Persecution, Good or Bad?

Acts 8:1-3

How many of us have ever contemplated this question? Not while we are experiencing persecution or immediately after, but during periods of tranquility in life. Why would God permit His children to endure persecution? We comprehend this for those who are not His followers, but for us who are called by His name. He could have protected Israel; however, He ultimately permitted their capture and dispersion. Today, we will address the question, "Is it good or bad?”

Firstly, the inquiry concerns the definition of persecution. Oxford University Press defines persecution as “hostility and ill-treatment, especially on the basis of ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation or political beliefs.” The Hebrew term for “persecute” is “radap,” which signifies “to pursue or follow.” Similarly, the Greek term “dioko” also means “to pursue” or “to persecute.” Persecution frequently accompanies those who follow Jesus Christ. Indeed, just as the prophets of the Old Testament were harassed and persecuted for the Lord’s sake, so too will the followers of Christ face persecution (Matthew 5:12; Acts 7:52). Through such persecution, believers emulate their Lord (John 5:16; 15:20).

Matthew 5:12 LSB

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Acts 7:52 LSB

“And which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become;

John 5:16 LSB

And for this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath.

John 15:20 LSB

“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

The Greek term for “persecution” is “diogmos,” which originates from the Greek word previously discussed and also connotes “being pursued to oppress.” Persecution appears to be entirely negative, correct? Based on the information we have just examined and learned, it appears to be utterly dreadful. Allow me to introduce you to an individual named Jim Elliot. James ‘Jim’ Elliot was a Christian missionary to the Auca indigenous people in Ecuador. Jim was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1927. His father, Fred, was a preacher who traveled extensively to spread the Gospel. His mother, Clara, was a chiropractor who also cared for Jim and his three siblings. Jim’s childhood friend described him as “a picture of speed, fury, and recklessness.” Jim, along with four other men, was killed by the Auca after their second encounter. Jim famously stated, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Many would consider this a tragedy. He left behind his wife, Elisabeth Howard Elliot, who was with him. Elisabeth Howard Elliot did not return during this period of persecution and tragedy. Instead, she remained to complete the work begun by Jim and the four men who lost their lives. Today, the Auca are followers of Christianity.

We have analyzed how Saul authorized the stoning of Stephen and subsequently began to persecute the followers of the Way. He was characterized as ‘dioko’, indicating his active pursuit of the believers. One may interpret the persecution either as an act of wrongdoing and malevolence or as an expression of divine and righteous purpose. The process begins with posing the appropriate question and adopting the correct perspective.

There are three insights derived from these verses that can assist us in recognizing persecution as advantageous. The first pertains to the purpose of God. The second relates to God’s plan. The third concerns God’s providence.

Purpose:

The initial seven chapters are characterized as the “Period of Testing,” during which the Kingdom was presented to Israel for the third occasion. Chapters 8 through 12 are designated as the “Period of Transition,” during which the following developments occur: (1) The locus of activity shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch. (2) The dissemination of the message extends from Jews to the Samaritans and subsequently to the Gentiles. (3) The prominence of Peter’s activities diminishes as Paul emerges as the leader. (4) The communism inherent in the “kingdom economy” is supplanted by the activities of the Church. (5) The Gospel of the Kingdom is succeeded by the Gospel of the Grace of God.

We now revisit the opening verse concerning a man named Saul. Luke depicted him as the individual holding the coats in verse 58. However, here Luke clarifies that Saul's presence was neither coincidental nor incidental. He was present, giving his approval to the execution of Stephen. Evidently, Saul unequivocally supported the actions taken against this “heretic,” as he later acknowledged in his account of the incident (Acts 22:20).

Acts 22:20 LSB

‘And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and guarding the garments of those who were slaying him.’

God’s purpose in the death of His servant was to have Saul there. Job was not asking the right question, and God rebuked him for it. Listen to what Job said (Job 42:2). God’s purpose is His and not ours. This life we live in belongs to Him, and we are here to bring honor and glory to Him. The issue is that when things go wrong, or persecution comes upon us, we blame the world, Satan, or someone instead of asking the question. God, what is the purpose that You intend for this?

Job 42:2 LSB

“I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.

History and divine Scripture offer insights into their outcomes. However, contemporary circumstances often ensnare us, making it difficult to discern beyond current trials. It is imperative that our focus remains steadfast on Christ. Our confidence must be rooted in Him, rather than in ourselves. We should dedicate ourselves to prayer, engage deeply with His Word, and support one another while seeking His divine plan.

Plan:

The divine plans of God are distinct from human intentions. Glory to Jesus! Had God bestowed upon us our deepest desires, it would necessitate a declaration of His identity. Recall the teachings of Solomon in Proverbs 30:7-9. If God were to abandon us, it would be a cause for concern. However, our Heavenly Father employs His divine plan not only for His ultimate purpose but also for our well-being. Persecution serves to strengthen both the Church and individual believers. The Church's stagnation can partly be attributed to our faith not being sufficiently challenged. Observing churches that are genuinely experiencing growth—growth that occurs through making disciples and evangelizing the community, rather than through the theft of members from other congregations—reveals that they often face persecution from the world.

Proverbs 30:7–9 LSB

Two things I asked of You, Do not withhold from me before I die: Keep worthlessness and every false word far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, Lest I be full and deny You and say, “Who is Yahweh?” Or lest I be impoverished and steal, And profane the name of my God.

The early church experienced growth because it aligned with God’s intended plan. Their growth occurred on an individual level; consequently, this led to collective growth. To observe church expansion, it must originate from our own personal development. Achieving this requires submitting ourselves to God and His divine plan. The congregation was initially confined to Jerusalem, resulting in a halt to growth. In response, God introduced persecution with a specific purpose—to disperse His church in accordance with His plan and to ensure their provision through divine intervention.

Providence:

If God brings you to it, He will see you through it. There are numerous accounts, either read or heard, of angels appearing and opening prison cells to liberate Christians. How many of us have heard of George Müller? George Müller was born in Prussia in 1805 to a tax collector. Prior to his conversion to Christianity, he was known as a liar and a thief. However, after embracing Christ, He used Müller in a remarkable manner to provide for over ten thousand orphans throughout his lifetime. Müller never solicited assistance from others. When he required resources for the orphanage, he would pray, and God would provide.

If it is willed upon your heart by God, He shall provide. During times of persecution, consider the words of David in Psalm 23:5. David recognized that we would encounter persecution; however, God’s providence would establish a feast for us amidst adversaries, anoint our head, and cause our cup to overflow. We often fail to perceive God’s providence because we are overly preoccupied with attempting to control every aspect, rather than permitting Him to be sovereign and ourselves to serve as His followers.

Psalm 23:5 LSB

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.

The early church recognized that He is divine and was redeemed by Him at a significant cost. Is persecution beneficial or detrimental? It is not only beneficial but also immensely valuable. Without it, salvation would not be attainable for you and me. It is important to recall that our Lord and Savior endured persecution for His purpose, plan, and divine providence, and we have inherited the reward of that persecution.