The Greek word for courage—tharséō—holds a tender, almost intimate meaning:
to embolden someone from the inside out, to strengthen their spirit in a way that shields them from fear.
Image kindly provided by https://unsplash.com/@clairecapture
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
African Proverb
In 2009, I was on my way home from Rome, a city steeped in history and ancient stories. As the car made its way toward the airport, my eyes caught sight of a sign: Via Appia—the Appian Way. Immediately, I was transported back in time to the biblical account of the Apostle Paul. In 58 A.D., he too had travelled this road, not as a tourist or pilgrim, but as a prisoner, being escorted by armed guards to face trial in Rome.
I couldn’t help but picture Paul walking that same path, perhaps weary and unsure of what awaited him. Yet something extraordinary happened along the way. Word of his journey had reached the Christian community in Rome. Luke, Paul’s companion, recorded the moment when Paul encountered these faithful believers:
“The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they travelled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us.”
These two places were no short stroll from the city. The Forum of Appius, 64 kilometres from Rome, was a grimy rest stop, famously described by the poet Horace as teeming with frogs, gnats, and dishonest tavern-keepers. The Three Taverns, only slightly closer, stood 58 kilometres from the heart of the empire. And yet, despite the distance, these believers walked. They walked—step after step—simply to offer their presence to a man they loved a man who needed their support.
When Paul saw them, Scripture says he "thanked God and took courage." The Greek word for courage—tharséō—holds a tender, almost intimate meaning: to embolden someone from the inside out, to strengthen their spirit in a way that shields them from fear.
I’ve always been moved by this scene. Not because of the historical or geographical details, but because of the profound act of love it represents. How far would we walk today to encourage someone in need? How many of us would endure such a journey, simply to stand beside a fellow believer in their time of trial?
I wonder—how many would walk the road today? How many would take those same steps, fuelled by love and faith, to give a weary soul the courage to keep going?
Acts 28