Type in a Keyword

Matthew 24:9 (AMP)
“Then they will hand you over to suffer affliction and tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.”

Mark 13:9 (ESV)
“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.”

Luke 21:12-15 (ESV)
“But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”

Persecution – A Way of Life #

When we read the Scriptures, especially the book of Acts, we see that persecution was an inherent part of the early Church’s life. It was through intense suffering and trials that the faith was purified, and the Church grew stronger. The apostles’ experiences under persecution serve as a mirror for the trials and tribulations that Christians may face in their own lives, all the while reminding them of their calling to bear witness to Christ’s truth, even while suffering.

Persecution for Christ’s Sake #

Peter and John #

In Acts 4:1-3, we see Peter and John being arrested for preaching the resurrection of Jesus, a doctrine that irked the religious leaders. Their suffering was not for personal gain, but for Christ’s sake.

Acts 4:1-3 (AMP)
“And while they [Peter and John] were talking to the people, the high priests and the military commander of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, Being vexed and indignant through and through because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in [the case of] Jesus the resurrection from the dead. So they laid hands on them (arrested them) and put them in prison until the following day, for it was already evening.”

In this instance, the religious authorities were threatened by the message of the resurrection. The arrest and imprisonment were a direct result of their preaching about Jesus’ resurrection, which affirmed the truth of His divinity and the power of God over death. Notice that persecution often stems from fear or conviction in the hearts of the opposers, not from any wrongdoing on the part of the believers.

Peter and the Apostles #

Similarly, in Acts 5:17-18, we see that the apostles faced more opposition due to the continuation of their testimony about Jesus.

Acts 5:17-18 (AMP)
“But the high priest rose up and all who were his supporters, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and being filled with jealousy and indignation and rage, they seized and arrested the apostles (special messengers) and put them in the public jail.”

Jealousy and fear are often the motivations behind persecution. The message of the Gospel confronts the status quo, and when people are threatened by the truths of God’s kingdom, they respond with anger and suppression. The apostles’ boldness in proclaiming the truth put them at odds with the religious leaders.

Persecution of Other Believers and Disciples #

In 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16, Paul reminds the believers in Thessalonica that they are walking in the same path as the early church in Judea, enduring persecution from their fellow countrymen. This was not something new or isolated; it was a consistent experience for believers across different regions.

1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 (AMP)
“For you, brethren, became imitators of the assemblies (churches) of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judea, for you too have suffered the same kind of treatment from your own fellow countrymen as they did [who were persecuted at the hands] of the Jews, Who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and harassed and drove us out, and continue to make themselves hateful and offensive to God and to show themselves foes of all men, Forbidding and hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles (the nations) that they may be saved.”

Persecution, as Paul indicates, is often driven by a refusal to accept the message of the Gospel. The world, both in the time of the apostles and today, continues to be hostile to the message of Christ, leading to suffering for those who follow Him.

Stephen: The First Martyr #

Stephen’s death in Acts 7 is one of the most significant examples of persecution for Christ’s sake. His martyrdom became a symbol of the church’s willingness to suffer for the name of Jesus. Stephen’s plea for forgiveness for his persecutors (Acts 7:60) echoes Christ’s own words on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

This was not just a call for forgiveness but a demonstration of the transformative power of the Gospel to change even the hardest hearts.

Acts 7:57-60 (NKJV)
“Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Stephen’s prayer for his enemies shows a powerful example of what it means to endure persecution with grace. His willingness to forgive those who were killing him mirrors the heart of Christ, who forgave His persecutors even as He hung on the cross. This is the deeper call for every believer—to endure hardship with a spirit of forgiveness and love, reflecting the nature of Christ in the face of hostility.

Church at Jerusalem Persecuted #

The persecution that arose in Acts 8 led to the scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria. This scattering, though painful, led to the spreading of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem and into the broader world. God used persecution as a means to fulfil His redemptive plan.

Acts 8:1-2 (NKJV)
“Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.”

God’s sovereignty is evident even in times of persecution. The church’s scattering wasn’t a defeat; it was a strategic expansion of the Gospel’s reach. Just as Jesus was crucified, buried, and then resurrected, so the church, through its own suffering, would eventually experience a resurrection in the form of growth and global spread.

