I am not sure that it would be my choice to be mistreated, tortured, or killed because of my faith in Jesus Christ. In my mind, persecution, in any form, would not be a pleasant experience. My first response it that persecution is something to avoid.
Most people would agree that persecution is cruel and distressing. However, persecution frequently is the stimulus for something good to occur.
There is a story in the Bible about a man named Stephen who was martyred for his faith in Jesus. As bad as the story may seem, much good happened as a result of Stephen’s death.
This story of Stephen begins when he was chosen by fellow believers to serve the church.
… they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, …. (Acts 6: 5 ESV)
Stephen took his responsibilities seriously and became a powerful speaker and a bold witness for the Lord.
And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8 ESV)
The religious authorities were so upset at Stephen’s teaching that, “…they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.” (Acts 7:58 ESV)
The impact of Stephen’s ministry did not end with his death.
And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1 ESV)
As a result of persecution, the church was scattered throughout the region. When this happened, the believers, who were being scattered, shared their faith wherever they went.
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, …, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. (Acts 11:19-21 ESV)
Persecution of the church in Jerusalem resulted in the Gospel being spread throughout the region.
… the church in Jerusalem … sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, … And a great many people were added to the Lord. … And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:22-26 ESV)
Persecution, a bad thing, resulted in good. “A great many people were added to the Lord.”
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. …If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:28 & 31 ESV)
Persecuted For Your Faith will be continued in future posts.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)
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