Bible Question: How did the atmosphere of persecution affect the early church? How does it affect the church today? |
Bible Answer: Greetings Rose53, You ask: "How did the atmosphere of persecution affect the early church? How does it affect the church today?" Well, I could answer this in several different ways. You know, in the beginning of the book of Revelation the Lord Jesus gives a message to the apostle John to give to 7 churches, and the only one of those 7 churches still in existence today is the church of Smyrna (present day city in Turkey known as Izmir, over 2.6 million people - 3rd largest city in Turkey). Is it any wonder that the city that the Lord Jesus spoke of (and did not have anything bad to say about) suffered persecution and still exists today possibly as a result of that persection that is still happening in that Muslim country? Polycarp, the 30 something pastor of that church when he first received the letter from the apostle John (the book of Revelation), was executed by fire approximately 50 years after the book of Revelation was written, and his life was an ongoing, ringing testimony of faithfulness in the face of persecution! Overcomers (1 John 5:3-5) will not be hurt by the second death (Revelation 2:8-11). Has there ever been a time when the church has not somewhere in the world been going through terrible persecution? No! If persecution is an attack that comes from the devil, then why can't we just rebuke Satan and stop the attack? Because God had/has a purpose in their/our suffering, and so He allowed/allows it. God uses suffering to purify (1 Peter 1:6-7), to make us like Jesus (Romans 8:17), and to make us truly witnesses for Him. In all ages, the blood of the martyrs has been seed for the church. If this is the case, What do you think would happen in our country if Christian persecution would be greatly increased? Blessings to you, Makarios |