Persecution

We don't see much persecution in the U.S. today.  But it is happening in many places in the world.  And it was a serious problem for the early church as we see in the book of Acts in the New Testament.  So we will look at the persecution that the early Christians were enduring and how it affected the church growth at that time.

In the fourth chapter of Acts, Peter had just healed a lame man and it caused quite a stir.  The Jewish leaders placed Peter and John into jail overnight and challenged them the next day.  Peter explained that Jesus was the one who provided the power of healing.  This infuriated the leaders who said: 

"What shall we do to these men?  For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.  But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.  So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus."

So what was the result of this "severe threat"?  "And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.  So when they heard that, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, 'Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them......grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word." 

In Acts chapter 5 we see a similar situation.  In this case, the Jewish leaders become more antagonistic and beat the apostles.  "...and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go." 

So how did this severe persecution affect the Christians?  "So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ."

Persecution did not deter the growth of the church at all.  Praise God!  And we may one day see persecution in our country.  If that be the case, we can learn from the early Christians to be strong and keep on keeping on.

Thanks for reading.  Have a great week.