Acts 14 | Facing Hardshipਨਮੂਨਾ

Facing Persecution

Persecution comes in many forms. But not many, at least in Western countries, experience it the way we see in Acts 14.

Luke tells us Paul was followed by some Jews who hated him from Antioch and Iconium. It’s bad enough they divided people against him in their own home towns. Now they’re after him! Luke tells us they won the crowds over. And in a moment, the city goes from deifying Paul and Barnabas as gods to stoning them. It feels like the same kind of whiplash Jesus experienced when the people shifted from shouts of “Hosanna!” to “Crucify him!” in less than a week.

Expect to be persecuted when you follow Jesus.

Here in the US, rarely do we hear about someone being attacked by an angry mob because of their faith, though you will hear this from believers and missionaries in other parts of the world. Yet it still comes in other kinds of ways. A bit of ostracization at a school, workplace, or social group. Being passed over for advancement or recognition because of your beliefs. Pressure to conform or compromise. Whispers, gossip, and ridicule behind your back—and sometimes to your face. Slandered online. Shouted at. Modern-day equivalents of Salem witch trials and McCarthy-style theological witch hunts. Government threats, or even fines, for speaking God’s truth. Not to mention those who find themselves facing people in their own church who make it their life mission to undermine and drive out church leaders and faithful believers.

These words of Jesus can be strangely comforting here: “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matt 10:22). And, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18).

You will be persecuted. And when you are, it’s important how you respond. Today, read the story of what Paul and Barnabas faced. Then spend some time considering both Paul’s reflections on it (and another by Peter too). When you face persecution, how will you respond? Take heart in the way of Jesus, like Paul did.