by With Easter 2026 now in the past, we are casually slipping back into our comfortable routines of life. This was not the case for the 1st century church. After celebrating Easter, they faced an onslaught of persecution.
The word Easter is found once in our KJV Bible, in Acts 12, where Herod is afflicting the church. This evil king murders James and puts Peter in prison to do likewise. God’s purpose for these servants differed immensely ─ James was martyred by an earthly king; Peter would be delivered by his heavenly King. These two catastrophic Easter events were purposed of God for the furtherance and the strength of His church.
Today, in various parts of our world believers are routinely martyred, making Christianity and the church seem stronger than what America has seen in a long time. We don’t face physical persecution for our faith in America, while our rich blessings and security have created an anemic, comfortable church. When we open our eyes to this, are we not humbled and ashamed?
Whether secure or persecuted, and Paul experienced both (Philippians 4:12-13), let’s keep our eyes where Stephen’s was in Acts 7 in the midst of becoming a James, on the resurrected Savior. Notwithstanding if our heavenly King uses us as a James or a Peter, or as a Stephen or a Paul, He does so to strengthen us in the face of whatsoever persecution furthers His church and Gospel.
