In today’s reading from the eighth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, we hear about persecution of the Early Church:
That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.
Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. So there was great joy in that city.
We often do not think of the persecution of Christians in our day; however, it goes on. All around the world, there are those who suffer for their faith in Jesus Christ. Consider the Anglicans living in Zimbabwe who are being targeted by government troops and beaten simply for attending church services.
Bishop Sebastian Bakare said, “The police officers do not only prevent but beat, harass and arrest us, having declared our church premises ‘no go’ areas. Our struggle to worship without harassment continues.”
The government officials intimidate any Anglicans who are suspected of not supporting renegade Bishop Nolbert Kunonga, who broke off from the Anglican Communion in 2007 and is a strong supporter of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
Today in Zimbabwe, the government has labeled Anglicans as potential opposition supporters worthy of persecution and intimidation. There, committed Christians are risking their lives just by gathering. Nevertheless in the midst of this persecution, there is incredible joy. It is not unlike life in the early church which was full of life despite persecution just as we read today regarding Philip who went about preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and performing miracles in His name.
In your prayers, please remember all those who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ.
That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison.
Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were possessed; and many others who were paralyzed or lame were cured. So there was great joy in that city.
We often do not think of the persecution of Christians in our day; however, it goes on. All around the world, there are those who suffer for their faith in Jesus Christ. Consider the Anglicans living in Zimbabwe who are being targeted by government troops and beaten simply for attending church services.
Bishop Sebastian Bakare said, “The police officers do not only prevent but beat, harass and arrest us, having declared our church premises ‘no go’ areas. Our struggle to worship without harassment continues.”
The government officials intimidate any Anglicans who are suspected of not supporting renegade Bishop Nolbert Kunonga, who broke off from the Anglican Communion in 2007 and is a strong supporter of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
Today in Zimbabwe, the government has labeled Anglicans as potential opposition supporters worthy of persecution and intimidation. There, committed Christians are risking their lives just by gathering. Nevertheless in the midst of this persecution, there is incredible joy. It is not unlike life in the early church which was full of life despite persecution just as we read today regarding Philip who went about preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and performing miracles in His name.
In your prayers, please remember all those who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ.
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