PERSECUTION LEADS TO JOY

 

Acts 8:1-8

On Sunday January 8^th, 1956, on the shore of a lonely river deep in the Ecuadorian jungle, five missionaries were brutally murdered by primitive Acua Indians. News of the massacre shocked the world. To some, their death seemed a senseless tragedy. Many decried the promising missionaries cut short, the five young wives grieving of their husbands, the children left fatherless.

 

How does one find joy in that?

 

At first glance, Stephen’s death may seem pointless, here is a man with a promising career cut so short. Stephen, was a powerhouse for the gospel, a incredible preacher, with a deep knowledge of the Old Testament…snuffed out by evil men. And you say, “Persecution leads to joy, that is a pretty crazy thing to say that persecution leads to joy. We never associate joy with persecution, pain, or suffering. We call those terrible times; events we wish we could forget; because we look at things from a self-centered worldview with the expectation that I deserve nothing but good in this world. But its through the death of Stephen that we see the opposite effect happening in the church. Joy comes not from what happens to us, but how we respond, it comes from the kind of attitudes we have about those experiences. We need not feel like helpless victims of circumstance, but God uses these events to draw us closer to Him.

 

No matter what predicament we are in, we should ask ourselves: How does God want me to find joy in this? Paul wrote, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" Phil 4:11. Contentment is a large part of joy. Where then is real joy found? The answer is simple, in Christ alone. In the book of Acts, the apostles were beaten for preaching about Jesus, but they left happy because they were thought worthy to suffer for His name. (Acts 5:41)

The Apostle Peter wrote that believers should be glad when they share in the sufferings of Christ, so they can be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13

 

Jesus taught His followers to be glad when people falsely say evil things against them because of Him, promising a great reward in heaven. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matt 5:10-12

 

The Scriptures teach believers to find joy in persecution because it connects them to Christ's suffering and He promises a great eternal reward in heaven. See, God has created us, the church, for this purpose; He has prepared us to be joyful even in the hardships despite what this sin-filled world throws at us. Chapter four the church is on notice and warned to not speak in Jesus’ name. Chapter five we are introduced to the first Christians being flogged; and now there is an increase in violence towards Christians. Chapter seven we see the first Christian brutally killed for Christ. 

 

A major turning point has truly begun in the early church

with the death of one of its own, Stephen.

Severe persecution scatters the Jerusalem church. Instead of silencing the faith, hardship becomes the catalyst for growth. When we consider church growth today, we associate with more programs, free oil changes if you are first attenders. The early church grew through suffering and obedience for Christ, and the church today we see grow through the schemes of men and the world’s acceptance. The outreach of the church might have never reached beyond Jerusalem if it had not been for Stephen’s death. It’s from here, the religious were not playing around by making Stephen an example for the church, by giving the impression, you are next, so watch your back. Kent Hughes wrote this about the early church. “Following the church through Acts is like following a wounded deer through the forest. Drops of blood mark the trail.” This is what made Saul’s job so easy to do as he went dragging Christians to jail for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

What do we learn from Stephen’s

death and burial?

 

A Real Physical Attack Began Against The True Church (v3)

 

Saul approved Stephen’s execution this only reveals how wicked, and ignorant, Saul’s evil heart truly was towards those whom he opposed. We will later learn from Paul himself, “though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim 1:13-14

Saul, was dragging (like a net for fish) men and women out of their homes and putting them into prison. Saul entered into every house, breaking open doors, night or day, and having a force attending him for that purpose. Saul entered into every house where they used to hold their meetings, or every house that had any Christians in it, or was thought to hold Christians.

 

No man could be secure in his own house,

though it was his castle.

 

Saul hauled, with the utmost contempt and cruelty, both men and women, dragged them along the streets, without any regard to the tenderness of the weaker sex. Saul committed them to prison, in order to their being tried and put to death, unless they would renounce Christ; and some, we find, were compelled by him to blaspheme. Why all this? All because they claimed to be followers of Jesus Christ. There was a high increase of persecution as Saul, soon to be Paul was “ravaging the church” This suggests sadistic cruelty, like a wild boar tearing a victim’s body apart. Saul had the backing and support of the evil High Priests, to go and round up the Christians, and harass them by putting them into jail or worse putting them death. Even Paul would later describe himself as a man who was graceless, a vindictive man. ”I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women,” Acts 22:4

 

“ravaging” this word only appears here in the New Testament and this word has only has one purpose, “Destroy” or “to ruin, to cause the most damage possible” Saul literally tore the church apart with his bare hands; and its this wickedness that would live with him for the rest of his natural born life.

This is why later, we read, that Paul formerly called Saul, thought he was the most unworthy to called an apostle.

Acts 22:3-5

Acts 26:9

Gal 1:13

1 Tim 1:13

 

Paul would later share what is in his heart from his memories. “For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” 1 Cor 15:9

 

It was Saul’s persecution of the church that caused the opposite effect that the religious leaders were hoping for; and the same could be said of the church today. Modern persecution tries to stop the church by using legal restrictions, physical violence, digital surveillance, and social isolation. They may not be dragging us out of our houses, but are they? They certainly are coming to our homes with arrest warrants, and leading us to jail for things said or done in the name of Christ.

For example:

Pastor James Coates in Edmonton, Alberta

Pastor Tobias Tissen in Steinbech, Manitoba

Pastor Tim Stephens in Calgary, Alberta 

Pastor Derek Reimer in Calgary, Alberta, was arrested and faced legal consequences for breaching court conditions and refusing to issue a court-ordered apology after disrupting a public library's drag queen story hour event

God used the wrath of men for

gospel purposes.

