The greatest answer is hidden within persecution

Acts11:19~30 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. (19~20)

♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #374 When I Fear My Faith Will Fail (#423 in previous version)

Acts 11 is the most important incident that happened for the Early Church. Although the 
Early Church faced great tribulation through the death of Stephen, in turn, scattered people spread the Gospel in many places and many people believed and returned to the Lord. God has always hidden the greatest answers amidst persecution. If we are persecuted or face hardship because of our own wrongdoing, we must quickly acknowledge our faults. However, persecution that arises through no fault of our own absolutely contains the great plan of God.

1. There is an amazing reason behind persecution

There is a great plan of God within persecution. When persecution at the hands of the Jews and Rome worsened, Early Church believers gathered in secret in Mark’s upper room. God gathered the true disciples by allowing persecution. Peter and John stood religious trial for making a man crippled from birth walk. At that time, God proclaimed the true Gospel to Israel through Peter. Also, God opened the door to missions in Antioch through Stephen’s martyrdom.

2. Five blessings God has hidden

If you have the eyes to see persecution correctly, you will see the five blessings God has hidden.Acts 19:11~30 Doors of evangelism and missions opened, and blessings followed. Doors that no one could block opened, and the door to a great number of disciples also opened. Although they faced a famine, God opened the door to finances, as well.

3. Through persecution, God fulfills the work of re-creation

God fulfills the impossible work of re-creation through persecution. One day, God brought Paul to his knees, the main figure in persecuting the Early Church.Acts 9:15 Paul taught a great number of people in Antioch Church together with BarnabasActs 11:25~26 and was commissioned as the first missionary.Acts 13:1~3 In this way, God’s work of re-creation that changed the history of the world began.


Forum Topic

If you have the eyes to see persecution correctly, you will not be discouraged or waver in the face of hardships. Focus on God and deeply meditate on the Word about the blessings that are hidden within the persecution you are facing right now.

Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2013.7.28