Wednesday: Early Church Persecution
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 18th of June 2025
It’s not just the Old Testament that gives us precursors to final events; the New Testament does, as well. Life was not easy for first-century Christians. They were hated by many of their own fellow religionists, who saw them as a threat to the faith of Moses. They also faced the wrath of the pagan Roman Empire. “The powers of earth and hell arrayed themselves against Christ in the person of His followers. Paganism foresaw that should the gospel triumph, her temples and altars would be swept away; therefore she summoned her forces to destroy Christianity. The fires of persecution were kindled.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 39.
There is a story in the book of Acts that demonstrates, quite powerfully, what God’s people might expect as we head toward the scenario found in Revelation 13:1-18.
Read Acts 12:1-17. What elements of this story might foreshadow last-day events?
Image © Review and Herald Publishing Assn. Goodsalt.com
James had been beheaded, and Peter was to be next; there was a death penalty against Christians. Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of this story can be found in the fact that Peter is sleeping on what should be the worst night of his life—so soundly that the angel actually has to strike him to wake him up!
Peter, of course, was miraculously set free and found his way to a meeting of believers who had trouble believing that he had really been delivered, even though they had been praying. The Bible says they were _astonished_—which makes one wonder how often we pray and scarcely dare to believe that God will actually answer us.
Some believers were spared; others were killed. As we approach the end time, the same thing will happen. Even Peter, though spared then, eventually died for his faith. Jesus Himself even told him how: “ ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.’ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me’ ” (John 21:18-19, NKJV).
|
Notice that Jesus, after telling Peter how he would die, nevertheless still says to him, “ ‘Follow Me.’ ” What should this tell us about why even the threat of death should not keep us from following the Lord? |
(14)
As I have mentioned previously, we can become fixated on the issue of persecution, sometimes to the deteriment of our understanding of the other issues that face us both personally and corporately. I have found that one of the best pictures of the early church is John's messages in Revelation to the seven churches. While we often treat these messages prophetically, we need to remember they were also seven literal churches in John's time, and faced real issues.
Ephesus: faced heretical teachers but had also lost their first love.
Smyrna: endured tribulation and persecution
Pergamum: compromise and immorality were their big issues
Thyratira: were being let into sin by a false prophet.
Sardis: were accused of being dead.
Philadelpia: timid but faithful even though they were falsely accused.
Laodicea: thinking they had arrived spiritually but were kidding themselves.
If we are really honest with ourselves, this picture is a fairly accurate depiction of the corporate church today. While persecution is part of the picture, some of the other issues are more challenging and have the potential to damage our mission to share the Gospel.
As John said so many times in this description:
Maurice — an ear to hear! As I spent time reflecting on the churches beginning with Ephesus, I was struck by how each one seems to mark a chapter in the spiritual journey of the Church through history. It’s as if God, in His mercy, was giving us a map — not only of the past, but of the condition of our hearts in every generation.
What you shared about Laodicea — that they believed they had arrived spiritually but were deceived — really stayed with me. I’ve seen and experienced this too: how easily we lean on tradition, clinging to what once gave us clarity, as if the strength of our convictions lies solely in the past.
But God's Truth is not just remembered; it is revealed. The Holy Spirit calls us to remain soft-hearted, teachable, and open — willing to be corrected, willing to grow. He brings us fresh understanding, refines our vision, and keeps our love from growing cold.
That love — for God and for one another — is the true measure of our spiritual health and strength - Matt.22:37–39. Without it, even sound doctrine becomes brittle - Matt.24:12–13. No matter the circumstances, in times of peace or persecution, we are called to be learners, guided not only by what we’ve known, but rather by the Holy Spirit's drawing us ever deeper into God's Truth.
In a world where the gospel is increasingly met with resistance, skepticism, and even hostility, we are reminded of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, who prepared His followers for such trials. "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account" (Matthew 5:11). These words are not just a warning but a profound encouragement—affirming that suffering for the sake of Christ is not a mark of failure, but of faithfulness.
In the face of rejection and persecution, we are called to "rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven" (Matthew 5:12). The joy we hold is not rooted in worldly comfort or approval, but in the unshakable promise of Christ. Our hope is anchored in Him—who overcame the world—and our strength is sustained by His Spirit, who empowers us to stand firm, love boldly, and serve humbly. As we follow in His footsteps, we must remember that the light of the gospel often shines brightest in the darkest places, and our faithful witness may be the very vessel through which others encounter the love and truth of God.
May we, therefore, live with unwavering devotion, seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness. Let our hearts be set not on the praise of man, but on the will of our Father in heaven. As we press on, may we echo the prayer that Jesus taught us: "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." May our lives be a living testimony to His grace, bearing witness to the transforming power of the gospel, no matter the cost. In all things, may Christ be exalted, and may His light never be dimmed by fear or compromise.
