Church History Lessons: persecution and mission

Persecution and mission go hand in hand. Just observing the growth of the early church in Acts 6-12 is a reminder of the role that persecution can play in the spreading of the Gospel. The Roman Empire brutally tortured and systematically tried to destroy the Church, especially under Septimus Severus (190 AD) and Diocletian (3rd Century). Yet, by the 4th Century, when Emperor Constantine combined the Roman Empire WITH Christianity, the Christian church was so prevalent that it had spread to every major city in the known world and had become a powerful force: Rome, Alexandria, Ephesus, Antioch, Carthage. They tried to exterminate it by cutting it down. The testimony of martyrs who were faithful unto death gave new fire to evangelism, and the Gospel message grew along with the Church.

So, why does God use persecution? To motivate his people to move with the Gospel. To purify his people, so that the faithful will stand and be counted. To turn the anger and hatred of the world into testimony and dancing.