“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

– 2 Timothy 3:12 –

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.”

– 1 Peter 4:16 –

Jesus had a task for His twelve disciples. As the incarnate word, who was in the beginning with God, and was God (cf. John 1:1-5, 14), He was not ignorant of the deeds of men, and their reaction to the message of righteousness. During the days of Noah, He saw “that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). His message of righteousness which Noah preached was rejected, and He with it (cf. 2 Peter 2:5). He saw righteous Lot being tormented by the lawless deeds performed by those in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (cf. 2 Peter 2:8). He heard Elijah being called the “troubler of Israel” (1 Kings 18:17) for proclaiming God’s message. He saw Elijah flee for his life in reaction to Jezebel’s threat (cf. 1 Kings 19:1-3). He knew of Jeremiah’s struggle in proclaiming God’s unpopular message to the people (cf. Jeremiah 20:7-10). “Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented – of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth,” (Hebrews 11:35-38) all by faith in God, and Christ. It is with this knowledge, and expectation, that Jesus sent His twelve disciples into the world.

Jesus did not send them blindfolded, but told them what they could expect. He said, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Matthew 10:16). He did not send them without preparation or help, but told them, “when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you” (Matthew 10:19-20). Nevertheless, He assured them, “you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Their task was a daunting one. The path they were to take was ominous, and unappealing to the common man. Yet, they girded up the loins’ of their minds’ and rested their hope fully upon Jesus, their Lord (cf. 1 Peter 1:13). They did not count the sufferings worthy of comparison to the glory that would be revealed in them at the end (cf. Romans 8:18). And so they went out into the world as Jesus had commanded them, fully expecting rejection from the majority to whom they would preach.

One of the many ways in which they expected persecution was via the legal system, by their own brethren. Jesus had told them, “You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles” (Matthew 10:18). This remained true after Jesus’ ascension, and the start of the church – as recorded by Luke in Acts. They were, so to say, in danger of being convicted of Christianity. The apostles, along with many other disciples, were found guilty by the masses, and were punished for their good deeds in Christ.

Throughout their ministry, the apostles stood out in stark contrast from the world. It was obvious they followed Christ, and preached His message. In their confrontation with Jewish leaders, it was obvious that Peter and John “had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). They were told to cease teaching in Jesus’ name (cf. Acts 4:18). Their message was clear, and easily identified with Christ. Their actions followed the content of their message – they practiced what they preached. Despite the threats, they continued with their ministry. Although they were once again found guilty by the counsel of preaching in the name of Jesus, after being beaten, they were released (cf. Acts 5:40). They boldly proclaimed, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

The common theme seen in Acts, and the rest of scripture, is the undeniable nature of the disciples’ actions, and message. If cause was found to punish people for being Christians, there was no difficulty finding who they were. Can this be said about us? Do our words, and deeds leave no doubt as to whether we are followers of Christ?

In America, we relish the freedom of religion. Yet, despite our continued freedom, things are seeming to change. Unrighteous deeds are being praised, rather than condemned. Good is called evil, and evil is called good (cf. Isaiah 5:20). It may even reach the point that Christianity is deemed illegal. There will be people brought before judges, and juries. They will be tried for the crime of following Christ. Evidence will be presented in an effort to convict. What evidence will be compiled against you? At the end of the trial, will the jury rise and state, “We the jury, find the defendant guilty of Christianity”? Or will there be enough evidence presented to prove otherwise? May we all have the courage, conviction, and strength the disciples, and apostles possessed!