Responding to Persecution

Saturday, February 16, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”

1 Peter 4:12–14

In AD 64, about a year after Peter penned his first epistle, a massive fire broke out that destroyed much of the city of Rome. The people were unhappy with the slow response of Emperor Nero, and some were even blaming him for setting the fire. To deflect attention from himself, Nero falsely declared that the fire was the work of Christians. Nero unleashed a wave of persecution and hatred toward believers that resulted in the deaths of thousands.

The Roman historian Tacitus wrote, “Therefore, first those were seized who admitted their faith, and then, using the information they provided, a vast multitude were convicted, not so much for the crime of burning the city, but for hatred of the human race. And perishing they were additionally made into sports: they were killed by dogs by having the hides of beasts attached to them, or they were nailed to crosses or set aflame, and, when the daylight passed away, they were used as nighttime lamps. Nero gave his own gardens for this spectacle and performed a Circus game.”

There are places in the world today where being a Christian places one’s life in danger. If those days come to us, how will we respond? Will we hold to our faith and testimony regardless of potential consequences? Persecution is not something we would enjoy, but it is something we must prepare to withstand.

Today's Growth Principle: 

The faith to stand firm in the face of persecution must be developed before the persecution begins.