What did the Early Church do when persecution came?

“The Christians are to blame for every public disaster and every misfortune that befalls the people. If the Tiber rises to the walls, if the Nile fails to rise and flood the fields, if the sky withholds its rain, if there is earthquake, famine or plague, straightway the cry arises; ‘The Christians to the lions!’” ~Tertullian, A.D. 196

The news reports are overwhelming. We might see the headline but cannot bear to read the article; it is just too graphic. These are unthinkable, horrendous and literal crimes against humanity.

When parents are forced to choose either to push their children off the top of a cliff or watch them succumb to starvation or death by the sword? This is evil at its worst.

I shared this past week more about the persecution of Christians in Iraq and Syria here. The #WeAreN movement has gained unprecedented ground thanks to social media outlets such as twitter and Instagram. Now we are hopefully seeing a little action from governments around the world. Christians, and even non-Christians, are calling for an end to the mass genocide.

Humanitarian aid was dropped to those stuck on the mountaintop today, and airstrikes are being discussed. I pray they do not wait much longer.

This could be you. This could be me.

We have been called to prayer. Urgent prayer. Some say, “What good can it accomplish? Doesn’t this have to come to pass before then end comes?”

This has made me think of earlier persecutions of the Church.

Persecution

Do not think they didn’t experience it. That is how the Gospel was spread to the four corners of the globe! They fled persecution, it scattered them, and the message literally exploded. “So then, those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose in connection with Steven made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews alone. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 11:19,20).

The Apostle Paul, who was referred to as Saul before he was saved, was feared more than anyone when it came to hatred of the Christians. He, and those that followed him, went from house to house dragging people out into the streets, killing, torturing and trying to get them to denounce their faith in Jesus Christ. For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.…” 1 Corinthians 15:9-10.

After the ascension of Jesus, the persecution grew worse. The methods of torture and murder were more heinous. Some were covered in pitch, nailed to posts and then torched. Others were crucified or wrapped in the skins of animals and thrown to dogs!

When Nero’s reign ended, it became a literal crime to be called a Christian; although you could change your FATE by renouncing your FAITH, and giving sacrifice to the preferred god of the day.

The Apostle Paul was no stranger to persecution, suffering at the hands of the very ones he had worked with side by side. He was imprisoned many times, beaten, tortured and eventually gave his life, as did his comrade Peter and many others.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Ephesians 6:18.

A good example is when they prayed for Peter after Herod had cast him into prison. Most men did not come out of Herod’s stocks. “Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” Acts 12:5.  Angels delivered Peter from his chains and he went right back out sharing the Truth.

The Church fasted, they came together in unity and then they preached.

Yes, they continued to preach the Gospel even in the midst of persecution!

But Christians were still being martyred. What good was prayer doing for them?

Paul said it like this, “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confidentby my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Philippians 1:12-14 NLT.

It’s all about the Gospel being preached? It’s all about others hearing Truth?

“We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.” 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 ESV.

No matter what happened, the Gospel was being preached, shared, and Jesus Christ was receiving glory. Our sole purpose in this life is to win others to Him. Win the lost, make disciples, share the love of Christ and the message that He died at Calvary, but did not stay there!

Paul is delivered many times but he eventually succumbs to the sword as well. He gives his life for the Gospel that he loved so much. Yet, the prayers of the Church carried him through trial after trial, imprisonment, torture, and loneliness that many could not fathom.

“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:19-21 NKJV.

For our brothers and sisters facing persecution TODAY, not only in the Middle East but around the world…they need our prayers desperately. They need strength to stand in this evil day. They must have a prayer covering to be able to say they will not denounce Jesus Christ. We cannot depend on someone else to do this.

We are brothers and sisters, we are the Body.

Will you stand with the Church in this dark hour? If the Lord Jesus doesn’t return for His Bride soon, the persecution will continue and spread across the earth. It will knock at our door one day. Shortly.

 “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake…” Philippians 1:29 NKJV.

Prayer will strengthen the Church Body and those being targeted. Let’s bind together and do what we were created to do.

Then we can face adversity as Paul and say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

Kingdom2

Sharing with Essential Fridays, Faith Filled Fridays, Friendship , Making your home sing, Titus 2sdays

5 thoughts on “What did the Early Church do when persecution came?

  1. Pingback: Verily, verily…Listen Up!

  2. Candace Jo Post author

    Thank you, Betsy. We CAN pray! Blessings.

  3. Candace Jo Post author

    We must pray, Floyd. That is the power Christ gave us! Thank you, friend.

  4. Betsy

    I couldn’t agree more! Thank you for the post,beautifully said. ~ B

  5. Floyd

    Excellent case. I’m praying, sister.

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