When Persecution Comes

Today's Reading: Psalm 39, Genesis 36, 2 Chronicles 13, Acts 6:8‐7:60

Acts 6:8‐7:60 - The story of the first Christian martyr, Stephen is an interesting one.

Stephen was being used greatly by God, as demonstrated in Acts 6:8. I believe that all of hell took notice at how God was using Stephen, and that Satan wanted to scare the believers by taking Stephen's life. Seized and arrested, Stephen does not go quietly. Instead, he preaches one of the most insightful sermons ever. He paints a panoramic picture of the history of the nation of Israel's relationship with Jehovah, ending with charges that the people had grown stiff-necked and crucified the Messiah.

When Stephen is stoned to death, he echoes the words of Christ from the cross; showing that he loved those who persecuted him.

Stephen's death did not dissuade the growth of the church. Satan's plan to persecute the church may have resulted in great difficulty for the believers, but it had the opposite effect when it came to church growth. The church flourished.

If you look around the world today, the church flourishes in areas where persecution exists. Our American church has been shrinking both in size and impact. Maybe some of that is because it is too easy to be a "Christian" in America today. I wonder how many of us would continue to stand for Christ if the heat were turned up.

The Bible tells us in multiple places that we will face persecution if we walk with Christ. May we pass the test and stand up for Him no matter the situation!

For notes on all of today's passages, click here.