The Great Fire of 64 AD #

Nero’s persecution of Christians following the great fire in Rome is one of the most infamous in history. Tacitus, the Roman historian, describes how Christians were brutally punished, not for any crime they had committed but because of their faith in Christ. They were used as human torches to light Nero’s gardens and were subjected to wild, gruesome deaths.

This demonstrates the extreme lengths to which the Roman Empire went to suppress the Christian movement.

Tacitus, Annals 365–366

“Christus, the founder of that name, was put to death as a criminal by Pontius Pilate, procurator in the reign of Tiberius. But the pernicious superstition, repressed for a time, broke out again not only through Judaea, where the mischief originated, but through the city of Rome also, whither all things horrible and disgraceful flow from all quarters as to a common sink, and where they are encouraged. Accordingly, first, those were seized who confessed they were Christians; next, on their information, a vast multitude were convicted, not so much on the charge of setting the city on fire, as of hating the human race.”

The persecution of Christians under Nero is a stark reminder of the hostility that believers often face in a world opposed to the Gospel. Even in such severe trials, the church continued to grow, and the testimony of those martyrs still speaks to us today.

Persecution is a part of the Christian experience, not a sign of God’s abandonment but of His active participation in His people’s lives. It’s through such trials that the glory of God is revealed and the church is refined. The words of Jesus ring true for believers facing persecution today:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10, ESV)

Persecution serves to purify the faith of the believer and advance the Kingdom of God, showing us that our identity is in Christ, and our reward is eternal. Just as the early church faced tribulations, we too are called to stand firm and bear witness, knowing that the same grace that sustained the apostles is available to us.

Fox’s Book of Martyrs: The Early Church and Its Perseverance #

In the early centuries following Christ’s ascension, the Church faced intense persecution. Fox’s Book of Martyrs presents a sobering record of these trials, highlighting the unyielding faith of believers and the profound significance of their endurance. The first chapter, recounting the persecution under Nero, reflects on the fulfilment of Christ’s words in Matthew 16:18:

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it” (NASB).

This passage, uttered by Jesus, reveals three essential truths about the Church:

Christ will establish His Church on earth – This is a prophetic declaration of the enduring nature of the Church. Despite its exposure to human opposition and spiritual attacks, Christ ensures its foundation remains unshaken.

The Church will face fervent opposition – Jesus forewarned that hell would fight against the Church, representing both spiritual and earthly powers that would seek to destroy it.

The Church will prevail – Despite the storms it faces, the Church will endure, triumphing over every attempt to dismantle it. The historical record of the Church, from the time of the apostles to today, verifies Christ’s prophecy.

Fox elaborates on this, showing how the Church’s path, though littered with suffering and death, has been a clear testament to the faithfulness of God in sustaining His people.

The Reign Of Nero #

The reign of Nero marked one of the earliest and most brutal persecutions against Christians. Fox’s account emphasises the Church’s perseverance despite these trials. Nero’s brutality led to the martyrdom of countless believers, including many who had known Christ personally or had been mentored by His apostles.

Stephen’s Martyrdom
Stephen’s death is a powerful early example. As one of the seven deacons, he was stoned for preaching Christ boldly to the Jewish leaders who rejected the Messiah (Acts 7:59–60). His martyrdom came just after Christ’s resurrection, a pivotal event that turned the hearts of the apostles towards fearless proclamation. In Acts 8:1, Luke recounts:

“And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.”

Stephen’s death triggered a great scattering of believers, further spreading the Gospel throughout the known world. The persecution that arose did not stop the Church; it propelled it forward. The early Church, though facing adversity, advanced with the message of the risen Christ.

James the Great
The second notable martyr recorded by Fox is James, the son of Zebedee. His death, which occurred under King Herod Agrippa I around A.D. 44, is an important moment in the history of the Church (Acts 12:1–2). Herod, seeking to appease Jewish leaders, had James beheaded. The historical text, though brief, highlights how even the leaders of the early Church were not spared from suffering.

The bravery of James in the face of certain death is an example of the strength imparted by the Holy Spirit to believers. According to Clement of Alexandria, one of James’s accusers, moved by the apostle’s courage, repented and was himself martyred alongside James.

Philip the Evangelist
Philip’s dedication to spreading the Gospel in Upper Asia also cost him his life. He was crucified around A.D. 54 in Heliopolis, Phrygia. His death, like that of many others, exemplifies the lengths to which early Christians would go to faithfully spread the message of Christ.

