Stephen (Acts 6-7) is the church's first martyr, but unfortunately far from the last. History shows that where the Spirit of God works with power and conviction, there is always resistance.
As Christians, we should not seek martyrdom or conflict. Jesus says that we should not only be 'as simple as doves', but also 'as cunning as serpents' (Matthew 10:16). The Apostle Paul exhorts us to 'be at peace with everyone as far as you are able' (Romans 12:18), and Peter exhorts us to defend our faith with 'meekness' - not unnecessary provocation (1 Peter 3:16).
Yet we shouldn't be surprised when faith is opposed - even hated (1 John 3:13). Nor should we lose heart. Because although it is not a law of nature, the church has a tendency to grow rather than diminishing when pursued.
When Stephen was stoned, persecution broke out (Acts 8:1). But what happened to that? The Christians, who had perhaps started to get a little too cozy with each other, were scattered across Judea and Samaria, spreading the good news to their neighbors - what Jesus had already commanded in Acts 1. Tertullian wrote in 197 that 'the blood of Christians is a seed': 'We become more numerous every time we are mowed down by you'.
Should we just stand by happily while brothers and sisters in North Korea, Afghanistan, Pakistan and many other countries are persecuted? No, we should not! We must fight for their peace and freedom, with compassion and intensity, but without panic: for God has the power to preserve and grow his church, even in the face of persecution.
Manuel Vigilius is Director of Communications.
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