The scarred, weather-beaten disciple had stood before violent mobs, powerful Roman governors and scheming priests bent on his demise. His life and ministry were continually dogged with conflict, imprisonment, beatings and threats to his life. We think of him as fearless in his faith walk with God.
Is there another side of the story? We are speaking of the Apostle Paul, the veteran missionary of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Was he ever afraid?
God’s Word tells us the story of Paul’s ministry in the city of Corinth. We learn that he reasoned each Sabbath in the synagogue “trying to persuade Jews and Greeks” (Acts 18:4 NASB®). We discover that he solemnly bore testimony “to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ” (Acts 18:45 NASB®). His faithful testimony led the Jews to resist him and to blaspheme.
Was Paul afraid?
“And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, '"Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city."'
Acts 18:9-10 NASB®
Yes, Paul was afraid!
Jesus’ specific message directed to Paul began with “Do not be afraid any longer.” Jesus would not have challenged Paul with those words if this apostle was without fear. Jesus met Paul IN his fear and called him to keep speaking up as His agent.
Jesus challenged Paul to be fearless. Why? Because Jesus promised him His Presence. His Presence was to make Paul unafraid of anything.
Do We Speak More of Our Fears or Our Faith?
This year I have noticed that fear has stalked our hearts and minds as Christians. We have often spoken more about our fear than our faith. We speak of our fear of COVID-19, our fear of losing our jobs, losing our financial security and losing our freedoms. Are these fears of God?
God’s Word declares that “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18 NASB®). The Word of God directs us to the truth that “God is love” (1 John 4:16 NASB®). Therefore it is the perfect love of God that drives out fear.
Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, fears nothing. He does not fear the attacks of the devil for He has overcome the devil. Our Savior does not fear the future, for He rules the future. Our Good Shepherd does not fear hardships, loss, conflict, or privation for He owns all needed provisions.
We may respond: “Well, that’s easy for Jesus, because He is safe in Heaven and we are stuck here on a planet that appears to be falling apart!” But Jesus has faced everything we face now and much more and He promises to “Come to the aid of those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18 NASB®)
This same Jesus, this Fearless One, who died for you and me and rose again, lives IN your heart and in my heart. See Colossians 1:27. This Holy One, Jesus, the God of all Creation is not far off from us. He, by the power of the Holy Spirit, lives in you and in me. He is our “Hope of Glory.”
Call to Action
So, like the apostle Paul, we may at times feel overwhelmed in this chaotic time with fear and anxiety, but we need not stay that way! When afraid, let us fall to our knees in humble surrender and give up our fears to Christ Jesus, the One who has conquered fear! Invite Jesus to be your fearless Friend and then follow Him wherever He leads you!
