What does it mean to be brave and be strong in 1 Corinthians 16:13?

The apostle Paul concludes his first letter to the Corinthians with a series of appeals. He writes, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NKJV). Alertness, endurance, courage, and strength are essential for spiritual victory.

Paul commands the Corinthians to “be brave, be strong” because of the spiritual battles they will encounter. In his letters, Paul frequently reminds believers that they are engaged in a struggle “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12; see 2 Corinthians 10:3–4). Fear and timidity are natural responses to dangerous situations. But Paul encourages us to rise above those debilitating reactions by trusting the Lord: “Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10).

The command to be “brave” in 1 Corinthians 16:13 is literally a charge to “act like men.” Paul uses the Greek word andrizesthe, related to anēr, meaning “man.” Strong’s Lexicon explains, “In the context of the New Testament, this term is used metaphorically to encourage spiritual fortitude and resilience among believers, drawing on the cultural understanding of manliness as a model for spiritual maturity.”

The command to be “strong” uses the Greek word krataiousthe, literally “be strengthened.” This is an exhortation “to prevail by God’s dominating strength, i.e. as His power prevails over opposition” (HELPS Word Studies). Our faith in God is the means of being strengthened.

We must “be brave, be strong” in God’s power, not our own. In Scripture, courage is always accompanied by assurance of God’s presence and power. Joshua was encouraged in this way: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Believers can be brave, strong, and courageous because the Holy Spirit empowers them: “The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Paul’s instruction to “be brave, be strong” is linked to standing firm in the faith. Bravery and strength are necessary to hold fast to the gospel’s truth in a world that attacks truth from all sides. The Corinthian church struggled with divisions, false teachings, and moral corruption. Faithfulness to Christ and His teachings requires spiritual fortitude and maturity. Paul’s appeal to “be brave, be strong” reminds us that courage demands remaining faithful to God’s truth despite temptations to compromise or abandon our faith in Christ.

Bravery and strength are necessary to persevere through trials and tribulations. Jesus warned His disciples about the reality of worldly tribulation, but He also encouraged them with the words, “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We can be brave and strong because Christ overcame the world. In Christ, we have the victory: “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

The primary reason to “be brave, be strong” is to glorify God. Paul was no stranger to conflict, and he lists bravery and strength as virtues that enable us to fulfill our God-given mission to share the gospel with others and glorify God. In prison, Paul expresses his hope that he will “have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:20). Bravery and strength are not ends in themselves but are a means of magnifying Christ. Our faithful obedience honors Him.

Paul’s command in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to “be brave, be strong” is profoundly significant for our lives. We must be brave and strong when facing spiritual battles, standing firm in the faith, and persevering through trials and tribulations. The purpose of being courageous and strong is to glorify God, who ensures the temptations and troubles of this world will not consume us. In the words of Martin Luther,