Persecution and Evangelism

 

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of

righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

  When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 

  But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

  At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

  While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:54-60 NIV) 

God uses even the worst things that happen for the good. Stephen's death should definitely not come under the category as a good thing. He was stoned for sharing the Good News of the Kingdom. Yet, even as he was being stoned for it, he testified to the goodness and mercy of God.

Following the stoning of Stephen the followers of Jesus were persecuted mercilessly. They scattered across the countryside. But, as they went they shared the Good News with others. The stoning of Stephen initiated a wide-spread persecution of the Christians; yet, it also initiated a wide spread evangelism movement.

Jesus promised that persecutions will come to those who follow him. But, with persecution; much blessing not just for the one; but for those who witness the persecution and those who hear about it. Persecutions do come; but, blessings comes with it. For, "blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:10) 

God's Peace - Pr. J