Apostolic Courage: τολμηρός (Strong’s G5112: tolmeros) Ignites Bold Gospel Ministry

Strong’s G5112: An adjective derived from τόλμα (boldness), describing courageous, daring, or bold behavior. In Pauline usage, it characterizes the apostolic boldness required for gospel ministry, particularly in addressing challenging spiritual truths with both authority and love.

U – Unveiling the Word

τολμηρός embodies the Spirit-empowered boldness essential for gospel ministry. In the New Testament, particularly in Romans 15:15, Paul uses this term to describe his apostolic approach to addressing difficult truths with the Roman church. This wasn’t mere human audacity, but rather a holy boldness grounded in divine authority and pastoral love. The early church understood τολμηρός as characterizing the courage needed to proclaim truth in hostile environments. Today, this word continues to challenge believers to speak God’s truth with both boldness and grace, particularly when addressing controversial or challenging aspects of the gospel.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τολμηρός, tolmeros, /tol.me.ˈros/
• Detailed Pronunciation: tohl-meh-ROSS (where ‘oh’ is like in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: τόλμα (tolma) meaning “boldness”
• Stem: τολμ- (tolm-) indicating daring or courage
• Suffix: -ηρός (-ēros) forming adjectives denoting characteristics

D – Defining Meanings

• Bold, daring
• Courageous, confident
• More boldly (comparative form)

For compound words: Not applicable as τολμηρός is a simple adjective

Translation Options:

• “more boldly” – emphasizing comparative degree
• “with boldness” – highlighting the quality
• “daringly” – stressing the active nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θαρσαλέος (tharsaleos) /tʰar.sa.ˈle.os/ – courageous, confident See G2293
• τολμητής (tolmētēs) /tol.mē.ˈtēs/ – a daring person See G5113
• παρρησία (parrēsia) /par.rē.ˈsi.a/ – boldness, openness See G3954

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

The adjective follows regular declension patterns:

• Masculine: τολμηρός, τολμηροῦ, τολμηρῷ, τολμηρόν
• Feminine: τολμηρά, τολμηρᾶς, τολμηρᾷ, τολμηράν
• Neuter: τολμηρόν, τολμηροῦ, τολμηρῷ, τολμηρόν

Cross-references: Related verb τολμάω meaning “to dare”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide rich understanding of τολμηρός. BDAG emphasizes its connection to apostolic authority and pastoral boldness. Thayer’s notes its development from classical usage to Christian contexts. LSJ documents its use in secular Greek for both positive and negative boldness. Vine’s highlights its special significance in Paul’s ministry style. Strong’s connects it to the concept of confident assertion. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from papyri showing its use in formal communications. LEH notes its rarity in the Septuagint but significance in later Christian literature.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God” Romans 15:15

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of τολμηρός in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τολμηρός represents the divine empowerment needed for faithful gospel ministry. Paul’s use of this term in Romans reveals that effective ministry requires both courage and wisdom. The good news of King Jesus often challenges cultural norms and personal comfort zones, requiring Spirit-empowered boldness to proclaim. Yet this boldness isn’t brash or insensitive; it’s a holy confidence grounded in God’s grace and expressed through pastoral love.

D – Did You Know?

• τολμηρός was often used in ancient military contexts to describe tactical boldness
• Early Christian martyrdom accounts frequently employed this term
• The word influenced the development of Byzantine diplomatic language

Strong’s G5112: An adjective derived from τόλμα (boldness), describing courageous, daring, or bold behavior. In Pauline usage, it characterizes the apostolic boldness required for gospel ministry, particularly in addressing challenging spiritual truths with both authority and love.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: boldness, courage, apostolic-authority, ministry, paul, romans, pastoral-care, proclamation, truth-speaking, holy-spirit, evangelism, confidence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​