Acts 4:21-22 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. (22) For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed._
The Apostles were threatened, beaten, and imprisoned for speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus. Acts 5:40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
All of these trying encounters are the norm for a child of God, who is witnessing Christ. This is what our Lord told us would happen in the end times. Mark 13:9 “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them.
Since this is to be expected at the end of the age, we must also be warned of deception during these times. Mark 13:5 And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you.
The deception will be that we will be saved from these threats, beatings, and imprisonments. Matthew 10:17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. (18) You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
The Lord is permitting these experiences to His church because the Lord is causing us to be His witnesses to the nations. The task of being His witness was given to His church as His commission.
Luke 24:46-49 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, (47) and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (48) And you are witnesses of these things. (49) Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
When His church becomes lackadaisical and lukewarm, the Lord will allow these difficulties to take place in order that the message of Jesus be given to the nations and those who are His elect will be saved. II Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
The Lord desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. God does not want anyone to perish. II Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Though the message of Jesus is ringing out across the earth, we know that many will still reject the love of God. Romans 1:18-19 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, (19) because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
Persecution against His church is on the rise, worldwide. The Lord will hear the prayer of His elect and He will avenge but the Lord wants us as His people to continue in faith till the very end and not be troubled by these trials that we go through. Luke 18:7-8 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? (8) I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?“
The Lord is building us up in the faith through these trials. I Peter 1:6-9 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, (8) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, (9) receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls._*
Knowing all these things, let us not be dismayed but be more determined, in Christ, to share the message of Jesus unequivocally with the world.
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