Courage (θαρρέω)

Often mistaken in translations for confidence (παρρησία), this is the verb form of the word for courage. In extra-biblical use, it is used both in a good sense and in a bad sense—where a person has an excessive amount of courage. However, its primary usage expresses a positive courage, rooted in reliance on the dependability of someone.

In Acts 28:15, as Paul brought to Rome due to the persecution of the Jews, who had falsely accused him of committing a crime worthy of death. When he saw fellow Christians in the area, he thanked God and was encouraged. Paul was able to rely upon these saints.

The concept of courage is predominantly used in 2 Corinthians to describe Paul’s attitude towards the saints in Corinth. While he is absent from them, he has courage that they will do the right thing (2 Corinthians 10:1). It is with this courage that he also has confidence in them (2 Corinthians 10:2). In the same verse, Paul warns the Corinthian saints, so that when he is present, he does not need to have courage (θαρρέω) by confidence (πεποίθησις) to count to some on the basis of their statements, reckoning that he is walking by the flesh.

Paul reckoned to them that they were dependable and therefore would do what is right, even though some of them were stating Paul was not walking properly. This passage also demonstrates the distinction between courage and confidence, showing they do not convey the same idea. Confidence is an expression of being persuaded, where courage is a result of dependability.

Paul also expresses courage in the fact that, although while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord, when we are absent from the body, we will be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6, 8).

Therefore, being always encouraged and intuitively knowing that while being at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. - 2 Corinthians 5:6

Now, we are encouraged and are pleased rather to be absent out from the body and to be at home before the Lord. - 2 Corinthians 5:8

Paul’s courage comes from the assurance that God has stated He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is our helper, and we can depend upon him (Hebrews 13:6). Therefore, our conduct should be without covetousness while being content with such things as we have. Remember, covetousness is idolatry. Idolatry is not limited to bowing down to idols made of sticks and stones, it is a worship of something that we use to justify a lifestyle that takes what others have because we are not content with what God has provided.

In a world that seeks to manipulate us into acting independent from God—whether by living a life that is bound by laws to show our own righteousness or fulfilling the desires from our flesh—God is our dependable helper. He has provided us with all things pertaining to life and godliness. Therefore, let us take courage and walk by the Spirit, fulfilling His desires so that we are content with what God has given us. For He has stated that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Unlike the world, He is dependable. Hence, we should have no fear of those who can only harm the body. Instead, we are to have courage because of the One Who is able to save our souls, unapologetically living a life that properly expresses the righteousness we have in Christ.