Matthew
Whose occupation was that of a toll-gatherer, was born at Nazareth. He wrote his gospel in Hebrew, which was afterwards translated into Greek by James the Less (Fox’s Book of Martyrs, Chapter 1). The scene of his labours was Parthia and Ethiopia, in which latter country he suffered martyrdom, being slain with a halberd in the city of Nadabah, A.D. 60 (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, Book 3, Chapter 24).

James the Less
Is supposed by some to have been the brother of our Lord, by a former wife of Joseph. This is very doubtful, and accords too much with the Catholic superstition that Mary never had any other children except our Saviour (Jerome, Lives of Illustrious Men, Chapter 2).

He was elected to the oversight of the churches of Jerusalem and was the author of the Epistle ascribed to James in the sacred canon (New Advent, Catholic Encyclopedia). At the age of ninety-four, he was beaten and stoned by the Jews, and finally had his brains dashed out with a fuller’s club (Fox’s Book of Martyrs, Chapter 3).

Matthias
Of whom less is known than of most of the other disciples, was elected to fill the vacant place of Judas. He was stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded (Fox’s Book of Martyrs, Chapter 4).

Andrew
Was the brother of Peter. He preached the gospel to many Asiatic nations; but on his arrival at Edessa, he was taken and crucified on a cross, the two ends of which were fixed transversely in the ground. Hence the derivation of the term, St. Andrew’s Cross (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, Book 3, Chapter 1).

Mark
Was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi. He is supposed to have been converted to Christianity by Peter, whom he served as an amanuensis, and under whose inspection he wrote his Gospel in the Greek language (Origen, Homily on Matthew, Book 5, Chapter 1). Mark was dragged to pieces by the people of Alexandria, at the great solemnity of Serapis, their idol, ending his life under their merciless hands (Fox’s Book of Martyrs, Chapter 5).

Peter
Among many other saints, the blessed apostle Peter was condemned to death and crucified, as some do write, at Rome; albeit some others, and not without cause, do doubt thereof (Hegesippus, Ecclesiastical History, Book 2, Chapter 23). Hegesippus says that Nero sought matter against Peter to put him to death; which, when the people perceived, they entreated Peter with much ado that he would fly the city.

Peter, through their importunity, at length persuaded, prepared himself to avoid. But, coming to the gate, he saw the Lord Christ come to meet him, to whom he, worshipping, said, “Lord, whither dost Thou go?” To whom He answered and said, “I am come again to be crucified.”

By this, Peter, perceiving his suffering to be understood, returned into the city (Jerome, Lives of Illustrious Men, Chapter 3). Jerome says that he was crucified, his head being down and his feet upward, himself so requiring, because he was (he said) unworthy to be crucified after the same form and manner as the Lord was (Fox’s Book of Martyrs, Chapter 6).

Paul
Paul, the apostle, who before was called Saul, after his great travail and unspeakable labours in promoting the Gospel of Christ, suffered also in this first persecution under Nero. Abdias declares that under his execution, Nero sent two of his esquires, Ferega and Parthemius, to bring him word of his death.

They, coming to Paul instructing the people, desired him to pray for them, that they might believe; who told them that shortly after they should believe and be baptised at His sepulchre. This done, the soldiers came and led him out of the city to the place of execution, where he, after his prayers made, gave his neck to the sword (Fox’s Book of Martyrs, Chapter 7).

Jude
The brother of James, was commonly called Thaddeus. He was crucified at Edessa, A.D. 72 (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, Book 3, Chapter 12).

Bartholomew
Preached in several countries, and having translated the Gospel of Matthew into the language of India, he propagated it in that country. He was at length cruelly beaten and then crucified by the impatient idolaters (Fox’s Book of Martyrs, Chapter 8).

Thomas
Called Didymus, preached the Gospel in Parthia and India, where exciting the rage of the pagan priests, he was martyred by being thrust through with a spear (Fox’s Book of Martyrs, Chapter 9).

Luke
The evangelist, was the author of the Gospel which goes under his name. He travelled with Paul through various countries, and is supposed to have been hanged on an olive tree by the idolatrous priests of Greece (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, Book 3, Chapter 4).

Simon
Surnamed Zelotes, preached the Gospel in Mauritania, Africa, and even in Britain, in which latter country he was crucified, A.D. 74 (Fox’s Book of Martyrs, Chapter 10).

