Daniel in the Lions' Den: A Public Faith for God's Glory and the Common Good

In Daniel 6, we encounter one of the most well-known narratives in Scripture—the story of Daniel in the lions' den. Beyond the drama of his miraculous deliverance, this account offers profound insight into the nature of public faith. Should we live out our beliefs openly, or should we keep them private? Many wrestle with this question in workplaces, schools, and communities where there is growing pressure to make faith personal and invisible.

The question then arises: If we do make our faith public, how should we do it? How do we live in a way that is both faithful to God and a blessing to those around us? There are plenty of inadequate examples of public faith—some are overly aggressive, others too passive. What we need are good examples of how public faith can be a public good.

Daniel 6 provides such an example. Through this story, we see that Daniel's faith was deeply personal yet pervasively public, and in the process, it brought glory to God and a benefit to the societies in which he lived. Daniel's life offers us a framework for understanding how a public faith can bless others and serve as a witness to the greatness of God.

Daniel’s Faith Was Public (Daniel 6:1-5)

First, it’s important to understand the context in which Daniel lived out his faith. Daniel was living in exile, far from his homeland of Israel. Despite being in a foreign land, he rose to a position of prominence and influence under successive kings, including Darius. We are told in verse 3 that Daniel distinguished himself by his "excellent spirit." This wasn’t merely a reference to his political or administrative skills—it was a reflection of his distinctive faith.

Daniel remembered who he was at his core, a servant of the living God. His faith shaped how he lived, worked, and interacted with others, even in the midst of a pagan society. His enemies knew this well. They recognized that the only way to trap Daniel would be to target his public devotion to God. Daniel’s faith wasn’t something he kept private—it was a visible part of his life, known to all who encountered him.

This brings us to an important application: Should we be public about our faith? Absolutely. As believers, we are called to live in such a way that our faith isn’t a secret but a testimony to those around us. Jesus Himself teaches in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Daniel’s public faith was a witness to everyone who saw it, and so should ours be.

Daniel’s Public Faith Served the Public (Daniel 6:6-16)

Daniel’s public faith didn’t just serve his own interests; it served the common good. Even when the other officials, driven by jealousy, manipulated King Darius into passing a law that directly targeted Daniel’s faith, Daniel remained steadfast. He continued his daily practice of praying three times a day with his windows open toward Jerusalem, even though he knew the consequences (v. 10). His faith wasn’t something he did for show—it was a genuine commitment that he would not abandon, even under threat of death.

What is striking here is that Daniel’s public faith was an act of service to the broader culture. In his prayers, Daniel interceded not only for himself but also for the people around him, including those in power. His prayers were a form of cultural intercession, asking God to bless the nation in which he lived.

Daniel’s faith also served as a moral compass for the society around him. His refusal to obey a law that violated his conscience was not an act of rebellion but a testimony to the fact that ultimate authority belongs to God, not man. In this way, Daniel’s faith served as a conscience for the culture, reminding people of the proper limits of governmental power and the need for rulers to repent and align their leadership with God’s standards.

Here, we see another vital application: A public faith serves the common good by promoting justice, truth, and mercy. Even in a society that may not share our beliefs, the moral integrity that comes from living a life rooted in God’s truth can benefit everyone. Governments are not free to do anything they wish—they are accountable to God, whether they acknowledge it or not.

Daniel’s Faith Pointed to a Better Way of Life (Daniel 6:17-23)

Despite Daniel’s faithfulness, he was thrown into the lions’ den. Here we learn another critical lesson: The world may sometimes punish us for standing firm in our faith. However, God's protection is greater than any threat man can devise. In verse 22, Daniel testifies, "My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths." This miraculous deliverance demonstrates that no matter the opposition we face, God is able to protect His people.

Here, it's hard to not see Daniel foreshadowing Jesus Christ. Daniel’s descent into the lions’ den mirrors Christ’s descent into the grave. Just as Daniel was sealed in the den and yet emerged alive, so too was Christ sealed in the tomb and raised to life. Both point to God’s power to deliver and rescue His people, not just from physical danger, but from sin and death.

What’s fascinating is how King Darius responds to Daniel’s faithfulness. In verse 20, Darius, anxiously coming to the lions’ den at daybreak, asks if Daniel’s God has been able to deliver him. Daniel’s public faith had such a profound impact on this pagan king that even he began to wonder if Daniel’s God might be the true God. This is the power of a public witness. Daniel’s faith didn’t just lead to his own personal deliverance—it led to a public demonstration of God’s power, one that pointed others toward the living God.

Our faith, too, should point others to God. When we remain steadfast in our beliefs, even when the world opposes us, we provide a witness to those around us. The world needs to see that there is a better way to live—a way marked by trust in a God who is sovereign, good, and faithful.

Daniel’s Faith Promoted the Glory of God and the Good of All (Daniel 6:24-27)

The climax of the story comes not just in Daniel’s deliverance but in the public declaration of God’s glory. After Daniel is saved, King Darius issues a decree to all the nations of the earth, declaring the greatness of Daniel’s God (vv. 25-27). He acknowledges that God’s kingdom is eternal and that He delivers and rescues.

This is the ultimate outcome of a public faith: It points people toward the glory of God and results in the good of all. Daniel’s faithfulness led to a declaration of God’s power, not just in his own life, but in the lives of those around him. His public witness brought about a broader good, as an entire kingdom was directed toward the one true God.

As Christians, our public faith should similarly point others to the grace and mercy of God in Christ. Just as Daniel’s deliverance pointed to God’s saving power, our lives should point others to the ultimate Deliverer—Jesus Christ, who rescues us from sin and death. When we live out our faith publicly, we offer the world a glimpse of God’s goodness, grace, and truth.

Living Out Your Faith Publicly

So how can we live out our faith in public spaces today? Daniel offers us several practical lessons:

First, the stronger the relationship, the stronger the influence. Your most powerful witness is often to those closest to you. Like Daniel, build relationships with integrity and let your faith naturally flow from who you are.

Second, your testimony is about Christ’s performance, not yours. Don’t be afraid to share how God has worked in your life. The pressure isn’t on you to be perfect—point to Jesus and what He has done for you.

Third, serve, don’t subdue. Like Daniel, we are called to serve those around us, not overpower them. Our public witness should be marked by humility and service, not force or aggression.

Finally, practice patience and perseverance, not panic. Daniel didn’t panic when his life was on the line because he trusted in God’s sovereignty. We, too, must trust that God is in control, even when the world seems chaotic.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the story of Daniel in the lions’ den, we are reminded that public faith is not about making ourselves look good—it’s about pointing others to the greatness of God. Just as Daniel was bold and faithful in living out his faith, so too should we. The world needs to see believers who are confident in God’s sovereignty, committed to truth, and compassionate toward others.

May we, like Daniel, live out a public faith that brings glory to God and serves the common good. And may our lives point others to the ultimate Deliverer—Jesus Christ, who rescues us from sin and death. 

Amen.