TOPIC:Tribulations in the Church in Contemporary Times
TEXT: Matthew 10:22, 24:9-10 John 15:18-24 16:1-3

MEMORY TRACK

By the grace of God, in our last lesson, we continued our look into the days of tribulation of the early church, particularly the Jerusalem brethren, to have a grasp on the sacrifice and commitment that went into the spread of the gospel in those times. It can easily be concluded that the Gentile church was born on the heels of the great persecution that scoured the landscape of Jerusalem in the time of the Apostles, unlocking graces and spiritual potentials that were latent in many of the next lines of “leaders” in the church.

In today’s lesson, we shall be considering the sufferings of some of our predecessors in the faith, taking note of their conviction, commitment, and resolve despite having, in most cases, to pay the ultimate price.

THE PERSECUTION OF THE “POST APOSTOLIC” CHURCH: 

It has been said that the lives of the early Christians consisted of “persecution above ground and prayer below ground”.

After the great persecution in Jerusalem that gave rise to the breakthrough of the Gospel into the Gentile world, a whole lot of disciples were raised practically worldwide. In a matter of years, virtually the whole of Asia Minor and a better part of Europe. Of course, darkness and its proponents did not just sit back and watch its kingdom routed. Consequently, there was a major pushback against the gospel. What started as the great persecution in Jerusalem increased and increased until the world entered into what is now referred to as the Age of Martyrdom.

The 10 primitive persecutions that began under emperor Nero in 67AD, culminated with the Diocletian persecutions in 300AD. The church faced a barrage of assaults, for nearly 3 centuries all in a bid to extinguish the light of God from the earth. Many saints paid the ultimate price in defense of our faith, striving against sin with their blood (Heb 12:3-4). 

Notable saints that suffered this fate in this era are:

  • Paul and Peter under Nero’s diabolical reign. To their names may be added, Erastus, chamberlain of Corinth; Aristarchus, the Macedonian, Trophimus, an Ephesian, converted by Paul, and fellow laborer with him, Joseph, commonly called Barsabas, and Ananias, bishop of Damascus.
  • Timothy, the bishop of Ephesus. Zealously governed the Church until A.D. 97. At this period, the Gentiles were about to celebrate a pagan feast, Timothy, meeting the procession, severely reproved them for their ridiculous idolatry. Which exasperated the people that they fell upon him with their clubs and beat him in dreadful a manner that he expired of the bruises two days later.
  • Antipas of Pergamos, who upon casting out demons from some possessed folks was arrested, tried, and executed for it. 

We also have other saints, beloved brethren who hazarded their lives for the gospel, who faced persecution after the Bible times:

  • William Tyndale: This beloved brother dedicated his life to the translation of the Bible into English during the time of the Protestant Reformation inspired by Martin Luther. Although he wasn’t the first to come up with the idea of translating the Bible into English (John Wycliffe had done it earlier) Tyndale’s goal met with controversy. When Tyndale sought approval for his translation project, it was rejected, and he fled to the free country of Germany to continue his work. He was able to finish his translation of the New Testament, and copies were quickly smuggled into England against the wishes of King Henry VIII. Tyndale was able to stay in hiding for several years until he was betrayed by a friend, Henry Phillips. Tyndale was charged with heresy and executed. Tyndale did not have an easy road in life, but he is widely recognized today for the influence he would have on the English language and the availability of the English Translation.
  • Martin Luther: A German monk who was inspired by the Lord to push the church out of its erroneous beliefs on salvation. Martin Luther faced a whole lot of resistance from the powers of the day. Political and religious leaders alike vehemently opposed the reforms he proposed, but they formed the basis for the reformation movement in the church. Though he was not executed, he faced a whole lot of persecution, with God miraculously intervening at times to save his physical life.

Tribulation and persecution were not limited to the men of God alone. Some sisters of the faith were also subjected to similar ordeals. Daughters of Zion like Perpetua, Cecilia, Lucia, and Felicitas, are just a few names of dear sisters, wives, and mothers who also had to stand to the end for what they believed in.

Conclusion

It was upon the backs of these blessed saints that our faith was preserved and carried to the next generation. We give praise to God and are thankful to our spiritual ancestors for the legacy of commitment and resolution that has allowed us to be introduced to the program of salvation. Today, they stand as witnesses to the upward mobility of God’s children, as we continue the journey to eternal life. May we not disappoint them nor the author and finisher of our faith. AMEN!