Barnabas
Was of Cyprus, but of Jewish descent, his death is supposed to have taken place about A.D. 73 (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, Book 3, Chapter 19).

The Resilience of the Church #

Despite this ongoing persecution, Fox’s account consistently points to one remarkable truth: the Church continued to grow and thrive. Even in the face of incredible opposition, the Gospel spread across geographical boundaries and deeply rooted itself in the hearts of believers. This was not because of human invention or strength but due to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who emboldened believers to stand firm.

The word for “church” in Greek is ekklesia (ἐκκλησία), which means “a gathering” or “assembly,” signifying that the Church is a community of believers, united not just by human endeavour but by divine calling. The ekklesia is not a building but a living, breathing body of people empowered by God’s Spirit to endure and flourish in all circumstances.

In Hebrew, the word qahal (קָהָל) also refers to a gathering, and it carries with it the sense of a holy convocation or assembly—a people set apart by God.

Christ’s Promise Fulfilled #

The accounts of these martyrs demonstrate how Christ’s prophecy, though faced with immense opposition, has been fulfilled. From Stephen’s martyrdom to Paul’s execution under Nero, the Church’s growth and survival testify to the unbreakable promise of Christ. The gates of Hades have not prevailed.

Apostle of the Lamb #

The apostle John, often called “the apostle of the Lamb,” deeply experienced the persecution and tribulation that befell the early church.

Writing in his Revelation, he shared his personal experience, acknowledging his solidarity with other Christians who were undergoing similar trials. This passage captures the essence of his companionship with those who faced tribulation for the sake of the Gospel:

Revelation 1:9 (NKJV)
“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

John’s words remind us that the early Christians were not isolated in their suffering but were united in their shared faith. His exile to Patmos—an island used for the punishment of criminals—was a direct consequence of his faithful testimony of Jesus Christ. This serves as a poignant reflection of the trials and challenges faced by many early believers who, like John, stood firm for Christ even in the face of brutal opposition.

The persecution during this time was not an isolated incident but was, as Tertullian describes, a sweeping force against the name of Christ. Tertullian wrote:

“There was war against the very name.” (Keith, p. 61)

This statement captures the violent and intense opposition that early Christians experienced from both Roman authorities and Jewish leaders. The name of Jesus Christ became a symbol of resistance to the powers of the day, a resistance that ultimately led to widespread persecution.

As the Apostle Paul had warned, this was to be expected. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul acknowledged the suffering of believers:

Philippians 1:29 (NIV)
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.”

The persecution that arose against the early Christians under the reign of Nero was brutal and widespread. Nero, in his madness, blamed the Christians for the burning of Rome, using this as a pretext to justify horrific acts of violence against them. The historian Tacitus offers a glimpse into the cruelty of this time:

Tacitus, Annals 15:44
“Nero, for the conflagration of Rome, persecuted the Christians, a race detested for their crimes…” (Henry Alford, The New Testament for English Readers, p. 163)

Nero’s actions were part of a broader strategy to eliminate the growing Christian movement, which was seen as a threat to the established order. In a society deeply entrenched in paganism, the rise of Christianity was viewed as a direct challenge to Roman religious and political structures.

Jesus’ Prophecy of Persecution #

The predictions made by Jesus concerning the suffering of His followers were unfolding in these very moments. In Matthew 24:9, Jesus warned His disciples:

Matthew 24:9 (NKJV)
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.”

This prophecy began to see fulfilment not long after Jesus’ ascension. It was through the intense persecution of the first-generation Church that the Gospel spread throughout the known world.

Jesus had instructed His disciples to begin their witness in Jerusalem, and from there, to extend to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). At first, the disciples remained in Jerusalem, gathered in a large and thriving church. However, as persecution mounted, especially under the Roman authorities, the believers were scattered, fulfilling Jesus’ command in a way that they had not anticipated.

This was the very reason God allowed such persecution: to disperse the early Church from Jerusalem, compelling them to carry the message of Christ beyond their city and into the entire Greco-Roman world. God used the very forces meant to destroy the church to propel it outward, as believers were forced to flee, spreading the Gospel wherever they went.

The Church’s Triumph Amid Persecution #

Despite the horrific persecution, Christianity did not fade into obscurity. Instead, as Edward Gibbon observes, Christianity grew in strength:

Gibbon, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, p. 143
“A candid but rational inquiry into the progress and establishment of Christianity may be considered as a very essential part of the history of the Roman empire…a pure and humble religion gently insinuated itself into the minds of men, grew up in silence and obscurity, derived new vigor from opposition, and finally erected the triumphant banner of the Cross on the ruins of the Capitol.”

