also evident in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (
Matthew 28:19). This mandate involves active engagement in spreading the Gospel and teaching others to obey Christ's commands. It is a call for believers to participate in God's redemptive work in the world.
In the early Church, participation was demonstrated through communal living and mutual support.
Acts 2:42-47 describes how the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their possessions and cared for one another's needs, exemplifying a community actively participating in the life of faith.
Furthermore, participation in the sufferings of Christ is a theme found in the New Testament. Paul speaks of sharing in Christ's sufferings as a means of knowing Him more deeply: "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death" (
Philippians 3:10). This participation involves enduring trials and persecution for the sake of the Gospel, identifying with Christ in His sufferings.
Overall, participation in the biblical sense is an active, communal, and sacrificial involvement in the mission and life of the Church, reflecting a commitment to Christ and His purposes.
