Persecution

     When the disciples were arrested for preaching about Jesus and the resurrection, the Jewish leaders jailed them, attacked their authority, and threatened them with harm if they didn't stop.  They returned to their friends the next day and did several interesting things.  First, they shared their testimony.  By telling the other disciples what had happened, they gave everyone a chance to share in the rejoicing.  Instead of two or three people shouting thanks to God, the whole church got to join in.  Then, they related their experience to Scripture and the life of Christ.  Thus, they were not surprised at the persecution.  It was just God's Word being authenticated and the proof being made evident that they were being identified with their Savior by their lives and in their sufferings.  The same people that hated Jesus hated them, and for the exact same reasons.  You could tell that they had been with Jesus.  The last thing they did was hold a prayer meeting.  And what did they pray for?  That the persecution would stop?  That God would protect them from the persecutors?  Not hardly.  They prayed that God would give them even greater boldness to share His truth.  In essence they were praying that no matter how intense the persecution became, they wanted to be faithful to continue to share what they knew of Jesus and His saving grace.  And what did sharing, praising, studying, and praying do?  It produced a church that turned the world upside down for Jesus.  And how many of those things can the church practice today?  Every one of them.