“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

The above words were spoken by Jesus on the eve of His be- trayal and crucifixion. Shortly after the beginning of the church on Pentecost, these words began to prove true. Following Peter’s  second recorded sermon (Acts 3), the rulers among the people arrested Peter and John. The Council of the Jews ordered them “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). Peter’s response was “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to your rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). Later, following the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira and the resulting growth of the church, the high priest and the Sadducees had all the apostles arrested (Acts 5:18). When they were brought before the Council the high priest questioned them and said, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name . . .” (Acts 5:28a). Peter responded, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29). By the time one reaches Acts 8, the church in Jerusalem is scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria as a result of the persecution which arose following the stoning of Stephen.

As Paul was revisiting the churches he had been able to establish on his first missionary journey, he was “strengthening the souls of the disciples” and “encouraging them to continue in the faith,” all the while telling them, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). In Paul’s final epistle, written to his protégé Timothy, the aged apostle reminded the young evangelist, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Likewise, the apostle Peter who had experienced his share of tribulation wrote to the Christians who had fled Jerusalem and said, “if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name” (1 Peter 4:16). Since the founding of our country, Christians have enjoyed the freedom to express their faith, a freedom unknown in many other places around the world. However, because of recent events this freedom is quickly being eroded away. May God grant us the courage of our convictions and may we remain ever faithful to His call. Let us obey God rather than men. — Jeff Keele