Why is that there's no persecution this days as Paul said in 2Timothy3:12 or the church has comprised the faith by assimilating the world?
Joseph, in response to your question:
In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul says all who live godly in Christ will suffer persecution. So why does it seem absent today?
1. Compromise with the world – Many Christians and churches have conformed to cultural values, losing their distinctiveness. When there's no difference, there's no opposition.
2. Satan’s strategy has shifted – Instead of using force, he now uses comfort, distraction, and spiritual lukewarmness to weaken faith.
3. Persecution still exists globally – In many countries, believers face real suffering. It's just not as visible in the West.
4. The calm before the storm – End-time prophecy shows persecution will rise again. Today may simply be a time of preparation.
Bottom line: Lack of persecution may reflect a lack of bold, godly living. If we stand for truth, opposition will come.
Maranatha Saints.
In reply, could you share if the state you reside have Sunday blue laws on the books?
I remember growing up and stores would be closed on Sunday and if you did not get what you needed by Saturday you would have to do without until Monday. I heard experiences of a church member that went to purchase cleaning supplies on Sunday and Could Not Purchase because of the law.
Me, Anthony - Louisiana - yes, blue laws on the books.
I believe that Sunday laws are still on the books of many states, but that they are not enforced. It would be simple to start enforcing the Sunday laws again when the time comes to compel Sunday worship.
I think we need to distinguish between blue laws (which forbid commerce and other activities on Sabbath) and what will happen when the mark of the beast is enforced.
I don't support blue laws because they involve government favoring certain religions, but even if they are enacted, they do not really constitute persecution. Should we be told not to work on Sunday, that is something we can do. I believe Ellen White was opposed to people in her time working on Sunday and intentionally being arrested. She suggested that Adventists should use Sunday to do missionary work. And I would agree with that. We do not have to work on Sunday.
The big issue will be when either 1. people are forbidden to worship on Sabbath or 2. people are forced to worship on Sunday. For those who honor God's word, the first cannot be obeyed for obvious reasons and neither can the second because force is not God's way. Some people might say, nothing wrong with worshipping on Sunday, we should worship every day. And that is true. But when the state enforces such a thing, that is worship driven by Satan. True believers can have nothing to do with that.
Realistically, blue laws coming back are possible right now. Scenarios 1 and 2 that I mentioned above are not. Today, few people in most societies would support either of those actions. That doesn't mean they won't happen, but I believe that something dramatic will have to happen to push people to believe that Sunday needs to be honored to appease God. Maybe it will be a natural disaster, maybe something else. Spiritualism will likely play a role. That is when true persecution will take place.
It should not be forgotten that saints were also persecuted during dark ages by the Catholic church for example john huss and his group were burned to death only Martin Luther survived.This dark history is not recorded in the the bible but it happened as a precursor of what is to happen now or in the future .
For my devotion this morning, I read Exodus chapter 13, and verses 17–18 particularly stood out to me:
“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.”
This was followed by my reading of today’s lesson study, which posed this question:
“Notice that Jesus, after telling Peter how he would die, nevertheless still says to him, ‘Follow Me.’ What should this tell us about why even the threat of death should not keep us from following the Lord?”
Both biblical accounts point to one key truth: our duty as Christians is to let God lead—and we follow.
Though God did not lead Israel through the shorter path because they weren’t ready for war, He still called them to follow Him through the wilderness—a longer, more difficult, but safer path. Similarly, Jesus told Peter that following Him would ultimately lead to death, yet He still commanded, “Follow Me.”
These examples teach us that following God is not about choosing the easiest or safest route—it’s about trust and obedience. Whether we face a wilderness detour or the threat of death itself, our calling remains the same: to faithfully follow wherever He leads. God’s path may not always be comfortable, but it always leads to life, victory, and transformation.
Maranatha and Shalom greetings.
What should this tell us about why even the threat of death should not keep us from following the Lord?
I've found some insights on that question from reading Barry Black's book - Nothing to Fear.
Joseph, in response to your question:
In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul says all who live godly in Christ will suffer persecution. So why does it seem absent today?
1. Compromise with the world – Many Christians and churches have conformed to cultural values, losing their distinctiveness. When there's no difference, there's no opposition.
2. Satan’s strategy has shifted – Instead of using force, he now uses comfort, distraction, and spiritual lukewarmness to weaken faith.
3. Persecution still exists globally – In many countries, believers face real suffering. It's just not as visible in the West.
4. The calm before the storm – End-time prophecy shows persecution will rise again. Today may simply be a time of preparation.
Bottom line: Lack of persecution may reflect a lack of bold, godly living. If we stand for truth, opposition will come.
Christians are to have an assurance of which kingdom they belong to. When Heaven and its business are Christians' focus, no fear should resist in their minds. This world and its reality are nothing but a passage.