4. Movements and Persecution

Apr 9

The fourth of ten studies from Everywhere: How God Multiplies Disciples and Churches.

Both prophecy and persecution marked the life of Jesus, a pattern he taught his followers to expect. Simeon prophesied over the infant Jesus that he would divide Israel (Luke 2:34–35). This opposition began early, when Jesus was rejected in his hometown of Nazareth, grew throughout his mission, and culminated in his death in Jerusalem.

Jesus taught his disciples to expect persecution not just as a sign of the very end of time but of the present age. New believers today can be rejected by their families and thrown out of their homes, mirroring the experience Jesus faced in his town. Persecution can also come from authorities. For example, in India, Hindu nationalists often accuse Christians of forced or induced conversions and pressure the police to investigate. Though these accusations are eventually proven false, Christians are punished in the meantime through interrogation, threats, temporary imprisonment, and trial.

Elsewhere, in Laos, Communist officials warn leaders to stop taking the gospel to new villages and people groups. Failure to comply can lead to charges of “fomenting social division,” followed by a trial and a prison sentence lasting months or years. If the leader persists after release, they are added to a list and may end up being found dead by the side of the road.

While so far, none of the Iranian disciples I know have been imprisoned or killed, the risk is always there. Every time they share the gospel, gather around the Word, or worship secretly, they face danger. Similarly, in the Texas prisons, every gang member who turns to Christ counts the cost, asking himself, What will my gang do to me if I leave?

Jesus taught his disciples not to fear people who can kill the body, but to fear God, who loves them and counts the hairs on their head (Matthew 10:28–31). He prepared us for the reality that family and friends will betray and hate us. We will be brought before the authorities. But we will not be alone; the Holy Spirit will teach us what to say (Luke 12:11–12). Jesus’ predictions were fulfilled in Acts and continue to be fulfilled around the world today.

The book of Acts reveals a recurring pattern—miracles and gospel preaching lead to new disciples and churches, followed by persecution. Persecution always results in planting a new church. The messengers suffer, but the Word keeps advancing.

Stephen was the first to die for his faith in Jesus. In his final moments, he looked up and saw the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand. Stephen discovered he wasn’t alone (Acts 7:55–56). Similarly, Paul and Silas, after being beaten, bruised, and chained with their legs locked in wooden stocks, were found worshipping God at midnight (Acts 16:24–25). They too discovered they weren’t alone. Jesus was with them.

We follow a crucified Lord who won his victory through weakness. He suffered, and therefore we suffer. The secret to success in the face of persecution is not natural bravery—in the garden, Jesus’ own disciples fled in fear. Instead, the secret lies in discovering we are not alone.