What does the Bible say about fear in relation to the gospel?

In 2 Timothy 1:7, the Apostle Paul asserts that God has not given us a spirit of fear. Instead, he provides believers with a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. The context indicates that this spirit is essential for those who minister the gospel. Fear typically arises from our carnal nature, especially when faced with opposition to God's truth. The spirit of fear leads people to recoil from proclaiming the gospel boldly, but Paul encourages Christians to stand firm and trust in God's power to save. The gospel is not about human tactics, but it is the divine means by which God saves His people, reinforcing our reliance on Him rather than on the fear of man.