 

The Gospel Was Leaving Jerusalem And Entering Into Other Regions. (v4)

 

Despite the threats and now physical removal from their homes, God’s people kept speaking. The gospel was never supposed to stay in one area; it was to go into the world for sinners to hear. We were never to build a tower of Babel to reach heaven, we were all called to go proclaim the good news. Mark 16:15: Jesus told his disciples, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature". The command specifies reaching "all nations" and "every creature," meaning the message is meant for all people regardless of background. What was said in Acts 1:8 was now becoming a reality by what Jesus said at His ascension. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” What the people didn’t understand how that would happen became reality to them now in Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Normal, everyday Christians who were scattered where sharing the gospel with whom they came in contact with. Martin Luther said, “Christians are like manure, if stagnant, it can start to stink; if spread out, very fruitful.” True spiritual growth does not come from hard human effort; it flows naturally from God's Holy Spirit living inside a believer. Just as God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, we are to do the same in the Christian life when it comes to sharing the gospel.

 

(v5) “Proclaiming” means in the Greek “to proclaim publicly or to herald” Phillip publicly proclaimed the gospel and lives were transformed in Samaria now. The Samaritans had shed their idolatry and now they truly worshipped the True and Living God. The Holy Spirit had prepared their hearts to respond to Phillip’s message of salvation. The Holy Spirit opens our spiritual eyes to see how our actions and unbelief separate us from a holy God. “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:” John 16:8. This world desperately needs to hear the message of eternal life and that is exactly what the early church did in the midst of persecution and possible death for sharing this news as they scattered out of Jerusalem with the gospel.

 

The mission went were ordinary

Christians went

 

Kevin DeYoung said, “When pastors speak of Christ people are not surprised. When anyone else does it, people are amazed.” The amazement comes from the fact that it was everyday people, who worked, raised families were proclaiming the gospel without a concern for their own lives because of the joy that we have in Christ. When a heavy wave of trouble forced believers to scatter from Jerusalem, they did not stop or retreat. Instead, they went everywhere preaching the Word, which brought great joy to entire cities like Samaria.

This scattering carried the gospel into new regions like

Judea and Samaria, fulfilling earlier teachings.

 

Hearing The Gospel For The First Time And Seeing The Works That Phillip Did Brough About Joy 

(v5-v8) 

Phillip, the first missionary named in Scripture, becomes the key figure for the rest of this chapter. He was faithful evangelist who cared more about the souls of men than he did for his own life; and that is evident after the recent death of Stephen. "So there was great joy in that city," describing the deep happiness that filled Samaria after the disciple Philip shared the message of Jesus. The people in the city felt extreme happiness because of both spiritual and physical healing. This is what drew them to the message, as Philip preached the good news about Jesus Christ, bringing forgiveness and peace to their hearts. It’s the gospel that produces freedom, joy; they witnessed through the power of God that evil spirits left many people while shouting out loudly.

There is no greater joy than to know you

are saved by His grace.

 

It is a great joy to be married in covenant union with God.

It is a great joy to be single and completely Christ-focused.

It is a great joy to have a child enter this world.

It’s a great joy to be content with whatever God allows into your life.

It is a great joy knowing you are loved by your family and friends.

It is a great joy to have a stable job and the ability to do the work.

It is a great joy that we have a camp that serves children and families with the gospel.

It is a great joy to know the Leaf’s will win the cup this year in 2027.

 

Put all those things together on one side of the scale; and put Christ on the other side, they come no where close to the joy that we have in Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. As Paul Washer said, “Christ outweighs them all” This is what brought great joy in that city; hearing a loving message that Christ came to save sinners from the wrath that is yet to come for those who love their sin. As Jesus said, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7

 

What does the death of Stephen teach us about

having joy in in our sufferings?

This event reminds us that our lives are rooted in Christ…… This joy does not depend on easy circumstances, health, or wealth. It comes from an unbreakable relationship with God. This event reminds us that we are protected by God even in death…. Outside pressures like trials, fears, or hard news cannot destroy this inner spiritual anchor that we have in our great God. It’s knowing that we can receive His grace to restore us, as we see David cry out for his.  "Restore to me the joy of your salvation," Psalm 51:12. David reveals to us, that believers can pray to feel this peace again when life feels heavy, or when you fall into grievous sin. When David pleads with God to “restore to me the joy of your salvation,” he is asking that he would again have the fellowship with God that he once knew and enjoyed. Like you and me, David could not enjoy God’s fellowship while he had unconfessed sin. Even today, we can lose the joy of our salvation. We will not lose salvation; sin will not separate the believer from God; but it can rob us of joy and the enjoyment of close fellowship with our Savior. This event reminds us of God grace, that its unearned Grace…. Salvation is a free gift of grace through faith, meaning human flaws or outside opposition cannot revoke what God gives. This event reminds us that we are forever His, eternal secure of a future…. Difficulties happen in daily life, but the ultimate spiritual outcome is eternal life and peace with God, will always remains safe.

 

This is why you and I can find joy in our persecution; If, and when it comes. Following the 1956 killings of five American missionaries, the Waorani people—historically referred to by the pejorative Kichwa name "Auca", transitioned from total isolation and violent inter-tribal conflict to peaceful contact and partial integration with modern society. A few years after the attack, Elisabeth Elliot (widow of Jim Elliot) and Rachel Saint (sister of Nate Saint) moved to live directly among the Waorani. Through their presence, language work, and sharing of the Christian gospel, many tribe members converted to Christianity. This included several of the very warriors who participated in the 1956 attack, such as Mincaye.

 

Despite what we see around us God is still growing His church.

True joy only comes from knowing that we are forgiven in Christ;

regardless if it brings pain in the process. The challenge for you and me from this day forward! Tell someone about Jesus, or everyday that gives opportunity. Make someone happy through your witness. As the sons of Korah sang, “My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.” Psalm 84:2