There Will Be Opposition
Acts 12:1-4 (NIVUK)
About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration).
I remember a time when I invited my first-year university housemates to an evangelistic Christian Union event. I received a quickly thrown-together excuse for their refusal and was left feeling embarrassed and extremely disappointed, which was often the case in similar scenarios.
It’s not uncommon to feel this way, but it is helpful to remember that when we scatter and share the Gospel, opposition is to be expected. Jesus himself faced opposition from many, notably the Romans and the Pharisees. Throughout the book of Acts, we see that the disciples faced persecution for sharing their faith.
In today's passage, the disciples have just travelled to various cities, including Antioch and Phoenicia, spreading the Good News wherever they went. King Herod Agrippa begins to persecute them, believing his throne is being threatened by their message. When we read of Jesus and the disciples’ gospel work, it’s clear to us the value of what they were doing. And yet, they faced immense opposition. We can take this as encouragement to follow in their steps: negative responses do not diminish the importance of their and our efforts to reach the lost.
Whilst we in the West don’t face the prospect of imprisonment, unlike the early disciples (and many fellow Christians in other parts of the world), we face our own form of challenging consequences. We are all vulnerable to mental opposition through shame, guilt and fear. And these weapons of the enemy can deter us from sharing the Gospel boldly. But God promises to meet us in the face of our opposition and be our protector.
Have you ever faced opposition when sharing your faith? What was your response? How did it make you feel? Next time you face opposition or indifference, hold firm in the truth of the Good News, knowing that Jesus has already won the battle and that his Word will ultimately triumph.
Prayer - Lord, help me to hold firm in the face of opposition or indifference when I share my faith.