Following the stoning of Stephen a great persecution broke out against the believers. Persecution and suffering have been at the heart of the gospel from the very beginning. Jesus Christ suffered greatly (understatement) to bring us the good news of the the kingdom of God - that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son." His followers have also suffered a great deal in order to be faithful to his great commission - to "go make disciples of all nations." The important thing to realize is persecution came as an attempt to bring the spread of the gospel to a screeching half. However, it only added fuel to the holy fire - literally and figuratively.
"On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:1-5, 12)
So, how should we respond to persecution and suffering? Will we allow the threat of being thrown in prison, tortured, and executed silence our witness?
Today, as an act of worship, thank God for the faithful witnesses who have gone before us to bring us the good news of the kingdom of God. Ask God how he wants you to spread his message even in the face of persecution. Pray for strength to endure the trials that lie ahead in order that we may be counted among those who have given their lives completely to the praise of his glory.
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