Christian response to persecution

THE disciples of Jesus faced intense persecution after His resurrection and ascension. They were arrested, threatened, and beaten for preaching His name. Yet, in Acts 4:8–12, we see Peter and John boldly proclaiming their faith before the Sanhedrin. Their courage was not rooted in human strength but in their unshakable love for Christ and the deep assurance of His love for them. They continually affirmed their faith despite all persecution.

When questioned about the miracle they performed in healing a lame man, Peter declared, “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed” (Acts 4:10). Peter and John were not intimidated by their persecutors. Instead, they reaffirmed their faith publicly, knowing that Christ was worth everything.

The boldness of the disciples was a response to the overwhelming love of God that they had experienced through Jesus. They had walked with Him, seen His miracles, and witnessed His sacrifice on the cross. They were utterly convinced that no power on earth could separate them from His love. Romans 8:38–39 assures us of the same truth:

Romans 8: 38 – 39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing should separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. It is a love worth prioritizing. That love inspired believers over the ages and around the world to stand firm in their faith. In regions hostile to Christianity, many risked their lives to gather for worship or share the Gospel. Their actions remind us that Christ’s love is worth more than comfort or safety.

This deep love for Christ also compels believers to prioritize Him above all else. It compels us to affirm our faith. How can we reaffirm our faith today? Doing so may not always mean facing physical persecution. For many, it involves standing firm in smaller, everyday challenges, like declaring your faith in conversations, even when it is unpopular; choosing integrity in your workplace; or publicly giving God the glory for your successes and blessings.

Has your faith been tested recently? Be inspired by Peter and John. When the religious leaders of their day attempted to seal their lips, this was how they answered:

Acts 4: 19 – 20 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

Let the love of Christ compel you to stand firm, knowing that He is worth every sacrifice. Whether through your words or actions, boldly declare your faith today and trust that His love will sustain you in the face of persecution.

• To be continued

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