Something unusual happens in ten short verses starting with Acts 7:59. The story turns quickly from Stephen’s horrific death by stoning to other believers in Christ being scattered and “preach[ing] the word,” leading to these amazing words: “There was great joy in that city” (8:8).
That’s the paradox of persecution.
European pastor Hristo Kulichev experienced the miracle of good coming from evil. In the 1980s, he was arrested for preaching and thrown in prison. While there, he spoke openly about the gospel of Jesus. Upon his release eight months later, he said, “We had a more fruitful ministry there than we could have expected in church. God was better served by our presence in prison than if we had been free.”
From persecution to great joy—just like in the early church. When “great persecution broke out” (Acts 8:1), “those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went” (v. 4). As a result, there was “great joy” in a city in Samaria (v. 8).
When forces in our world stand against the truths and teachings of Scripture—especially the gospel—that’s not the time to give up. God moves in powerful ways when the church faces such difficulties.
Peter said, “Do not be surprised” at such fiery trials (1 Peter 4:12). In such cases you’re “blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (v. 14). God has the power to turn persecution into something precious.
How does persecution both trouble you and encourage you? Why do you think it can lead to joy?
Dear God, please help me remain faithful to You.
Discover the rich story of how the church sprung up from these circumstances.
Stephen was one of seven men “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3) chosen to distribute food to the widows (v. 1), freeing up the twelve apostles to focus on prayer and teaching the gospel (vv. 1-5). Stephen was “a man full of God’s grace and power” who did great miracles (v. 8). He came to the attention of unbelieving Jews and was falsely accused and brought before the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews (vv. 9-14). Stephen seized the opportunity to talk about the Jews’ history of rejecting God, including the prophets and now Jesus (ch. 7). Incensed, the crowd stoned Stephen. Saul (also referred to as Paul) was among the crowd and “approved of their killing him” (8:1). Later Saul, a zealous persecutor, was converted (ch. 9) and became one of the persecuted. Yet he considered it a joy to suffer for Christ (Romans 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10). When we suffer persecution today, God can turn it into something precious.
