Lexical Summary tharsos: Courage, confidence, boldness Original Word: θάρσος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance courage. Akin (by transposition) to thrasos (daring); boldness (subjectively) -- courage. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2294 thársos – properly, emboldened by the Lord working within (used only in Ac 28:15). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom thrasus (bold) Definition courage NASB Translation courage (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2294: θάρσοςθάρσος, θαρσους, τό, courage, confidence: Acts 28:15. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Immediate Context Strong’s Greek 2294 appears once in the New Testament—Acts 28:15, where Luke records that Paul “thanked God and took courage” on meeting believers who had journeyed south from Rome. The scene unfolds near the end of Paul’s long, hazardous voyage: shipwreck, wintering on Malta, and an arduous trek up the Italian peninsula. The single use of the noun draws attention to a decisive infusion of heartening confidence at a strategic moment in Paul’s ministry. Paul’s Journey to Rome Acts 27–28 portrays Paul as a prisoner under Roman custody, yet also as a missionary under divine commission (Acts 23:11). By the time he nears Rome, he has endured storms, hunger, and constant danger. The arrival of brethren from Rome at the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns (Acts 28:15) signals the providential working of God through Christian fellowship. Their presence validates earlier assurances from the risen Christ (Acts 23:11) and underscores the interconnectedness of far-flung congregations within the first-century Church. Courage Fostered by Fellowship The term in Acts 28:15 links courage with community. Paul’s boldness does not arise merely from inner resolve but from the visible solidarity of believers who “rejoice with those who rejoice” and “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Scripture repeatedly presents encouragement as a spiritual ministry—Barnabas is named “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36); believers are to “encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). Paul himself later writes from Rome, desiring that both he and the Roman saints “may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:12). In Acts 28:15 that mutuality becomes tangible. Continuity with Old Testament Exhortations The language of courage echoes the divine charge to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Moses gave a similar word to Israel (Deuteronomy 31:6). In Acts, the same covenant God fortifies His servant, now under the new covenant and empowered by the Spirit, illustrating the seamless unity of Scripture’s message concerning God-given courage. Christ as the Source of Courage While Acts 28:15 employs the noun, the Gospels preserve Jesus’ repeated imperative “Take courage” (Matthew 9:2; Mark 6:50; John 16:33). The root verb links Paul’s experience to the encouragement Jesus offers. Paul’s thanksgiving in Acts 28 is therefore ultimately directed to Christ, who mediates courage through the Spirit and the body of believers. Historical Insights The Forum of Appius lay forty-three miles south of Rome on the Appian Way; Three Taverns another ten miles closer. Both served as rest stops for travelers. The willingness of Roman Christians to walk such distances indicates the strength of first-century Christian networks and their commitment to hospitality. Their journey prefigures later Christian practices of prison visitation (Matthew 25:36) and missionary support. Pastoral and Devotional Implications 1. Ministry leaders, like Paul, often experience profound renewal when believers demonstrate presence and partnership. Related New Testament Exhortations Though 2294 occurs only once, its theme threads through other passages: Contemporary Application The Acts narrative calls modern believers to proactive encouragement, especially toward those in trials. Whether missionaries in transit, pastors in discouragement, or Christians facing cultural hostility, tangible expressions of fellowship can, by God’s grace, restore courage that advances the gospel. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 2294 encapsulates the moment when fellowship turns fatigue into fresh resolve. Grounded in God’s faithfulness, conveyed through Christ’s body, and attested throughout Scripture, such courage remains indispensable for every generation of the Church. Forms and Transliterations θαρσος θάρσος tharsos thársosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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