Being bold and courageous is an important theme in the Bible. Here are some key Bible verses about boldness:
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
This verse comes from when Joshua was commanded by God to lead the Israelites into the promised land after the death of Moses. God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous because He would be with him.
Proverbs 28:1
“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
This proverb contrasts the cowardice of the wicked with the boldness of the righteous. Those who do right do not shrink back in fear.
Acts 4:13
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”
Peter and John boldly proclaimed Jesus despite threats from the religious leaders. Their courage impressed others and was evidence they had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:29-31
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
The early church prayed for continued boldness in preaching the gospel in the face of persecution. God answered their prayer by filling them with the Holy Spirit.
Philippians 1:20
“…as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”
Paul desired to honor Christ with his life and ministry, even if it meant his death. He served Jesus with boldness despite the cost.
1 Thessalonians 2:2
“But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.”
Paul did not shy away from preaching the gospel even after being persecuted. He continued boldly declaring the message of salvation.
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Because of Christ’s work, we can boldly approach God’s throne to receive grace and mercy when we need help.
Hebrews 10:19
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus…”
We can boldly enter God’s presence because Jesus’ blood gives us access through the veil into the Most Holy Place.
Hebrews 13:6
“So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'”
With God on our side, we do not need to fear any human opposition or persecution.
1 John 4:17
“By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.”
God’s love gives us confidence and boldness, even on judgment day, because we are identified with Christ.
These verses highlight that true boldness comes from relying on God’s strength and power. When we trust in the Lord, we do not need to be afraid, even in the face of opposition. Jesus promised His followers they would face persecution, so boldness is needed to continue proclaiming the gospel.
The book of Acts records how the apostles and early church continued preaching about Jesus despite beatings, imprisonment, and threats from the religious authorities. They prayed for boldness and were filled with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to keep speaking God’s word courageously.
Boldness is linked with faith in the invisible but real promises of God. Hebrews says we can confidently approach God’s throne to receive grace and mercy in time of need. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we have direct access into God’s presence.
Paul desired that his life would honor Christ, even if it meant martyrdom. He preached the gospel boldly despite persecution. His confidence came from trusting in God’s strength rather than his own ability.
Proverbs contrasts the cowardice of the wicked with the boldness of the righteous. Those who do what is right are as bold as a lion. Their courage reflects their integrity and clear conscience.
So in summary, key reasons the Bible encourages boldness include relying on God’s presence and help, trusting in Christ’s redemption, fulfilling our purpose, having integrity, and advancing the Kingdom of God through evangelism. With God on our side, we do not need to fear any earthly opposition to our faith.
Some other verses that speak of boldness include Esther 7:3, Psalm 138:3, Proverbs 3:26, Isaiah 50:7, Jeremiah 1:8, Ezekiel 2:6, Daniel 11:32, Nahum 2:3, Acts 9:27-28, Ephesians 3:12, and 1 John 2:28. When we have assurance of our position in Christ, we can boldly obey and serve Him without fear.
In conclusion, the Bible clearly encourages believers to be bold and courageous as they live for God and proclaim His truth. Trusting in the Lord’s strength enables His followers to have boldness beyond their natural capacity. Relying on God through faith and understanding His great redemption provides firm footing to stand up boldly for what is right.
May we all seek to honor Christ with godly courage and confidence, overcoming any fear of opposition as we advance the kingdom of God. Our boldness springs from knowing God’s presence and help through the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us.
The verses mentioned above provide a sampling of the many passages that address boldness in various contexts. There are numerous examples and exhortations throughout Scripture that remind believers to be strong and unafraid as they live out their faith. As Joshua was told, with the reality of God’s presence we can be bold and courageous wherever we go, tackling the challenges of life head on.
When facing difficult situations, we can have assurance in God’s promises and faithfulness. Even in times of trial, hardship or persecution for our faith, we can confidently rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us. God gives His people wisdom and words to boldly speak the truth while standing firm in Him.
Trusting in the salvation Christ purchased for us inspires courage to joyfully share the gospel without hesitation. His love compels us to boldly reach out to others around us with compassion. Rather than shrinking back in uncertainty or fear, we can have bold confidence in approaching God’s throne to receive grace and help.
Our boldness comes from who God is and what God has done for us, not our own strength or talents. By abiding in Christ through faith and seeking to align our lives with His truth, believers gain bold assurance to proclaim the Lord’s message of redemption. The righteous are bold as a lion because they serve the all-powerful, victorious King of kings.
As we rely fully on the Lord rather than ourselves and remember God’s past faithfulness, our courage is emboldened to obey Christ’s commandments without compromise. Our confidence rests in Him, not the unstable circumstances around us. Even death loses its sting when we boldly live to glorify God.
Let us reflect on these verses about boldness and ask God to increase our trust and reliance on Him. May we have the courage to share our faith, stand up for truth, obey God wholeheartedly, and honor Christ with our lives each day. Through faith in Him, believing believers can confidently face each new challenge.