Does God ever say "be not afraid" in the Bible? If so, how many times?

The Bible is a rich and complex book, full of stories, teachings, and wisdom that have inspired people for centuries. One of the most common themes throughout the Bible is the idea of fear and how to overcome it. In fact, the phrase "be not afraid" is one of the most frequently repeated phrases in the Bible. In this blog post, we will explore how many times God says "be not afraid" in the Bible.

The phrase "be not afraid" is found throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. In fact, it appears more than 100 times in various forms and contexts. The phrase is often used as a reassurance from God to his people, reminding them that they can trust in him and that he will protect them.

One of the most famous instances of this phrase is found in the Gospel of Luke, where an angel appears to the shepherds and says, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." (Luke 2:10) This phrase is often associated with the Christmas story and is a powerful reminder of the hope and joy that comes with the birth of Jesus.

Another famous instance of the phrase "be not afraid" is found in the book of Isaiah, where God says to his people, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) This passage is a powerful reminder of God's love and protection, even in the midst of difficult times.

The phrase "be not afraid" is also found in the New Testament, where it is often used by Jesus himself. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says to his disciples, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid." (Matthew 14:27) This phrase is a reminder of the power and presence of Jesus, and the comfort and strength that come from knowing him.

In the book of Revelation, the phrase "be not afraid" is used in the context of the end times, as a reassurance to those who are facing persecution and suffering. In Revelation 1:17-18, Jesus says to John, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!"