Cowardice, as depicted in the Bible, often contrasts with the call to bold faith and unwavering commitment to God's truth. Among the early converts to Christianity, particularly those in positions of power and influence, cowardice manifested in various ways, often due to fear of losing status, wealth, or favor with the ruling authorities.

One notable example is found in the Gospel of John, where we encounter Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council. Nicodemus approached Jesus at night, indicating a level of fear or reluctance to be seen openly associating with Him. John 3:1-2 states, "Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.'" Nicodemus's nocturnal visit suggests a struggle between his curiosity and belief in Jesus and his fear of repercussions from his peers.

Similarly, Joseph of Arimathea, another member of the Jewish council, is described as a secret disciple of Jesus. In John 19:38 , it is recorded, "Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body." Joseph's fear of the Jewish authorities kept his faith hidden until the moment of Jesus' crucifixion, when he courageously stepped forward to care for Jesus' body.

The account of the early church in the Book of Acts also highlights instances where rulers and influential figures grappled with cowardice. In Acts 13:7 , we read about Sergius Paulus, a proconsul who "was an intelligent man. He summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God." Despite his position, Sergius Paulus showed openness to the Gospel, yet the narrative does not elaborate on any immediate public declaration of faith, possibly indicating a cautious approach due to his status.

Moreover, Acts 17:32-34 describes the reaction of the Areopagus council in Athens to Paul's preaching: "When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, 'We want to hear you again on this topic.' At that, Paul left the Areopagus. But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them." Dionysius, a member of the council, believed, yet the text does not provide details on how openly he professed his faith, suggesting a possible tension between belief and the fear of societal repercussions.

These accounts illustrate the complex interplay between faith and fear among early converts in positions of authority. The struggle with cowardice is a recurring theme, as these individuals navigated the challenges of embracing the Gospel while contending with the potential loss of their societal standing and influence. The narratives serve as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the courage required to stand firm in one's faith amidst opposition and fear.John 12:42,43
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
Nave's Topical Index

At the Temple Gate
... Converts to the new faith were rapidly increasing, and both ... He now had an opportunity
of redeeming his cowardice. ... that marked the history of the early church. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 6 at the temple.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ...
... And so their cunning and cowardice stood out self ... ot his own townsman, who had been
his early friend and ... that the request of these Gentile converts was granted ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the third day.htm

The Evidences of Christianity, Deduced from the New Testament ...
... teacher [80] , their unbelief [81] , their cowardice [82] , their ... to object, that
most of these converts were persons ... sent from the Jews, in his early days, to ...
/.../the evidences of christianity/the evidences of christianity deduced.htm

The Education of the World.
... in which alone the faith of new converts could attain ... to prove from the New Testament
that cowardice was not ... that so vast a number of the early decisions are ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/the education of the world.htm

Heb. 4:14 Our Profession
... They were not like Gentile converts, who had been ... a Christian profession in the early
Church unless ... of his Master, and Cranmer's temporary cowardice, of which ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xii heb 4 14 our.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
... we may safely conclude from the early pages of ... is certainly improbable that he would
find among the Christians ... the attention that the Church's rulers could give ...
/.../introduction chapter i the life and.htm

part i
... inner man, amidst worldly vanity, amidst the darkness of his flesh, is not so bound
by the temptations of the evil one, and looks out more freely early in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

What is the Moral argument for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about boldness? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.org

Cowardice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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