Persecution & Perseverance

From the Church’s beginning, believers have been imprisoned, beaten, and killed for their allegiance to Jesus. Yet persecution never stopped the gospel; it spread it. When believers have been threatened, beaten, or rejected, the message of Christ has advanced with even greater power.

Today, persecution remains severe in many parts of the world. In Nigeria alone, over 7,000 Christians were killed last year for their faith. In many countries, churches are raided, pastors are imprisoned, and believers worship in secret. While Western Christians may not face death, we increasingly face ridicule, restriction, and social pressure to compromise. 

Our response must not be fear or withdrawal but faithfulness and support. The persecuted church reminds us that comfort is not our calling, courage is. The same Spirit that empowered Peter before hostile rulers and sustained Paul in Roman chains empowers us today to endure with hope and to stand beside those suffering for Christ’s name.

1. Trends – What the Culture Is Teaching

• Global Persecution Rising – More than 360 million Christians experience high levels of persecution worldwide; in some regions, conversion to Christ is punishable by death.
• Western Pushback Growing – In the United States and Europe, believers face increasing hostility in workplaces, schools, and media for holding biblical convictions.
• Moral Pressure to Conform – Cultural acceptance is often conditioned on silence or compromise; those who speak truth in love risk being labeled intolerant.
• Faith Through Suffering – Despite hardship, the global church grows fastest in the most persecuted nations, showing that persecution refines rather than ruins faith.

2. Truths – What Scripture Says

• Persecution is promised – 2 Timothy 3:12: “All who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
• Jesus faced and foretold it – John 15:18-20: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you.”
• God uses persecution to advance the gospel – Philippians 1:12-14: Paul rejoiced that imprisonment made Christ known even more.
• We are blessed when we suffer for righteousness – Matthew 5:10-12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”
• We are called to strengthen and support others – Hebrews 13:3: “Remember those in prison as though you were in prison with them.”

3. Transfers – How to Communicate Truth to Others

• Expect opposition, not exemption – Help believers understand that persecution is not a sign of failure but of faithfulness.
• Respond with grace, not outrage – When facing criticism or exclusion, imitate Christ’s humility and endurance rather than returning anger for anger.
• Support the persecuted church – Partner with ministries like Voice of the Martyrs through prayer, awareness, and financial aid.
• Pray for boldness and endurance – Teach believers to pray not just for protection but for courage to speak and live the truth in love.

Ask reflective questions – “What comfort am I willing to lose for Christ’s sake?” “How can I use my freedom to serve those who don’t have it?”