Courage

Courage, according to the dictionary, is the ability to do something that frightens one. It is what makes someone capable of facing extreme danger and difficulty without retreating. It implies not only bravery and a dauntless spirit but the ability to endure in times of adversity.

The apostles and early Christians certainly had courage. Joseph was courageous when he asked for the body of Jesus. Mark 15:43 says, “Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.” Stephen and James, when being persecuted for their obedience to the gospel, were courageous enough to go to the death (Acts 7:59; 12:2).

Although the vast majority of Christians will never have to go to the death, that does not mean that we are any less of a Christian nor that we do not need courage. Paul wrote, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). We need to hold fast our confidence (Hebrews 3:6), but it will take courage and boldness (Philippians 1:20).

Kyle Campbell