Throughout Scripture, God’s people are often encouraged not to fear man but to trust in God. The angels reassured Mary and Joseph not to fear what would happen to them following Mary’s mysterious pregnancy (Luke 1:30). The shepherds watching their flocks were calmed with the words Do not be afraid (Luke 2:10), as were the disciples when they saw Jesus walking towards them on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 6:50). When the apostle Paul was in Corinth, the Jews tried to stop him from preaching the gospel, but the Lord spoke to him and said, Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent for I am with you (Acts 18:9–10).

Faith in God in contrast to fear of man is a repeated encouragement in Scripture. And it is not only an encouragement spoken to those in leadership positions. When Jesus was teaching and talking about what it means to follow him, he famously said, Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28). We find this same truth in 2 Corinthians 5:6–10, where the apostle Paul likewise encourages the church to be courageous in their obedience to God even if it might mean their death. We must make it our aim to please the Lord.