Gibbon’s insight highlights the paradox of the early Church: despite facing opposition, it flourished and expanded. The very oppression intended to stifle it became the catalyst for its growth. As believers were scattered throughout the Roman Empire, they carried the message of Christ with them, and the Gospel reached places that would have otherwise been untouched.

The early Christians were persecuted not just because they were followers of Jesus, but because their beliefs were revolutionary. The message of the Cross, with its declaration that Jesus was both Lord and Saviour, stood in stark contrast to the pagan beliefs of the Roman world. In essence, the early Christians were proclaiming the end of the Roman religious order and the rise of the Kingdom of God.

From Jerusalem to the Ends of the Earth #

The apostles’ journey began in Jerusalem, but it did not end there. Jesus had commanded them to go to “the ends of the earth,” and persecution served as the divine means to fulfil that command. Through their trials, the early Church began to fulfil the Great Commission in ways they had not imagined.

The apostles and disciples, initially confined to Jerusalem, were now spreading the message of Christ to regions far beyond, including places like Asia Minor, Greece, and even Rome itself. Their lives, filled with the fragrance of Christ, reached across the empire, planting churches and preaching the Gospel even in the face of certain death.

The spread of Christianity across the Roman world is a testament to the truth of Jesus’ words:

Matthew 24:14 (NKJV)
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

The early church, persecuted but rejoicing, witnessed the fulfilment of this prophecy, spreading the Gospel far and wide. This period marked the beginning of the church’s witness to the world, and the flames of persecution only served to fan the fire of God’s Kingdom. In these early years, the first Christians faced fierce persecution, but through it, the Gospel spread. God used the very forces that sought to destroy His Church to accomplish His will, scattering believers across the empire and empowering them to fulfil the Great Commission.

During tribulation, the church experienced the fulfilment of Christ’s prophecy and the spread of His Kingdom across the world. The Cross, which seemed like the end, was the beginning of something far greater—a Kingdom that would grow, despite all opposition, to the ends of the earth.

Suffering and Persecution Today #

Suffering and persecution are not exclusive to any one period in the history of the Church, nor does it mean that there will not be such trials in the future. Throughout the ages, the Church has witnessed courageous men and women who have stood firm for the faith, enduring severe suffering and persecution. These faithful ones have been heroes of the faith, often paying a high price for their loyalty to the name of Christ.

Even in the present day, believers around the world face various forms of suffering for their faith, and the Church will likely continue to experience trials as time progresses. However, while we acknowledge that suffering has been a part of the Christian journey across centuries, we must also recognise that there was a particular period in history when the prophecy of Jesus, regarding the tribulation and persecution of His followers, was fulfilled.

This period, stretching from A.D. 30 to A.D. 70, marked an intense and significant time of suffering for the early Church. The immediate apostles, along with their fellow believers, were caught in the eye of this prophetic storm, experiencing the tribulation and persecution that Jesus had foretold.

The Church today faces its own challenges, and while the forms of persecution may differ, the essence remains the same. As believers, we are called to endure hardship and remain faithful, just as those who have gone before us did. The tribulation experienced by the apostles was not only a fulfilment of prophecy but also a testimony to the enduring power of the Gospel. It is through suffering that the faith is often purified, and through opposition, the Gospel is most effectively spread.

We are reminded of the words of Paul, who, even in his own sufferings, could declare:

Romans 8:18 (NKJV)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

This assurance of future glory, even amidst present suffering, gives us hope in our own trials. Just as the early Church’s persecution led to the spread of the Gospel, so too can our own trials become opportunities for the Kingdom of God to advance.

Suffering and persecution, though painful and difficult, have always been part of the Christian experience. While the early Church faced intense tribulation in the first century, this period marked the fulfilment of Jesus’ prophetic words. As believers, we can take heart in knowing that our suffering is not without purpose. It is a part of God’s divine plan, and through it, the Gospel continues to spread and the Kingdom of God advances. The heroes of the faith who endured trials in the past serve as an example for us today.

Just as they remained faithful through their tribulations, we too are called to remain steadfast, trusting that the glory to come far outweighs any suffering we face in this life.

In Christ,
Godwin.