John 16:2 reminds Christians that persecution, even from religious zealots, is part of faithfulness to Christ and must be endured with integrity.
Daily Devotional for Sunday, September 28, 2025
Faithful and Fearless in the Face of Oppression
True Christians remain faithful and fearless under oppression, trusting Jehovah, following Christ’s example, and standing firm in the hope of eternal life.
Attitudes of Pagans Toward Christians in the Early Centuries of the Church
The complex dynamics between pagans and Christians from 64 to 313 C.E. evolved from indifference to outright persecution yet demonstrated Christian resilience.
How Did the Hellenistic and Roman Ruler Cult Emerge, Become Institutionalized, and Present Challenges for Early Christians?
Discover the origins and impact of ruler worship on the early Church. Uncover how these ancient practices shaped Christian faith.
EARLY CHRISTIANITY: External Problems: Persecutions
In its early days, as throughout most of its history, the church faced both external and internal problems. The external problems mostly took the form of persecutions. Before A.D. 250, persecutions were local, sporadic, and often the result of mob action rather than of civil policy.
Christians: How Can You Remain Steadfast in Times of Persecution?
Remain steadfast under persecution by deep Scripture convictions, prayer, fellowship, wise conduct, resisting the Devil, and living for resurrection hope.
Christians: Suffer Persecution Faithfully
How Christians endure persecution faithfully: grounded in Christ’s example, Scripture, prayer, love for enemies, and resurrection hope.
ROMANS 8:18: The Glory that is to be Revealed
When Rome came to think that Christians were traitors of the State, she ruled over them in cruel and unmerciful repression. Says historian J. M. Roberts: “Many Christians in the capital [Rome] certainly perished horribly in the arena or were burned alive.” (Shorter History of the World) Of these Christian victims of Nero’s persecution, another report states: “Some were crucified, some were sewn up in the skins of animals and hunted down by dogs, some were covered with pitch and set alight to serve as living torches when darkness fell.”—New Testament History, by F. F. Bruce.
When Temptations Entice Us: How Can We Gain the Victory Over Human Weakness
Temptation appeals to human weakness, but with God’s Word, prayer, and endurance, Christians can gain victory and receive the crown of life.
CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION
The Christian life inevitably brings persecution, but it is to be embraced as a privilege. Persecution is a sign of righteousness and loyalty to Christ. Even in the face of persecution, rejoice and remain steadfast, following Christ's example of enduring suffering without bitterness. The reward in heaven outweighs the present trials.
