Courage, in the biblical context, is the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty for the sake of righteousness. It is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, where individuals are called to act boldly in faith, often at great personal risk, to uphold God's commandments and advance His kingdom.

Old Testament Examples

1. Joshua: One of the most prominent examples of courage is found in the life of Joshua. As he prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, God commanded him, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them" (Joshua 1:6). Joshua's courage was rooted in his faith in God's promises and his obedience to God's law.

2. David and Goliath: David's confrontation with Goliath is a quintessential account of courage. Despite being a young shepherd, David faced the Philistine giant with unwavering faith, declaring, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). David's courage was not in his own strength but in the Lord's deliverance.

3. Esther: Queen Esther's bravery in approaching King Xerxes to save her people is another profound example. Acknowledging the risk to her own life, she resolved, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16). Esther's courage was fueled by her commitment to her people and her trust in God's providence.

New Testament Examples

1. The Apostles: The early apostles exhibited remarkable courage in the face of persecution. After being commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, Peter and John replied, "We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). Their boldness was a testament to their conviction and the power of the Holy Spirit.

2. Stephen: As the first Christian martyr, Stephen demonstrated extraordinary courage. Even as he faced death by stoning, he proclaimed the truth of the Gospel and saw "the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56). Stephen's courage was anchored in his vision of Christ's glory.

3. Paul: The Apostle Paul frequently faced danger and hardship for the sake of the Gospel. In his letter to the Corinthians, he recounted his sufferings, including beatings, imprisonments, and shipwrecks, yet he remained steadfast, stating, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). Paul's courage was sustained by his reliance on Christ.

Theological Insights

Courage in the biblical sense is not merely a human attribute but a divine empowerment. It is often linked with faith, as true courage arises from a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. The Scriptures encourage believers to be courageous, not in their own might, but in the strength that God provides. As Paul exhorts the Corinthians, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13).

The risk for righteousness involves a willingness to face potential loss, suffering, or persecution for the sake of upholding God's truth and living according to His will. This risk is not reckless but is undertaken with the assurance of God's ultimate justice and reward. Jesus Himself taught, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10).

Practical Application

Believers today are called to exhibit courage in various aspects of life, whether in standing for biblical truths in a secular society, sharing the Gospel in hostile environments, or living out Christian values in personal and professional settings. The courage to take risks for righteousness is a testament to one's faith and a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.