When the apostles write about boldness (from the same Greek word translated courage) they often refer to boldness toward the Lord. John mentions it twice in his first letter in connection with the Lord’s return (1 John 2:28 and 4:17). Boldness certainly functions as a kind of barometer with Paul, a check. He speaks of always having a clear conscience toward both God and man. But here he means a different kind of boldness. Paul hopes to have full boldness, a hope he bases on the prayers of his Philippian brethren and on the Holy Spirit and in connection with the trial he will undergo soon, in fact ‘now’. That brings to mind what Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians, asking the Church to pray for him, ‘that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.’ It may be significant that he mentions the Spirit in that connection as well, ‘praying at all times in the Spirit’. Paul is aware that he needs the Spirit. It is not just courage he needs because of difficulties he faces, but the Spirit given boldness of speech that the Lord Jesus promised to His disciples when they are ‘dragged before governors and kings for My sake’ (Matth. 10:18-20). What they are to say will be given to them in that hour. ‘For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.’ In Acts 4 the believers pray, ‘Grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, …’ The outcome was, ‘And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.’